Local Musician Gives Parkinson's Disease a Knockout With Music Video

Peterborough Singer/Songwriter Taylor Abrahamse is ready to give Parkinson’s disease the one-two punch.

The 29-year-old is raising money and awareness for Parkinson’s disease with his music video, “Out Like a Light” on his self-titled debut album.

The song debuted on YouTube on Feb 22 which features Abahamse’s mother and other elder community members diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the “TKO” boxing program at Goodlife Fitness in Portage Mall.

“My mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s a few years ago, she was looking for things to help her with that,” said Abrahamse. “We found out about this boxing program that helps that so my father suggested making Out Like a Light at this boxing place.”

Taylor Abrahamse has professionally voice acted with roles such as Fangbone in the self-titled Disney series and Luke Stanley of YTV’s The Stanley Dynamic. Photo Courtesy of Taylor Abrahamse.

The video was made to create awareness of the disease and how Parkinson’s sufferers are socially affected. Since the disease is visible in a variety of different forms, it gets difficult to distinguish if people have it or not says Abrahamse.

“One of the hard things that affect the quality of life is the stigma around it,” he said. ”There can be a lot of frustration and shame about that.”

Abrahamse has collaborated with three different charities for funding Parkinson’s research: Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson Canada and David Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s.

Taylor Abrahamse was a top 30 finalist at Canadian Idol when he was 16 years old. Photo Courtesy of Taylor Abrahamse.

The song's name came from a change up to Abrahamse’s style. “Out Like a Light” has a greater rock-and-roll feel and Abrahamse describes it as taking a break and “shutting out the light”.

His album can be bought on his official website. It took him roughly three years to complete his debut album.

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Man Runs Through Peterborough to Support Local Charity

After running 50 miles in the cold, Peterborough’s Cory Priaulx raised over $2,500 for the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough charity for their COVID-19 relief fund this past weekend.

The money will be given to Peterborough businesses that have struggled through the pandemic. Priaulx’s campaign goal is $5,000 and created a GoFundMe page on February 1.

“I wanted to make sure the funds raised stayed in Peterborough and were going to those affected by this pandemic,” said Priaulx. “I chose $5,000 cause I knew it would be difficult. I figured if I was going to try and raise money (to) go big or go home.”

Cody Priaulx is a huge fan of actor and former professional wrestlier Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Photo courtesy of Cody Priaulx

The run called the “4x4x48 Challenge” was invented as an endurance challenge by former Navy SEAL, David Goggins. Runners travel four miles every four hours for 48 hours totalling 12 four-mile runs in two days. Priaulx began on Friday at 8:00 a.m. and finished Sunday at 4:00 a.m.

“The run was a mental struggle more than a physical one. Getting up and going every four hours became harder and harder,” said Priaulx. “My legs hurt and I had blisters all over my feet but I had so much support from friends, family and the community through social media. It really kept me going.”

He ran through several parts of Peterborough that had struggling local businesses such as Parkhill Road, George Street and Lansdowne Street.

Priaulx wanted to inspire others to have hope, promote mental health awareness and making healthy choices.

Cody Priaulx recorded 104,490 steps during his 4x4x48 challenge. Photo courtesy of Cody Priaulx

“I at one time about seven years ago weighed 300 pounds. I was very unhappy with myself and how I looked,” said Priaulx. “I was struggling with mental health so I decided to change everything. Started weight lifting and started to become stronger. I still have a long way to go but I'm trying to strive for optimal human performance.”

He lost over 100 pounds during that span, exercising regularly while eating a healthy diet. Priaulx had trained rigorously for the endurance run.

“I run to and from work every day cause we don't have a car,” he said. “It’s roughly 6.5 kilometres there and back so I incorporate that as part of my training as well. I eat super clean and healthy and I try to promote that to all my friends and family.”

This run will hopefully inspire others to make positive changes in their lives as well as their communities Priaulx said. There was a mutual inspiration between all members of his family.

Cody Priaulx says he had only slept a total of three hours while doing this challenge. Photo courtesy of Cody Priaulx

“I really want to thank my girlfriend Stephanie cause she was literally my rock and so were my two young daughters Olivia and Arya,” he said. “Olivia is only three and a half and she already wanted to come and run some of the legs with me. She told me she wanted to help people like her dad. That was very inspiring to me. I want to set the best example for everybody and show them that hard work pays off.”

