#WellTogetherPTBO Fundraising Campaign Launched For Mental Health and Addictions Services

PTBOCanada has launched their #WellTogetherPTBO campaign to support mental health and addiction services by selling t-shirts and toques beginning Monday.

Caitlin Mcintosh, CMHAKPR communications and community relations specialist displaying the back of the campaign t-shirt. The mobile health unit is expected to be operating by roughly Jan. 1. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The shirts contain art by artist Jason Wilkins that was inspired by his painted mural at the PTBOCanada studio.

All proceeds from the clothing sales will go towards the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHAKPR).

"It's a great initiative especially with the holidays coming up,” said Caitlin Mcintosh, CMHAKPR communications and community relations specialist. “It’s great that the money is going to fund our new mobile mental health and addictions clinic."

Leon’s Peterborough kickstarted the campaign by donating $1,000 during its announcement at the PTBOCanada studio.

"It's awesome to be able to contribute back to our community," said Tom Reburn, Leon’s Peterborough general manager. "This is a really important cause, everything with that's been COVID going on, people's mental health has definitely been at the forefront of everything and being able to contribute something positive to the community is priceless for me.”

@ptbo_canada

The #WellTogetherPTBO shirt features art by the wonderful @wilkinsart & will support CMHA HKPR! Check our site to buy! #fyp #mentalhealth #localart

♬ original sound - lyrics

The charity apparel can be purchased online at the PTBOCanada shop. Every shirt and toque purchased will have $10 and $5 go to CHMAKPR respectively. All PTBOCanada caps proceeds will also go towards the campaign which runs until Christmas.

"Everyone has started to feel some pandemic fatigue, everyone wants their lives obviously to be back to normal so this is a great way to bring the Peterborough community together and demonstrate wellness, mental wellness and togetherness," said MacIntosh.

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The Rotary Club of Peterborough Annual Christmas Auction Will Support Humane Society's New Animal Care Centre

The Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha and the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) announced on Monday the 2021 Kawartha Rotary annual Christmas Auction will support ‘Our Pet Project’, the fundraising campaign for the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre.

Rotary Club President Carl Brown visits the Humane Society. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

“For over 23 years, proceeds from our Christmas auction have benefited many worthwhile community initiatives such as the Nichols Oval Waterpark and capital builds at both Hospice Peterborough and the PRHC,” said Carl Brown, Rotary Club President. “With construction well underway and fundraising ongoing for the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre, we felt it was an important time to support our furry friends through the 2021 auction.”

Last year’s auction raised over $18,000 in support of the YES Youth Transitional Housing Project. The 2021 auction will support the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre with a goal of giving $15,000.

“We are always thrilled when a community partner thinks of our organization and supporting the future of animal wellness. Kawartha Rotary’s Christmas Auction is a double win in that it encourages shopping at local Peterborough businesses while also helping us get even closer to our fundraising goal for the new centre.” said Shawn Morey, Executive Director, PHS.

Construction is underway at 1999 Technology Drive, the site of the new centre and fundraising is currently over $8.5M of its $10M goal.

The online auction goes live on Monday and ends on Sunday, Nov. 28.

For more information on the Christmas auction contact Susan Zambonin, Auction Co-Chair, susan@habitatpkr.ca

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Local Man Completes Hiking the Bruce Trail End to End and is Now Raising Funds for Two Local Charities

After hiking the Bruce Trail in its entirety, local man Jackson Parlevliet is raising money for HeadsupCAN and the Youth Emergency Shelter.

Jackson Parlevliet after completing the Bruce Trail. Photo courtesy of Jackson Parlevliet.

Parlevliet began hiking Canada's oldest and longest marked footpath that stretches 900 km from Niagara to Tobermory on Aug. 11 when he realized his mental and physical health were declining.

“I started doing the hike because I was feeling very depressed,” he said.

After hitting his head at work a few years ago and enduring a severe concussion and brain damage, he was struggling with his mental health.

“I wanted to do something healthy to get me on track. At the beginning it was really really hard, I couldn’t go very far and I was just feeling so out of shape. I stuck with it and kept going until it started to get easy, then it got hard again towards the end because I was just really tired.”

Over the course of the 58 day hike Jackson lost 30 lbs and found a love for hiking. Photo by Jackson Parlevliet.

“I just thought so much. There were certain days I just would be in the woods by myself and start crying,” he said. “But I genuinely feel like a different person now.”

