Demand For Services Surge Causes Shortfall For Salvation Army; Monetary and Other Donations Sought

The Salvation Army’s Peterborough Christmas Assistance program claims they are already facing shortfalls due to a surge in demand for their services, with several weeks left of their campaign announced on Wednesday.

The CHristmas Kettle Campaign began outside Lansdowne Place’s food court on Nov. 16. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SALVATION ARMY PETERBOROUGH TEMPLE.

The non-profit began registering families and individuals two weeks ago and has signed up about 2,000 applicants.

“We're seeing more community service and general applicants,” said Billi Balment, Salvation Army community family services supervisor. “In the past two years, there's been an increase in single people seeking help in the latter half of the program.”

Meeting needs this year has been challenging due to near-full bookings and dwindling resources and funds according to Balment.

“We have a plan for the expected influx but public support is crucial this year more than ever,” she said.

Families visiting The Salvation Army Toy Shop have shown great interest in practical items like hats, mittens, toys and puzzles as stated in a press release.

“We ran out of mittens last Thursday. I bought 200 more, and they were gone by Friday,” Balment said.

Monetary donations continue to come in for the non-profit organization however The Salvation Army says they have slowed compared to the initial surge during the Hope For All Seasons Christmas Appeal. The organization is seeking donations of mittens, games, puzzles, toys for ages nine to 13 and teen toiletry sets.

“There's still time to help,” Balment added. “We have the Christmas parade this weekend where food and toy donations can be made, with volunteers from Country 105 and Move 99.7 and Chemong Home Hardware on hand to collect them and bring them to the church on Saturday.”

Monetary donations can be mailed to 219 Simcoe St., Peterborough, ON, K9H 2H6 or made in person and at kettles across the city. Donations by phone can be made by calling 705-742-4391, ext. 257. Toy and mitten donations are accepted at the church doors on Simcoe Street.

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Peterborough Humane Society Holding Giving Tuesday Campaign For Animal Support

Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) is asking the public for donations during Giving Tuesday to help match thousands of animals with loving families announced on Tuesday.

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that takes place each year after Black Friday. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

Any donations during the GivingTuesday Campaign have CanadaHelps adding an extra one per cent.

PHS wanted to highlight the story of Twyla and her puppies.

Twyla, a gentle female St. Bernard, was found wandering the streets as a stray by our Animal Control Officers in late August of this summer. She was severely emaciated and neglected; thin and dirty, she was in desperate need of immediate care. Our team swiftly took action and brought her into the Peterborough Animal Care Centre. They were shocked to find she was actively in labour.

Once safely in our care, she gave birth to seven beautiful puppies. Staff gave her babies celestial-themed names: Nova, Galileo, Astro, Celeste, Aurora, Astrid and Halle.

After giving birth, the mom was in a deplorable state and couldn’t produce enough milk for her babies. Staff quickly jumped to action to care for the new pups by bottle feeding and providing around-the-clock care for them to survive. After many weeks of intense care and supervision, the pups were ready to be alone. Volunteers and staff fostered the puppies at their homes during their growth period to give them continuous care and socialization. They went above and beyond to ensure these pups would flourish into wonderful family members.

After months of love, growth and attention, the beautiful puppies went up for adoption and each found their forever homes. Twyla remained in our care to gain weight, heal, and receive all of the enrichment and support we could provide. Once her health improved, she underwent spay surgery at our Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic. Now, Twyla is healthy, happy and ready to find a loving home of her own.

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Peterborough Business Network Donates $15,000 to the YMCA's 'Strong Kids Campaign'

The Peterborough Business Network (PBN) has donated $15,000 to the YMCA of Central East Ontario for their ‘Strong Kids Campaign’ in a cheque presentation on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Business Network.

“A core mandate of the Peterborough Business Network is supporting organizations that help grow and elevate our Peterborough community,” said Alex Archibald of the PBN. “The YMCA of Central East Ontario is exactly this type of organization and we couldn't be happier to support their Strong Kids campaign as they work to make a positive difference in our community.”

The campaign is an annual fundraising campaign to allow everyone, especially children, youth, and families, access to the YMCA, regardless of their financial situation. Accessibility includes opportunities to participate in programming, membership and day camp opportunities.

“I believe that every child deserves a chance to reach their full potential to live healthier, happier lives today and grow into productive, healthy adults in the future, regardless of their financial situation,” said Dave Morello, Strong Kids chairman. “The efforts of the Peterborough Business Network, to do great community work to ensure this is a reality.”

