Canadian Council of the Blind Receives Cheque From AON Inc. For Increased Accessibility For Visual Aids

To help the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB Peterborough) increase accessibility, AON Inc. has donated $1,000 at the former’s office on Saturday afternoon.

(From left to right) Vikci Coppins, Centennial Place director of dietary services; Sarah Joore, Aon Inc Sales and marketing project coordinator; Andra Hughes, Aon Inc wellnesss coordinator, Jim Haryett, CCB volunteer and Debby Whittern, Empress Gardens. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The money was used to purchase items to help in visual aids for the CCB.

It purchased two portable digital video magnifiers, two large-font keyboards and 100 signature cards.

“Donations like this are instrumental in supporting our ‘From the Blind, For the Blind’ lending library,” said Debby Harriet CCB librarian. “We are always in need of new devices, and each device makes a real difference to a community member.”

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65th Annual Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament Kicks Off Friday In Three-Day Event

A continued Peterborough hockey tradition lives on as the 65th-Annual Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament faces off starting Friday, announced at the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday night.

(From left to right) John Whiston, Scott McMichael, Paul Buchner and Bill Byrd were the recipients of the Don McCrory Referee’s Award, Steve Casey Award and Frank Lustic Award (two winners) respectively. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The three-day event starts Friday, with opening ceremonies for house league and rep divisions at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC). YourTV Cogeco is broadcasting the first two opening games for house and rep divisions.

The broadcasted games are the PHA 3 Orange Crush facing the Apsley Flames for the house league opening game at 9:30 a.m. Friday. The other is the Peterborough Petes U11 battling against the Collingwood Jr. Blues U11 at 10:45 a.m. in the rep league opening game, also known as the Chris Fee Cup. It pits the host Peterborough team against the visiting squad.

This year features 64 teams from throughout the province with seven divisions.

Tournament chairman Wally Moore says he is happy to continue seeing a long-standing hockey tradition in Peterborough that has run through several generations.

“We've had so many local kids play over the years. My kids played in it, practically everyone's kids have played in it at one point,” he explained. “This town is a sports town and for hockey, they really get behind it. It's generations through generations. It's grandparents that used to run it, then their sons run it then their grandkids run it. It's a family affair.”

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

A cheque presentation of $2,500 was also donated to the Ennismore Inclusive Playground Project (Jude’s Joy) as the chosen beneficiary, as the tournament supports a local charity or more annually.

Several awards were distributed ahead of the opening ceremonies recognizing some volunteers for their contributions to the tournament over the years:

  • Don McCrory Referee’s Award for exemplifying McCrory’s dedication to officiating - John Whiston

  • Steve Casey Award for a volunteer going the extra mile to contributing to the tournament’s success – Scott McMichael

  • Frank Lustic Award for exemplifying all Lustic’s qualities who volunteered for over 25 years in minor sports – Paul Buchner and Bill Byrd

The announcement also paid homage to longtime tournament volunteer Steve Casey, who passed away last year on June 6 at Hospice Peterborough.

He helped for over 50 years of the tournament and was the chairman for 26 years from 1986 to 2012.

“Steve was dedicated to this tournament,” explained Moore. “We're fellow GE workers so there's a lot of us still involved because Steve would recruit each of us year to year. He did a wonderful job.”

The City’s Peterborough Civic Awards is renaming its Adult Athlete of the Year Award to the Steve Casey Award in his honour.

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Morton Family Foundation Makes $50,000 Donation to YWCA For the Fifth Consecutive Year

The Morton Family Foundation has donated $50,000 to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton for the fifth consecutive year to support the YWCA’s services for women and children in Haliburton County, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the YWCA.

Patricia and David Morton have donated to the YWCA for 12 years and have given $50,000 each year since 2020.

The money will support YWCA’s programs in Haliburton County, which provide rural women experiencing violence and abuse with vital services including safety planning, counselling, and legal assistance.

Patricia, a professor emerita who taught history and women’s studies for 26 years at Trent University, said that their commitment to the YWCA stems from the epidemic of gender-based abuse and violence against women in our country.

