Lemonade Stand Raises Over $200 For Mount Community Centre Affordable Housing And Food Security Programs

On Sunday five-year-old Loretta Cameron raised $242.00 for The Mount Community Centre by hosting a by donation lemonade stand.

left to right Andi van Koeverden,Strategic Advancement Director, The Mount Community Centre, Steve Kylie, Board Chair,The Mount Community Centre, and Donna Kylie. Seated Loretta Cameron, Mike Gauthier, Manager, Stenson Family Market. Photo courtesy of Nancy Sharpe.

Cameron, who is from Kingston, was visiting her grandparents and spent the weekend preparing for her fundraiser.

“It's never too early to teach children the value of empathy, volunteering, and charitable giving,” said Mike and Sue Gauthier, Cameron’s grandparents.

Mike is a manager at Stenson Family Market in Peterborough, where the lemonade stand was held.

Cameron provided free lemonade, chips and candies in exchange for donations to The Mount Community Centre to help them continue their work in the development of affordable housing and food security.

“Helping our kids experience the happiness that comes from giving to others is probably one of the most valuable ways we can nurture generosity in them,” said Gauthier. “By giving, children truly understand what kindness is and the importance of giving, not just receiving.”

“Children naturally love to help others, so getting them involved in donating to charity or volunteering when they are young is a great idea,’ said Stephen Kylie, Board Chairperson at The Mount Community Centre. “We sincerely thank Loretta and her family for their involvement in helping raise money for The Mount Community Centre.”

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"Stand With Tim" Campaign Raises Over $14,000 For Non-Profit Organizations to Benefit Children

Community organization Peterborough Cares’ “Stand With Tim” campaign raised $14,270.59 for the New Canadians Centre (NCC) and United Way Peterborough & District’s "Backpacks for Success" program.

Backpacks are being stuffed at Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute on Tuesday. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service.

The funds were received by both organizations at the Peterborough Police station on Saturday with Mayor Diane Therrien and Coun. Lesley Parnell in attendance.

The one-day fundraising event began on Aug. 19 on the corner of King and George Street where local musicians performed a free concert while volunteers collected donations. Musicians included SJ Riley, Shawn Hully, Cole LeBlanc, Baz Littlerock, Ariel Riley, High Waters and Joe McCulley.

There was $2,000 from the Peterborough Police Service to kickstart the fundraiser. The police service board gave $1,000, the police senior team gave $500 and the police board chair gave $500.

A GoFundMe was set up to aid in the fundraising efforts for those who could not attend the event.

Proceeds were split between the NCC and United Way. The latter’s campaign was using the proceeds to fill 690 backpacks with school supplies for children returning to class in September. They needed $15,000 to complete their goal since the demand for school supplies increased by 90 per cent according to the United Way.

During the last three years, proceeds went to homeless shelters. Acting police chief Tim Farquharson took a preventive approach this year by using the proceeds for children’s education. He says prison incarceration rates, crime and imprisonment correlate with the number of kids who fail to graduate high school.

“Anything we can do to encourage that chance to reach a potential by staying in school as long as possible, the better,” he said in a prior interview with PTBOCanada.

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"Stand With Tim" Campaign Raising Money For "Backpacks for Success" Program and New Canadians Centre

Community organization Peterborough Cares hosted its fourth annual “Stand With Tim” fundraiser to aid the New Canadians Centre (NCC) and United Way Peterborough & District’s "Backpacks for Success" to give backpacks to needing children on Friday.

Jamie Emos (pictured) collecting donations from the corner of King and George Street in front of The Venue. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

In years past, proceeds typically go towards homeless shelters. This time, acting Peterborough Police chief Tim Farquharson is taking a preventive approach with this year’s fundraiser. He says prison incarceration rates, crime and imprisonment correlate with the number of kids who fail to graduate high school.

“Anything we can do to encourage that chance to reach a potential by staying in school as long as possible, the better,” he said.

Funds are shared between the United Way and the NCC with none going towards administrative costs. Roughly 690 backpacks with school supplies are needed for the former to get to schools in time for September.

The charity is gathering volunteers to stuff the backpacks on Aug. 30 to be available for pickup from schools the following day. No generic donor funds go towards the campaign but are collected separately.

United Way requires $15,000 to complete its goal since the demand for school supplies increased by 90 per cent according to Sara Mountenay, United Way communications officer.

“There are a lot of students whose parents simply can't afford to purchase the school supplies that everyone else has and take for granted because they're too focused on, let's face it, putting a roof over their head or paying for groceries so the demand this year was unprecedented,” she said.

NCC was chosen as the fundraiser beneficiary as the organization is in need of funding. He says he wants those families including the children to get off on the right foot and in a new country.

“We want new Canadians to come here and feel comfortable and reduce any challenges we can and set them up for success,” explained Farquharson.

The police service board gave $1,000, the police senior team gave $500 and the police board chair gave $500, totalling $2,000 to kick off the fundraiser.

A GoFundMe has been set up to aid in the fundraising efforts for those who could not attend the event.