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'Be a Santa to a Senior' Program Launches For Fifth Year

The Be a Santa to a Senior program by Home Instead is encouraging Peterborough give a gift to older adults in the community who may not have anyone to celebrate with for a fifth-straight year.

Photo courtesy of Home Instead.

“The holidays can be hard for many older adults, especially those who may not have a companion to share them with,” said Glen Robson, Peterborough Home Instead owner. “Through Be a Santa to a Senior, we can help these seniors experience the happiness and togetherness the season can bring.” 

Thye program encourages shoppers to find ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ trees or displays with ornaments featuring the name and desired gift of an older adult and buy the requested gift with the ornament attached. Ornaments will be available until Dec. 8. to be delivered in time for Christmas.  

The program’s goal is to collect 1,400 gifts.

Be a Santa to a Senior trees can be found at the following locations:   

• Salon Sorella and Day Spa: 42 Queen St., Lakefield, ON K0L 2H0 

• Wellwise by Shoppers Drug Mart: 745 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough, Ont. K9J 1Z2 

• Sherwin-Williams: 950 Lansdowne St .W. #5, Peterborough, Ont. K9J 1Z9 

• Gentry Apparel: 377 George St. N., Peterborough, Ont. K9H 3R2 

• Lakefield IDA: 32 Queen St., Lakefield, Ont. K0L 2H0 

“Gifts aside, the true value comes in the connection Be a Santa to a Senior makes between the community and our older neighbors,” said Robson.

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Community Care Peterborough Launches Circle of Care Planned Giving Initiative After $91,500 Ontario Trillium Grant

Community Care Peterborough (CCP) has launched its new Circle of Care initiative to promote planned giving options after a $91,500 Resilient Communities Fund grant by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) announced on Friday.

Andy Stevenson (left) and Peter Darling (right) are founding members of the Circle of Care Program as they marvel at the newly unveiled donor wall. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The grant was awarded last year and allows Circle of Care to promote planned giving options to support CCP’s programs and services throughout the city and County of Peterborough according to a press release.

“Community Care does so much for seniors, their families and for adults with physical challenges,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “We recognize that this funding from OTF and the provincial government will allow the successful launch of the New Circle of Care Initiative will allow donors to contribute for years to come.”

The grant allowed CCP to engage planned giving experts, work with their expanded donor relations and communications team to design a new database system. It also guided the group in developing two newsletters showcasing each of its founding members and sharing valuable information with donors about how everyone can leave a legacy.

“Planned giving allows donors to leave a legacy,” said Danielle Belair, CCP executive director. “If a donor has been supporting our organization for years, making a bequest in their will is a powerful way to leave a lasting impact.”

The Circle of Care initiative unveiled a wall with three plaques displaying the program, its donors and members (including founding members).

“We have wanted to build our planned giving program because it is such an effective way to secure Community Care’s future and build stable revenue that allow us to continue scaling up our programs to meet the future needs of clients,” said Belair. “I want to personally thank Peter Darling and Andy Stevenson for letting us share their personal experiences with CCP with the public.”

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The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign Kicks Off For Nov. 16

The Salvation Army Christmas Kettles will kick off on Nov. 16th at 11 a.m. at Lansdowne Place near the food court, accepting donations to redistribute throughout the community.

Photo courtesy of the Salvation Army Peterborough Temple.

Mayor Jeff Leal is helping kick off the campaign’s first day as a City of Peterborough representative.

This year, a goal of $110,000 was set, up from $100,000 met last year.

The Salvation Army in Peterborough strives to help those in Peterborough and the surrounding area who need it the most. They do that through their Food Bank, Breakfast Program, Christmas food assistance, the Christmas Toy Shop, and various other programs.

The Salvation Army is also needing volunteers for this year’s campaign. There are roughly five shifts per kettle daily. Some days may require up to 30 volunteers, according to a press release.

Any interested volunteers can contact Brian Lee, volunteer coordinator at 705-742-4391 Ext. 225 or by email at Peterborough.Christmas@salvationarmy.ca.

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Salvation Army Offering Christmas Assistance Giving Out Toys and Food

The Salvation Army is offering ‘Christmas Assistance’ by giving toys and food to anyone in need for the holiday season.

Photo courtesy of the Salvation Army/

The program runs from Nov. 20 to Dec. 15 at the Salvation Army Church on 219 Simcoe St.