Initially this hike was only meant to better Parlevliet’s health, though as he walked alone he began to think there was potential for something more.

After he completed the trail end-to-end on Nov. 8, 58 days after starting, Parlevliet created a GoFundMe.

50 per cent of all the money raised will be going to HeadsupCAN, a local charity that aims to help those suffering from post-concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) symptoms.

“I picked HeadsUP because it’s personal to me. I’ve been struggling with concussion related brain trauma since I was in high school, and also because I trust where the money is going. The founder Ryan Sutton is from Ennismore.”

The other 50 per cent will be going to the Youth Emergency Shelter.

“I wanted to do something nice at Christmas - I love Christmas. Gifts aren’t what Christmas is about to me, but I still think that kids should be able to have some gifts and have some food and feel like they’re loved at Christmas.”

According to the Bruce Trail website, the trail can be hiked one way in 30 days. Jackson completed his hike (end-to-end and back again) in 58 days. Photo by Jackson Parlevliet.

Parlevliet says it was a tough trek,hiking around 40 km a day, and there were many times he wanted to quit. Now that it’s done he hopes to hike more in the future.

“I’ve wanted to do this Bruce Trail thing for a while. I started thinking about the idea in 2015 or 2015. I didn’t really know anything about it. If you have anything you want to do, just do it. Just make it happen.”

He says he hopes anyone interested in hiking the Bruce Trail will reach out to him on Instagram with any questions.

“I didn’t have fancy gear, I didn’t have poles, I didn’t have good shit - I just did it. It was really uncomfortable at times it rained for like 15 days straight, my feet were soaking, it was really miserable but I made it through and then got to good weather. If there’s anything you want to do, don’t wait for other people - just make it happen. I’m so glad I did it. There were times I thought ‘I can’t do this anymore I want to quit’ but I just kept going and it felt so good to be done.”

To donate to the Bruce Trail End to End Charity Hike click here.

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Norwood Pharmacist is Growing his 'Stache for Mens Health and the Community has Got His Back

Local pharmacist Paul Hellier from Norwood Guardian-Centennial Pharmacy is participating in Movember for the first time this year to raise money for prostate cancer research.

Photo courtesy of Norwood Centennial Pharmacy.

Hellier has been a pharmacist in Norwood since 2019. After working in the community for two years and growing to love the area he and his family moved there in 2021.

“I feel I’m part of the community now, I’ve just joined the Lions, I’m trying to be active in the community,” said Hellier. “I see a lot of people suffering with men’s cancers- of which prostate is only one.”

Hellier says that while awareness around prostate cancer and the symptoms that come with it are growing, lots of people still miss important early signs.

“I give support on a daily basis to patients with prostate cancer, and answer questions all the time for people that are concerned about it,” he said. “I definitely think that because I’m a pharmacist - but more so because I’m part of the community - I feel it’s my job to help wherever I can.”

When Hellier announced the fundraiser on the pharmacy’s Facebook page on Nov. 3 his goal was to raise $500. Having already passed that goal he now hopes to raise $1000.

“I was afraid there would be very little response,” he said. “The community talks to each other really well here in Norwood, I love it here, it’s a wonderful place.”

Currently donors are asked to bring their donation to the pharmacy, located at 2375 County Rd 45, Norwood.

Donations above $20 are eligible for a tax receipt by request.

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The Verandah Society and Irish Millie Team Up for Barnyard Benefit Concert

The Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Foundation and Century 21 United Realty Inc. are joining together to present the Barnyard Benefit Concert, in support of the Salvation Army Toy Drive and Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Foundation’s Santa’s Sleigh, on Sunday, Nov. 7.

The Barnyard Benefit Concert will be held at Hollowbrook Highlands in Bethany Hills, formerly South Pond Farms. The Verandah Society with Kate Suhr and Megan Murphy will perform with special musical guest Irish Millie.

“For so many years we’ve participated in the Salvation Army Toy Drive as a company,” said Vanessa Oakehogan, owner of Century 21. “ We do our best to raise money as a team so we can go buy gifts to donate.”

Attendees can enjoy music all afternoon, as well as trail walks, a silent auction, chili by campfire and a cash bar.

The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation’s Santa’s Sleigh, takes place at Walmart on Chemong Road in Peterborough from Nov. 25 to Dec. 6.