As difficult as this challenge was for Priaulx, he is looking forward to his next one.

“I'm not afraid of hard work or challenges,” he said. “I actually look for them and try and push my limitations as I believe everyone should. “The only limitations are the ones you put on yourself.”

If you would like to donate to Priaulx’s GoFundMe page, you can find it here.

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Local Boy And Grandpa Hit The Trails After Fundraiser Goal Met

Hudson Wells, 10, and his grandfather Doug Fudge towed along the snowmobile trails in Lake St. Peter after a GoFundMe of $5,000 afforded them a sled on Friday afternoon.

Wells suffered from encephalitis since he was 13 months old that caused his physical disabilities. The sled would cater to his limitations while Fudge towed him with a snowmobile.

Brian Denena of Orillia, Ont. started the fundraiser on Feb. 11 where the goal was met in less than 24 hours. The community’s generosity was overwhelming for Fudge and his family.

“Just the overwhelming support was unbelievable,” said Fudge. “It was a dream come true. I never would have for it without the help of everyone.”

Hudson Wells excited to ride his sled for the first time. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Wells

Both of them rode the trails for an hour. The experience for Fudge was surreal and said it was mutual for Wells.

“He was over the moon,” said Fudge. “I don’t know how to explain it. It was so emotional.”

Hudson Wells (left) was limited to short rides in the driveway before obtaining his new sled. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Wells

The sled was purchased from Kijiji in Ottawa. Fudge drove there last weekend to pick up the sled. Fudge originally intended to purchase a used sled and fix it up himself.

”I had people offering to build me one (sled),” said Fudge. “I might have had 20 sleds of all types and sizes donated to me if I wanted to. In my wildest dreams, I never thought that this would happen.”

Hudson Wells typically gets to visit his grandfather two to three times a week. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Wells

Fudge will add wheels to the sled so Wells can enjoy it during the warmer months. The grandfather owns 220 acres of property and will use an ATV to tow the sled.

"Nothing compares to the sound of you child’s laughter and their happiness,” said Stephanie Wells, Hudson’s mother.

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100 Women Peterborough Raise Vital Funds For Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre

On October 13th, the 100 Women Peterborough group came together for their second virtual meeting during the pandemic to raise funds for an organization in need.

Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre was chosen by majority vote (also presenting were Peterborough Pregnancy Support Services and Kawartha Youth Orchestra) to receive the funds, and 100 Women Peterborough is anticipating the total donation to be upwards of $5,000 based on feedback from the membership. 

“Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre is a feminist, not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to supporting those affected by sexual and gender-based violence and harm,” says Executive Director Lisa Clarke, who presented at the meeting.

Photo of 100 Women Peterborough meeting courtesy 100 Women Peterborough

At the Centre in Peterborough, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre offers individual clinical counselling, psychoeducational and therapeutic groups and workshops, advocacy and accompaniment services, 24/7 crisis support, peer supports, prevention education and professional training.

“With the incredible support of 100 Women of Peterborough, we will be building the sustainability of our new 24/7 crisis support text line that we launched this summer in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” adds Clarke. “We are so grateful to this group of committed, empowering women leaders in our community to invest in the healing of survivors of sexual and gender based violence.”

To learn more about the impact of the powerful, inspiring “100 Women Peterborough”, click here.

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The Beer Store's Local Community Fundraiser Raises $56,000 For PRHC Foundation

On Wednesday (October 14th), the staff at PRHC Foundation made a trip to The Beer Store—not to pick up beer but to pick up a big cheque due to community efforts.

Indeed, The Beer Store's local community fundraiser in support of Peterborough Regional Health Centre over the past six months at six locations in Peterborough, Lakefield and Bridgenorth raised a whopping $56,296.68 as customers donated the proceeds of their empties.

Photo via PRHC Foundation Facebook page

The funds will be used to support front line healthcare professionals in their delivery of world-class patient care at our hospital.

To learn more about the PRHC Foundation or donate, click here.