“About 44 per cent of Canadian women (6.2 million people) have reported experiencing psychological or physical abuse in an intimate relationship,” she explained. “Gender-based violence has severe ramifications on the health of the victims – including traumatic brain injuries that can result in lasting mental health challenges and even death, as well as lasting traumatic impacts on their children. David and I feel very fortunate to be able to contribute again to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s vital support services and safe shelters for the many women who are endangered by gender-based abuse and too often deadly violence.”

Patricia notes that close to 200 women in Canada were killed by femicide last year with over 60 cases in Ontario. YWCA states that the true numbers are even higher, as many instances of violence and abuse are never reported,and statistics only include those cases ruled as femicide by authorities.

“Clearly femicide must be stopped, and all levels of government must enact legislation that provides protection, safety, support, and affordable housing for the survivors of gender-based abuse and violence,” said Patricia. “Isolated rural women are especially vulnerable to intimate partner abuse and violence and to femicide.

“The Morton Family Foundation has reached a milestone in their tradition of generosity, after five years of leadership giving,” said Kim Dolan, YWCA executive director. “I am truly grateful every day for Patricia and David’s dedication to supporting so many worthwhile community initiatives. I offer them thanks on behalf of every woman and child we serve in Haliburton County, for providing them with the resources and support they need to feel safe again.”

“I believe it is so important to support YWCA Peterborough Haliburton in their effort to protect women who are in very vulnerable situations,” said David. “I urge others to support the YWCA in this effort.”

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Community Care Peterborough Exceeds Meals On Wheels Donation Goal On 60th Anniversary

Community Care Peterborough has exceeded its goal of 600 donated meals for Meals on Wheels clients in December during the program’s 60th anniversary, announced on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Community Care says there were 634 meals donated.

“Our community’s generosity never ceases to amaze us,” said Chris LeBlanc, Community Care director of donors and public relations. “These meals ensure that our clients feel cared for and supported during the holiday season, a time that can be challenging for so many.”

The Meals on Wheels program provides nutritious meals and vital connections to seniors and adults living with physical challenges throughout Peterborough and surrounding areas.

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PTBOCanada Featured Post: Give Recognition With Miskin Law Community Complex Arena "Have a Seat" Nameplate Donation

PTBOCanada Featured Post: Give Recognition With Miskin Law Community Complex Arena "Have a Seat" Nameplate Donation

Sponsored post by The City of Peterborough

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Local Restaurant Owner Continues Holiday Spirit of Giving Free Meals To Anyone In Need On Christmas Day

The Original Spaghetti House Pizzeria owner, Ilir Sino, keeps his holiday-giving spirit going as he plans to give our free hot meals for Christmas Day to anyone in need.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ILIR SINO.

He typically offers free hot meals during Easter and Christmas and has given away meals during this year’s Thanksgiving.

Meals will be distributed from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Spaghetti House, 512 George St. S.

Sino announced on his Facebook that he is inviting Peterborough and the surrounding area to grab a meal on Saturday.

Sino has a history of philanthropy. In November 2022, he donated $1,500 to Alternatives Community Program Services Peterborough. He has also donated to local sports teams and other charities.

He opened his production facility, Sino’s Fine Foods, located at 597 Monaghan Rd. in the summer of 2022. The business produces his sauces, dressings, soups, oven-ready dinners and more.

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Darling Insurance and Sentinel Risk Insurance Raise $51,000 for Easter Seals Through Charity Golf Tournaments

After hitting the links from two charity golf tournaments, Darling Insurance and Sentinel Risk Insurance raised and donated $51,000 for Easter Seals, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Darling Insurance.

The proceeds help Easter Seals to provide programs and services for children and youth with physical disabilities in Ontario. Their programs and services include access to mobility equipment, financial assistance for camp programs and educational support for children with disabilities.