Participants choose a child’s name from a Christmas tree, shop, then drop gifts off in Santa’s Sleigh. The donated toys are delivered by Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society social workers for children to open on Christmas Day.

The Barnyard Benefit Concert is sponsored by Holiday Ford Lincoln.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at the door or by emailing vanessaoakehogan@gmail.com.

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Local Woman Wins Over $66k with PRHC Foundation 50/50 Draw

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation has wrapped up their first ever 50/50 Lottery and announced local woman Judy Johnston as the winner.

Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation.

Johnston won $66,902.50 with ticket number A-2580031 and chose the $2,500 Resorts of Ontario Gift Certificate bonus prize.

Launched on September 15 and featuring Early Bird Prizes in addition to the Grand Prize, the proceeds from the 50/50 Lottery directly support the PRHC Foundation.

Tickets for the November lottery are on sale now.

‘Thousand Dollar Thursday’ draws will be held on Nov. 18 and 25, and will award one winner $1,000.

The November lottery runs until Nov. 29 with the winner drawn on Nov. 30. The grand prize is a growing jackpot plus a bonus prize of a $2,500 Resorts of Ontario Gift Certificate or $2,000 cash.

Ticket options include 10 tickets for $10, 40 tickets for $20, 160 tickets for $40 or 400 tickets for $75. Ticket buyers must be 18 years of age or older and in the province of Ontario to play.

Tickets can only be purchased online at www.prhcfoundation5050.com

“There are significant investments needed to fund the technological advancements and essential medical equipment required to support great patient care,” said Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President and CEO. “That’s why the support of the community is so important. The proceeds from the new 50/50 Lottery will help fund the equipment and technology that form the foundation of patient care.”

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Local Man Takes Cancer Diagnosis in Stride and Starts 'Dave's Walk Against Cancer' to Raise Funds for PRHC

Local man Dave Graham is taking his cancer diagnosis in stride and fundraising for the Cancer Clinic at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).

Dave meets one of his neighbors on his walks. Photo courtesy of Dave Graham.

Graham was diagnosed with colon cancer in March, had surgery and is now receiving chemotherapy twice a month.

“It took me totally by surprise,” he said. “I had no symptoms, no nothing. I thought ‘this is crazy’. But the more I thought of it I figured there has to be some sort of good come out of it.”

He visited PRHC and got to work setting up his fundraiser, in partnership with the PRHC Foundation.

Starting in August, Graham committed to walking 7,000 steps each day until Dec. 17 in hopes to raise $5,000.

Walking rain or shine, by the end of this fundraiser he will have walked 775,000 steps.

Not even one month into his fundraiser, after his ninth cancer treatment, Graham has raised over $6,700. After seeing the success his fundraiser is having he has changed his goal to $10,000.

“It’s just phenomenal. I’m so pleased with what Christ has done to encourage donations. The people donating - I know most of them, they’re wonderful people.”

Graham says these walks have allowed him to meet neighbors he never has before, and he now appreciates even more the landscape around his home with fall colours coming through.

“I start my walk at about 7:30, walk about two miles and it takes about an hour. I come home and my wife has the coffee ready, it’s exciting.”

In addition to his personal fundraiser, Graham’s son and daughter have started their own fundraisers for the Cancer Centre at PRHC.

“It’s almost like we’re starting a family business,” he says.

Dave says the cows he walks by daily have become quite friendly. Photo courtesy of Dave Graham.

“Cancer blew me away, but through His grace I’ve been able to do what I am doing. My faith has carried me through but my determination has also helped considerably.”

Graham says his walks have helped him to feel good throughout his diagnosis, his last round of treatment is Dec. 1.

All money raised will help fund the equipment and technology PRHC’s Cancer Care team use to provide compassionate cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment.

Online donations will go directly to the PRHC Foundation and a receipt will be issued automatically. Donations can also be made by cash or cheque (made out to the PRHC Foundation) through Dave Graham who will pass them on to the Foundation.

Tax receipts will be issued by the Foundation in time for the 2021 tax deadline.

To donate click here.

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Selwyn Public Library is Hosting an Online Auction to Support Library Services

The Selwyn Public Library is holding an online silent auction from Nov. 1- Nov. 12, to raise funds toward the Support Our Library Campaign.

Bridgenorth Branch of Selwyn Public Library. Photo courtesy of Selwyn Public Library.