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PRHC Foundation Mombassadors Support PRHC’s Tiniest Patients With $42,000 Donation

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation Mombassadors announced their annual fundraising total and presented the PRHC Foundation with a cheque for $42,041 to purchase lifesaving equipment for PRHC’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

With the support of the community, the local group of fundraisers was able to make their donation despite the cancellation of their main annual event, Girls Night Out. The Spring 2020 event was tentatively rescheduled for September 18th, but was ultimately cancelled earlier in the month due to the restrictions resulting from COVID-19.

2019/2020 PRHC Foundation Mombassadors celebrate their donation to the PRHC Foundation (while maintaining their social bubbles). From left: Erin Marshall, Sarah McDougall Perrin, Emily Kingdon, Mary Kingdon, Ashley Prentice, Laura Montague, Marcy D’Alessandro, Hayley Vogler, Grace Reynolds, Kate Ahrens (Photo courtesy PRHC Foundation)

“It was a heart-breaking decision for us to cancel Girls Night Out, especially since babies continue to be born every day at PRHC, and almost one in four of them will need critical care in the NICU during the first moments, days, weeks or even months of their lives,” says the Mombassadors’ 2020 Chair, Marcy D'Alessandro. “That is why it was so important to us that we do our best to raise as much as we could this year in spite of having to cancel, directing our support to funding lifesaving equipment for PRHC’s NICU.”

The PRHC Foundation Mombassadors are grateful for all the generous community support they received. “We were so touched by the generosity of our community,” adds D’Alessandro. “The majority of our Girls Night Out sponsors—including our title sponsor, Full Tilt Cycle—elected to maintain their donations. In addition, many of the Girls Night Out ticket holders opted to donate the cost of their ticket. This says a lot about the character of our community.”

Photo via facebook.com/PRHCmombassadors

Additional support for the Mombassadors’ 2019/20 fundraising campaign came from local businesses, families and individuals. Several initiatives were held throughout the year, including the group’s annual December event, 100 Kids Care, and the launch of their clothing line.

Over 1,600 babies are born at PRHC each year. The Mombassadors’ 2020 donation will fund a radiant heater/warmer for those babies who need extra support after birth—equipment that will help save the lives of PRHC’s tiniest patients.

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Community Foundation Of Greater Peterborough Has Granted $2.7 Million To Local Charities Since 2011

The Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough hosted its Giving Gala on Saturday, January 25th at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club, and more than 170 community-minded leaders and philanthropists attended the event.

The Community Foundation inspires giving to build a vital community for everyone. Working with donors and charitable organizations, the Foundation invests in the people, ideas and activities that support community vitality.

Community Foundation Board Chairs past and present gathered at the 2020 Giving Gala Peterborough on January 25th at the Peterborough Golf & Country Club (left to right: Alan Thomas, Diane Richard, Bill Lockington, Betty Morris and Janice Green).

“In 2019, the Foundation issued 95 grants with a value of more than $650,000,” says John Good, Director of Fund Development. “That’s a 10-fold increase from the $60,000 made in 2011, bringing the cumulative total of charitable grants made by the Foundation to over $2.7 million!”

The Foundation maintains 70 different charitable funds—a growing pool of endowed and long-term funds with a collective value in excess of $10 million. These funds address particular fields of interest or benefit particular charities, while others enable broad-based granting in the community from support for affordable housing, food security, health and well-being and education to arts, culture, recreation and the environment.

“The Foundation is relentlessly pursuing a future where everyone belongs,” adds Good. “Research indicates that this matters because when we feel like we belong we are healthier, we are more likely to step up and help others, our neighbourhoods are safer, and our community is more resilient in times of crisis.”

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Trent University Raises Record-Breaking $132,000 For United Way Of Peterborough

Trent University’s faculty, staff and retirees came together to exceed the University’s previous records for both fundraising goal and total funds raised for the annual United Way campaign, raising a whopping $132,028 for those in need locally.

“This year, the Trent United Way committee set an ambitious fundraising goal of $125,000—our largest yet by far,” says Alison Scholl, manager, Community Relations and United Way campaign coordinator. “I’m overjoyed by the Trent community’s response to our campaign. I’m always impressed by the commitment our retirees, faculty and staff show to the Peterborough region, and I’m proud of the role Trent plays in supporting our community.”