“We are thrilled with the success of this year’s golf tournaments and we are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from our community,” said Peter Blodgett, Darling Insurance president. “Supporting Easter Seals aligns with our company’s commitment to giving back to the communities we serve. This donation will go a long way in helping children and families across Ontario.”

“We are so proud to partner with Darling Insurance on these events,” said Greg Kruk, Partner at Sentinel Risk Insurance. “It’s heartwarming to see so many people come together to support Easter Seals, and we look forward to continuing our work with such a fantastic organization.”

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Peterborough Lakers Alumni Donate $750 to Kawartha Food Share During Christmas Social; Loonies On the Street Fundraiser This Thursday

The Peterborough Lakers Alumni were in the giving spirit during their Christmas Social Party as they donated $750 to Kawartha Food Share’s ‘Loonies On the Street’ fundraising campaign at Sticks Sports Pub on Saturday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Lakers ALumni.

All were invited to the Christmas Social where patrons could, mingle, socialize, win prizes and enjoy pub food.

The 24th-annual fundraiser runs this Friday outside of Peterborough Square. Volunteers will take loose change donations throughout George Street with Peterborough Lions Club collecting on the Hunter Street Bridge.

Due to the postal strike, donation letters could not reach community members. Those who cannot donate at the event can go to KFS’s warehouse at 665 Neal Dr.r donate online.

This year’s goal is to raise $100,000 to purchase goods for KFS to redistribute to 37 food banks.

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Peterborough Humane Society Recieves $100,000 Grant to Improve Accessibility Vet Care From PetSmart Charities

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has received a grant of $100,000 from PetSmart Charities to help support the expansion of basic animal wellness services offered by the Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

“This grant from PetSmart Charities will enable Peterborough Humane Society to begin providing even more support to people and pets in Peterborough and the entire Kawartha Region,” says PHS Executive Director Shawn Morey. “As an important part of our 3-year Strategic Plan, helping improve access to care is a real priority and focus for us. This is an important next step in that strategy.”

This is part of a $100 million commitment from PetSmart Charities over the next five years toward improving access to veterinary care. These grants support the expansion of low-cost veterinary care by funding growth and operations for up to four years for nonprofit clinics looking to expand their services, serve their communities better and inspire other veterinary providers by sharing their experiences according to PHS.

“Our veterinary system is in crisis,” said Kate Atema, director of community grants and initiatives at PetSmart Charities.  “Rising costs are putting standard veterinary care out of reach for as much as 50% of pet-owning families. We need innovative solutions that make veterinary care affordable for the families in every community who want the best for their four-legged companions but struggle to meet the cost of vet care. We’re inspired by the incredible work Peterborough Humane Society is doing to create solutions that will build strong families and a healthy community.”

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Peterborough Lions Club Continuing Holiday Traditions With Annual Great Turkey Exchange

The East Peterborough Lions Club is making sure everyone is fed this holiday season with its Great Turkey Exchange.

The Great Turkey Exchange operated from 2009 until 2020. The program went on hiatus in 2021 after supply chain shortages made it difficult to get donations. The East Peterborough Lions Club has picked up the torch to continue the grassroots program. Photo courtesy of the East Peterborough Lions Club.

The Club is coordinating the collection and distribution of turkeys and hams for hungry families this Christmas.

The program has delivered over 17,000 Christmas dinners in the Peterborough area. Most of the turkeys and hams donated to the program came from individuals and businesses who recognize a traditional Christmas meal's sentimental and nutritional value.

“Our club has helped out by delivering turkeys to groups and we saw how grateful people are to have strangers help feed their families,” said Frank Hewitt, East Peterborough Lions Club president. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue the program and fill such a great need in our community.”

The community can help in two ways:

  • Donate turkeys and hams (for those who don’t have access to an oven)

  • Donate cash to purchase these items

Donations will be welcomed at Kawartha Food Share at 665 Neal Dr. or by pickup if you email your address to greatturkeyexchange@gmail.com.

The food items will be distributed to families who cannot afford a turkey or ham and would have to go without them. Families in this situation should email greatturkeyexchange@gmail.com and ask to be on the donation list.

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