Fundraising revenues support library services such as virtual collections and resources (eBooks and eAudiobooks), adult and children’s programs, and community outreach initiatives including the home library service, pop-up libraries, and our pollinator garden.

These funds have traditionally been raised through the effort of volunteers at the libraries New-to-You stores, along with annual book sales. However, with the required intermittent closures of these stores and the inability to hold our annual book sales due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the library has been exploring new ways to raise these revenues.

This year's goal is to raise $10,000.

Selwyn Public Library’s Auction will be completely online, allowing participants to bid for items from home.

The auction is made possible through generous donations from community members and local businesses. It will feature a wide variety of interesting items including artwork, gift baskets, unique experiences, and gift certificates.

To view items and to bid, visit www.galabid.com/selwynlibrary

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LOVE YOU Shoppers Drug Mart Campaign to Support YWCA

Proceeds from the 20th annual LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart campaign in Peterborough will support local YWCA services for women experiencing gender-based violence.

File photo

Until Friday, Nov. 5, customers have the opportunity to purchase and personalize a $1 leaf, $5 butterfly, $10 apple, or a $50 bird in support of the YWCA. Icons will be displayed in each store’s front window for the duration of the campaign.

“We’re honoured and grateful to have been selected as Shoppers Drug Mart’s charity of choice again this year,” said YWCA’s Ria Nicholson. “Unfortunately, violence against women tends to increase leading up to the holiday season. Our community’s compassionate support will ensure that emergency shelter and crisis supports continue to be available for women in need.”

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton offers an array of women-centred programs, including Crossroads Shelter, which provides 24 hour emergency shelter, meals and support to women, with and without children, who are fleeing abuse of any kind (physical, emotional, sexual or financial), 365 days a year.

“Our community’s response so far this year has been truly heartening,” said Mohan Joshi, Pharmacist/Owner of the Shoppers Drug Marts on Lansdowne Street and Chemong Road in Peterborough. “It’s a pleasure to partner with the YWCA and to be able to raise awareness about such an important local resource for women.”

The LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart fall fundraising program to grow women’s health is a four-week program held across Canada each fall. In support of leading women’s health organizations, customers, staff and Associate-Owners at over 1,360 Shoppers Drug Mart/Phamaprix/Wellwise locations raise funds through the purchase and personalization of the fall program paper icons.

Since 2011, LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart™ has supported more than 450 women’s charities annually across Canada.

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Selwyn Couple and Local Charities Win Over $27,000 From Lions Club Raffle

The Lions Club lived up to their motto of “We Serve” as the Fowlers Corners’ branch ran their “Catch the Ace” raffle where over $27,000 was given to a lucky couple and local charities on Tuesday.

(left to right) Brent Shepherd, Big Brothers, Big Sisters Peterborough; Lyn Giles, Five Counties Children's Centre; Alison Casey, Hospice Peterborough; Ria Nicholson and Kim Dolan of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton as the respective representatives for accepting the $14,400 cheque. Photo Courtesy of The Fowlers Corners Lions Club.

The Ace was caught at the end of September by Dave and Barb Edgerton of Selwyn, who won the jackpot of $13,333. Clients of four charities including Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Peterborough; Five Counties Children's Centre; Hospice Peterborough and YMCA Peterborough Haliburton won a share of $14,400.

The contest was launched in April to help local charities continue their work by supporting those in need in our community.

(left to right) Front row: Paul Ranger, Kristin Allen, Cathy Langlois, Bernie Baudisch and Carl Young.

Back Row: Chris Allen, John Dewar, Scott Mason, Brent Shepherd, Lyn Giles, Alison Casey, Ria Nicholson, Kim Dolan and Larry Franks. Photo Courtesy of The Fowlers Corners Lions Club.

Ticket sales will also support activities for children on the waiting list at Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough; treatment for children with physical, development and communication needs at Five Counties Children’s Centre; care for people who are at end-of-life at Hospice Peterborough; and, help local women and their children escaping gender-based violence at YWCA Peterborough Haliburton.

“Lions’ fundraising activities have been significantly impacted by Covid-19 the past two years so new opportunities were explored. In the absence of face-to-face fundraising, we turned to the internet and options for the public to participate in our fundraising from home,” said Chris Allen, Lions Club president “A Catch the Ace raffle seemed like a reasonable opportunity and fortunately it helped us raise funds for four very important local organizations. The support of the public in this fundraiser was both key to its success and appreciated.”

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