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The War in Ennismore: Amateur Boxing Returns to The Kawarthas

Corcoran’s Boxing Club is hosting its first-ever show as a fundraiser for the club’s youth program and competitive team on Saturday.

Pete Dalliday (left) throws some punches with Jay Corcoran (right). Photo by Luke Best.

The War in Ennismore: Revival is held at the Robert E. Young Recreation Complex in Ennismore. The Ontario Boxing sanctioned event will feature 12 amateur fights from boxers across the province.

At least one women’s match will take place, as well as fights featuring boxers as young as eight years old. Corcoran’s Boxing Club features a youth program that is run in conjunction with the Ennismore Optimist Club.

Ennismore was chosen as the location to host the event due to multiple club members’ ties to the area. This includes Jay Corcoran, the club’s founder, who was born and raised there.

This is the first amateur boxing event in the Kawarthas since the start of the pandemic.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first fight at 7 p.m. Admission is $20 at the door.

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Spinning Wheels Tour Riding Its Way to Peterborough This Monday For Parkinson's

The Spinning Wheels Tour that brings awareness for exercise benefits for people with Parkinson’s while fundraising is coming to Peterborough at the Wild Rock Outfitters parking lot on Monday.

The Spinning Wheels Tour has covered over 5,000 kms since June 25. Photo courtesy of Spinning Wheels Tour.

The tour consists of four friends with three cyclists living with Parkinson’s Disease and one dedicated RV driver who are cycling across Canada.

The group is in town from 1:30 - 3 p.m. in the back parking lot at Wild Rock Outfitters on 169 Charlotte St.

Anyone is welcome to attend the meet and greet prior to the team cycling on the tour. Visitors can make donations, purchase tour apparel and enjoy light refreshments during the event.

Cyclists are welcome to ride along with the group. Full route details can be found online.

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Inaugural Gary Dalliday Memorial Golf Tournament Raises Over $10,000 For Community Care Peterborough

There were 99 golfers that participated in the inaugural Gary Dalliday Memorial charity golf tournament, raising over $10,000 in support of Community Care Peterborough at the Quarry Golf Club in Ennismore on Monday.

Tim (left), Krista (middle) and Pete Dalliday (right) were in the tournament’s attendance to help honour their late father who passed away on Aug. 10, 2018. All photos by Jordan Cooper.

Tournament proceeds went towards Community Care’s support offices in Ennismore and Buckhorn.

“We only about 50 per cent of our funding from the Ontario Government so events like this and fundraising that we do are very important,” said Alicia Vandine, Community Care donor relations. “Our growth and our need for services as people are aging are getting bigger and bigger.”

Proceeds also went towards their Meals on Wheels program, a volunteer position Dalliday was often involved in. The program provided food to seniors living alone, adults with disabilities unable to cook or get groceries or recently discharged patients from hospitals. Dalliday often delivered meals on the organization’s behalf for the program.

A silent auction was held after the tournament and dinner’s conclusion with funds going towards the same cause. Items such as a Michael Bunting Toronto Maple Leafs jersey, a golf club, golf bag and Peterborough Petes Suite tickets were available for auction.

The tournament’s idea spawned from his grandson Nick who previously did a placement with Community Care. Eventually, Gary’s children Pete, Tim and Krista got onboard in making the event happen.

“It speaks to a cause he believed in and the fact that it is a local-based charity, this was one that was near and dear to his heart,” said Tim Dalliday. “It's a very worthy cause and I think he would be very proud of what we're doing today and raising some funds for Community Care.”

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Support Pours In For Millbrook Boy After Eye Doctors Appointment Becomes Emergency Trip To Sick Kids

Jolene Downer took her son Riley to a regular eye doctor appointment on Thursday expecting a usual checkup, but within a few minutes of them being there fluid was found behind his eyes and Jolene was instructed to take him to the emergency department at Sick Kids.

Photo courtesy of the Downer family.

According to family friend Erin Bonnet this news took everyone by surprise. Riley is a healthy kid with no previous issues.

By 10 p.m. that night they arrived at Sick Kids in Toronto.

Friday morning Riley had surgery to complete a biopsy and to have the fluid drained. After an MRI doctors confirmed that the fluid is draining properly so the family is now awaiting biopsy results.

The results are expected to be in in 3 - 5 days, but until then the family doesn’t know how long their hospital stay will be or what type of treatment Riley will need.

Currently, only one parent can stay at the hospital so Jolene will remain in Toronto while her husband Steve will be driving back and fourth and staying with Riley’s younger brother Tristan.

In hopes to help offset the cost of gas for Steve, bills that come with living out of a hospital and from the loss of working, Bonnet set up a GoFundMe for the family.

“I myself have been through a long haul at sick kids and we had a lot of help ourselves,” she said. “You don’t expect it but if you do get it it helps in more ways than just financial. It boosts your spirits knowing people are so willing.”

Bonnet shared the GoFundMe on Saturday and has since raised close to $3,000.