Photo via United Way of Peterborough Facebook page.

Trent’s campaign launched in October with a kick-off BBQ, and was supported by many employee-led special events—including a chili cook-off, white elephant tables, and a gift basket raffle before the holidays.

These special events were paired with donations from retirees and employees, the Trent University Faculty Union, CUPE 3908 and OPSEU Local 365.

Trent's faculty, staff and retirees have come together to raise a record-breaking $132,000 for @UnitedWayPtbo #LocalLove. Did you know #TrentU is the region's largest corporate sponsor of United Way? pic.twitter.com/rl8vXZEnAB

— Trent University (@TrentUniversity) January 21, 2020

“Trent set an inspiring goal this year and that they blew past it is amazing,” says Jim Russell, CEO, United Way of Peterborough & District. “We are thrilled with the dedication and leadership provided by the employees at Trent. We are so grateful to the Trent University community.”

Wow!! So grateful ⁦@TrentUniversity⁩ surpassed their goal and raised over $132,000 for our community. An amazing campaign. #LocalLove ⁦@trentfaculty⁩ #CUPE3908 #OPSEU365 THANK YOU! pic.twitter.com/Ns586bfGzf

— United Way Ptbo (@UnitedWayPtbo) January 21, 2020

Trent’s campaign committee is made up of Linda Smith, retiree co-chair, Dr. Susan Wurtele and Marcus Harvey, faculty co-chairs, Adele Devlin and Debbie Lietz, staff co-chairs.

Marcus Harvey, executive director of the Trent University Faculty Association, also served as the United Way campaign cabinet’s Labour representative.

Photo via United Way of Peterborough Facebook page.

Trent University has been a long-time supporter of the United Way dating back to 1965, has raised more than $2 million for the organization, and is currently the largest corporate sponsor in the region.

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Watch: Lakefield's Instagram Dog Celebrity Owen The Griff In Serena Ryder's New Christmas Video

Millbrook’s pride and joy Serena Ryder, who attended PCVS in Peterborough, has just released a new Christmas video called “Christmas Kisses”. The title track from her very first holiday album, the song spotlights rescue dogs from the Ontario SPCA and dog influencers wearing festive styles.

One of the dog influencers starring in the video is none other than Lakefield’s Owen the Griff, who has 73,000+ fans on Instagram.

Owen the Griff

“One of Serena’s people reached out to us via email,” Owen’s owner/”Momager” Lisa Besseling tells PTBOCanada. “It was filmed at a small studio in Toronto. We were really happy to be a part of this and help bring awareness to supporting animal shelters at this time of year.”

Indeed, the fit was great for Owen the Griff, as he has been an important influencer on Our Pet Project, the Peterborough Humane Society’s capital fundraising campaign to build a new state of the art facility in Peterborough to replace the existing one they are in that opened in 1956.

Watch the video below and spread the word about this great video raising awareness for rescue dogs…

We are proud to partner up with and support the Ontario SPCA this holiday season! Thank you to all the caretakers and volunteers for your continuous hard work and passion to make rescue animals' lives a little bit better and brighter. A special thanks to everyone involved in this video, both dogs and humans!

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Community Makes 3,007 Safe Nights At YWCA Crossroads Shelter Possible For Women & Children Fleeing Abuse

Community support of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s 9th Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes surpassed the "3,000 Safe Nights Challenge" presented by Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre.
 
A grand total of 3,007 Safe Nights ($138,204.12) have been made possible through YWCA Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, which took place at Confederation Park on Friday, May 26th.

Donations raised through this year’s event will be invested directly in providing Safe Nights at Crossroads Shelter for women and children fleeing abuse.
 
“The demand for our services increases each year,” says YWCA Executive Director, Lynn Zimmer, “This year at Crossroads Shelter we provided 8,471 Safe Nights. With the 3,007 Safe Nights provided through Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, we are well on our way to raising the $45.96 required for each Safe Night we provide.”
 
With more than 420 people of all ages, genders and abilities in attendance, this year’s Walk A Mile was the biggest yet.
 
To learn more about YWCA programs and services that help women escape abuse and rebuild their lives, or to make a donation in support of the YWCA, click here.

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