Appointments must be booked to participate, as the Salvation Army is accepting them beginning Monday by calling 705-742-4391.

The following are the requirements to be eligible for the assistance:

• Identification for each family member

• Proof of current address

• Verification of income (pay stub, OW/ODSP stub) for everyone in the family

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Part Time CFO Services LLP Donates $50,000 to the Peterborough Humane Society's Animal Care Centre

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has received a $50,000 donation from Part Time CFO Services LLP towards the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC).

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

“Support from our local businesses like Part Time CFO, means the world to us here at PHS,” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director. “This donation helps us provide more programs and services which in turn helps animals and people in our local community.”

“Part Time CFO Services LLP is committed to giving back to the areas where we live and work via sponsorships, volunteer work, and donations,” said Tim McLaren, CFO director of finance. “Our team members are dedicated to making a positive difference in our community.”

As a result of the donation, PACC’s main reception desk has been named in recognition of CFO and will be identified on the Donor Wall in the lobby.

“Our new Centre allows us to serve more people than ever; we now have a welcoming space where the community can join us,” said Morey. “Everyone who comes through our doors either needs help for their animals or wants to help animals in need, and now we have a space where we can do it all.”

The PHS is in the latest stage of the capital campaign to raise the final $3 million of its $13 million goal for ‘Our Pet Project.’ The rest of the money will help in expanding services and improving animal wellness according to a press release.

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Women's Business Network to Host Holiday Gala In Support of YWCA and Gender-Based Violence

The Women’s Business Network (WBN) of Peterborough is hosting its annual Holiday Gala and Auction to support YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s programs, supporting women experiencing gender-based violence on Dec. 6 at the Peterborough Holiday Inn.

Photo courtesy of Women's Business Network of Peterborough.

The online auction runs from Nov. 23 to Dec. 7 using the Nonprofit Bidding platform.

Their $15,000 goal is to help women and children in the community who are escaping abuse and violence. By 2012, the WBN had raised over $220,000 for the YWCA and to date, the WBN has raised over $340,000 in support of this imperative cause, according to a press release.

The WBN is asking the community for donations for its auction, such as gift certificates, tickets, memberships or items valued at $25 or more. Donors will have their company name/logo appear with the donated item and will receive extensive exposure through the reach of the Nonprofit Bidding platform, as stated in a press release. In addition, the donor logo will be displayed on our social media platforms and during the event. 

Anyone willing to support this can complete the Online Auction Donation Form by Nov. 15 and include their logo.

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PTBOCanada's #PetLovePTBO Campaign Raises $4,000 For the Peterborough Animal Care Centre

After community support from PTBOCanada’s #PetLovePTBO campaign, $4,000 was raised and donated to the Peterborough Animal Care Centre in a cheque presentation at the facility on Friday morning.

(From left to right) Shawn Morey, PHS executive director; Si Grobler, donor relations manager, Hermione and Kirtus Evoy, PTBOCanada owner. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“It's community helping community,” said Shawn Morey, Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) executive director. “It's all about us working with our local community to continue the spread of wellness from an animal perspective so it's greatly appreciated all the way through.”

The campaign started in November last year, where toques (men's and women’s) and dog toys were sold to raise funds. This was two months before the PHC moved into the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC).

men’s/women’s toques and dog chew toys were sold as part of the #PetLovePTBO campaign. Photo by Jordan Cooper.

To date, the PACC has received $10 million in donations. Most of them were from the community and $1,560,500 from the provincial government in April. The Centre is still seeking another three million to help fund community programs, services and enhanced animal care.

“We'll have the ability to expand outwards, doing more outreach, more community service support, provide better opportunities from a care-enhancement perspective that we want to do for animals within our care,” explain Morey. 

The PACC’s grand opening occurred in late June and they immediately felt the impact of the community’s needs since relocated to Technology Drive. The shelter has a surplus of dogs available for adoption and is a crisis for PACC as they are seeking homes for them.

“With the number of animals we're getting calls for surrenders and strays coming into our care, our demand for services has grown by over 105 per cent since the second we walked in here,” said Morey. “It's timely, we need this building to provide these services, provide the care and wellness that we were able to do so but we are in a bit of a crisis mode.”

There are 42 dogs available for adoption but the PACC has a capacity for 36. They are currently not accepting surrenders but will still take in strays. Dog adoptions are by appointment only and can call 705-745-4722 x 201 to set one up.

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