“It feels like people aren’t even thinking twice,” she said. “This is such an outgoing family, so many people are willing to help.”

To donate to the GoFundMe click here.

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Local Youngster Hosting Lemonade Stand To Help Friend In Dirt Bike Accident Recovery

Hailey Kahler, of Peterborough, is hosting a lemonade stand on Saturday, with all proceeds going to her friend Nixon Parsons, who has spent the last few weeks at Sick Kids Hospital after a dirt bike accident.

Photo courtesy of Hillary Kahler.

The lemonade stand will happen on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at 387 Edison Ave.

Local businesses have also donated raffle prizes like gift cards to restaurants and prizes.

Everything at the lemonade stand will be $1, with all proceeds going to the Parsons family.

“I want to help him because he’s my friend,” said Hailey. “And maybe buy him something nice to help him feel better.”

Hillary, Hailey’s mom, says they will transfer the funds to the Parsons family so they can use them however they need.

For the last few weeks both of Parsons parents have been by his side, so they have been unable to work.

Family and friends have been donating to allow them to stay in hotels near by and keep up with any bills that may arise.

Hillary says that Hailey has always wanted to do a lemonade stand, so when she heard her friend had been hurt she thought that would be a great way to raise money and put it towards something that matters.

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Blind Woman To Cycle Through Peterborough in Province-Wide Tour; Fundraiser To Create Stem Cell Registry

Blind author Amber Needham is cycling through Peterborough next Friday as part of a province-wide tour to raise money to begin a stem cell registry.

Mike Rousseau (left) with Amber Needham (right) riding in Bayfield, Ont. just off the southwest coast of Lake Huron. Photo courtesy of Mike Rousseau and McGinny Photography.

Needham is riding a tandem bicycle with friend Mike Rousseau throughout most of southern and eastern Ontario in the span of six and a half weeks. They are riding over 2,500 km and started at St. Thomas on July 4. The final leg ends at the teaching hospital University Health Network (UHN) scheduled for Aug. 20.

They are collecting donations from passersby during their trip with a goal of $80,000. All proceeds go towards the UHN and Dr. Clara Chan.

Needham suffered cornea damage from a retinal lubricant that was on recall — but unfortunately did not know at the time — and triggered a preexisting condition.

Dr. Chan worked on Needham with stem cells known as the Cincinnati procedure provided the author could provide her own donor. She quickly found one from a retired nurse that helped her gain clear vision again. The treatment inspired Needham to help Dr. Chan make this procedure easier for future recipients.

“I was one of one of the lucky ones,” Needham explained. “It was live tissue and I had such a perfect match. What I want to do is help Dr. Clara Chan create a stem cell registry so when it comes time to need this, it’ll make it far less stressful and more efficient.”

Unfortunately, Needham redamaged her eyes from a compost bucket moisture. Invasive fungus hit her eyes, grew over them and put her back to square one with glaucoma damage. The fungus had to be scraped over 17 weeks until it was eradicated. As a result, she can only see centrally and not peripherally.

During the trip, several onlookers and bystanders would strike conversations with the pair. Needham was astonished by how many stories that related to her situation were told by others.

“While we’re able to talk to people on our rest, it’s amazing how many stories you get from other individuals who are clinically blind or have another disability,” she said. “It’s inspirational. People see our signage, hear our story and slip us $20.”

“Part of the thing that makes it memorable is a number of people can relate,” added Rousseau. “It’s amazing how many people are affected by blindness. It’s out there.”

Needham’s book, ‘The Blind Girl Sees’ shares her experiences dealing with going from perfect vision to becoming blind. All proceeds from her book sales go towards her $80,000 goal.

“If you think about possibilities regardless of your disability, human beings are very resilient if we allow ourselves to be,” said Needham. “It feels amazing that I can be active and do something for others.”

Donations can also be accepted online and her book is available on her website.

Roughly $10,000 has been raised during this article’s publication according to Rosseau.

The duo is arriving in Peterborough next Friday, rest the following day and leave for Cannington on the 14th.

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Volunteers Collecting Donations To Send Kenya Lacrosse Team To World Championship

Volunteers will be collecting donations for the Kenya Lacrosse team at Thursday nights Lakers game.

Kenyan lacrosse players sporting some PTBO gear. Photo courtesy of Ashlee Aitkin.

Ashlee Aitkin, general manager at Kawarthas Food Share, began volunteering with Kenya Lacrosse when the women’s team came to Peterborough for the World Champions in 2019.

Since then she has continued working with the organization and done what she can do to help from home.

On Thursday Aitkin and other volunteers will be at the doors of the memorial Centre to collect donations for the Kenya U21 boys lacrosse team.

The team will travel to Limerick, Ireland in two weeks to compete at the World Championship.

According to Aitkin it will cost approximately $200,000 to get the team to the championship. This includes airfare, accommodations, the proper VISA to allow them to stay and any tournament fees.

Those that are interested in donating but unable to attend tonight’s game are welcome to donate to the teams GoFundMe.

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