Second Annual Sleep Out Raises $2,000 For YES Shelter And Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre

Simal Iftikhar, a Trent University student, hosted the second annual Sleep Out in support of the Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) and the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC) on Saturday and raised $2,000 in support of both organizations.

Iftikhar at Saturday’s event. Photo courtesy of Simal Iftikhar.

According to Iftikhar, about 20 people joined her on Saturday night to sleep outside at the Peterborough Lions Club, while 10 people participated from home - sleeping in their own yards.

Saturday was damp, a bit cold and not much sleep actually happened says Iftikhar - though she noted that they were in a safe, enclosed space which is already more than those sleeping rough in Peterborough have.

Iftikhar hosted this event in hopes to raise awareness of the challenges homeless youth face, while fundraising for YES and KSAC.

The night began with a ‘round table talk’ with speakers from YES and KSAC attending to share information on the housing crisis in Peterborough and it’s relation to human trafficking.

“I think everyone waked away with a better understanding of the challenges that these people face daily,” she said.

To date Iftikhar has raised $2,000, which will be split between YES and KSAC. The GoFundMe will be open for the rest of the week for those interested in donating.

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Smile Cookie Campaign To Benefit Community Care Peterborough

Community Care Peterborough (CCP) has been selected by local Tim Hortons restaurant owners to receive proceeds from this year’s Smile Cookie Campaign at their Peterborough, Lakefield, Bridgenorth, and Curve Lake locations.

File Photo.

This year, the annual Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign runs from Sept. 19-25 in participating restaurants across Canada. 

Locally, when customers purchase a chocolate chunk Smile Cookie for $1 plus applicable taxes, the local Tim Hortons Restaurant Owner will donate the full $1 to Community Care Peterborough’s Give A Meal, Give A Drive initiative.

“Although we have many clients who do not struggle – we have an increasing number who do. Many more seniors and adults with disabilities are making difficult choices about cutting food costs or missing medical appointments to reduce travel costs in order to remain in their home,” said Alicia Vandine – Donor Relations and Communications Lead.  “To assist these clients, we created the Give A Meal and Give A Drive subsidy programs. These subsidy programs allow seniors and adults with disabilities to access these services for free or at a reduced rate depending on their financial circumstance. It also allows us to help us subsidize the costs related to these programs so that we also have affordable options for those clients who can pay for them on their own.”

The Smile Cookie campaign began in 1996 as a way to help raise funds for the Hamilton Children’s Hospital in Ontario, and has grown to become a major fundraising event at Tim Hortons Restaurants.    Last year, Tim Hortons sold a record-breaking number of cookies across Canada over $12 million and locally almost $70,000.

“We are so honoured to be selected this year.  We are encouraging the public to visit their local Tim Hortons during the campaign week to purchase a Smile Cookie to help support us,” said Danielle Belair - Executive Director of CCP.  “This is such an amazing opportunity for us to help raise awareness about our other programs and services too.” 

Members of the public can also pre-order cookies.  Visit CCP’s website, www.commcareptbo.org/smilecookies2022 to download a pre-order form that can be dropped off at local Tim Hortons restaurant or to order a box of 12, the public can use CCP’s online ordering form at pick them up at local locations too.

“We would also like to extend our thanks to all our local owners for selecting us as this year’s recipient.  Our staff and volunteer team will be working closely with members of their teams to set a Smile Cookie sales record in the City and County of Peterborough because all those $1 purchases add up quickly.”

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YMCA Night In White Garden Party Back For A Fifth Year After COVID Shutdowns

The YMCA of Central East Ontario has announced the return of their Night in White Garden Party on Sept. 23, after a pandemic-related pause.

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This event, in support of the Strong Kids Campaign, will be hosted at Johnston's Greenhouse & Garden.

Featuring food and drinks from Black Honey, Curry Village, That’s A Wrap, Fresh Dreams, Crepes of Wrath, Chef Kelly Ward, Levantine Grill, Delectable Fine Foods, Indian Peacock, The Pasta Shop, Rolling Grape Vineyard, Trail Estates Winery, Haven Brewing Company, Publican House Brewery and Sandbagger Hard Seltzer.

Food, wine and beer tastings are included in attendees ticket price and will be provided by local establishments. In addition to food and beverages, there will be a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and entertainment.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. on Sept. 23.

Tickets are $100 each and available online at eventbrite.ca or at the YMCA Balsillie Family Branch.

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Peterborough Women Takes Home New Car in PTBO Crime Stoppers Annual Car Raffle Fundraiser

Barb Erskine of Peterborough drove away in a brand new Nissan Maxima on Thursday, which she had won in this year's Crime Stoppers car raffle fundraiser.

Barb Erskine takes the wheel for the first time of her 2022 Nissan Maxima Platinum Edition. Photo by Luke Best

The 2022 Nissan Maxima Platinum Edition purchased at Trans Canada Nissan was donated to Peterborough Northumberland Crime Stoppers by Steve Daynes, the general manager of The Staffing Connection and Level A Professional Group. 

"I think it's important because I live in Peterborough and I want to support my community and make sure that it's safe,” said Daynes in a previous interview with PTBOCanada. “We have locations throughout the area of Peterborough and in Cobourg as a business and I want to make sure we give back to the communities that we serve."

Steve Daynes (Left) shakes hands with Erskine. Photo by Luke Best

With a value of roughly $50,000, Erskine never expected to win the car and saw the ticket purchase as more of a donation.

"Honestly, I was doing it for the cause. I'm very, very supportive of Crimestoppers. I really am," says Erskine.

Erskine was ticket #1347 of the 3110 sold. Because of Daynes' generous donation, Crime Stoppers raised just over $48,000 to fund their program.

Coming from driving a Toyota Corolla previously, Erskine was feeling a little nervous about the 300 horsepower.

Crime Stoppers is a not-for-profit organization that relies on donations and fundraising efforts to keep the program running.

(L-R) Daynes, Detective Constable Keith Calderwood and Provincial Constable Greg Stokes congratulate Erskine on her win. Photo by Luke Best

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Y Drive Kicks Off New Charitable Foundation With Dunk Tank On Saturday

Y Drive launched the Y Drive Foundation by hosting a dunk tank in Peterborough Square on Saturday.

Colin Streeter (Right) throws a ball towards the target in hopes of sending David Bui (left) into the water. Photo by Luke best

“The foundation was created in memory of Dani Sinacori who passed away in August. As a mother of 3 and teacher to many, her life was sports, teaching and family,” said Y Drive in a Facebook post. “The foundation will be geared towards school breakfast programs, youth sports and helping our neighbours when they need it.”

Participants had the chance to dunk the likes of:

• Adam Brown (Chemong Lodge)

• David Bui (PTBO Canada)

• Diane Therrien (Mayor of Peterborough)

• Jessie Primeau (Bowes & Cocks)

• Rob & Erica (Y Drive)

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According to Erica Young of Y Drive, $1160 was raised from the event and additional donations.

@ptbo_canada @Y Drive hosted a dunk tank on Saturday in memory of Dani Sinacori. All of the money raised will be used to help the community! #ptbo #ptbocanada #downtownptbo #dunktank ♬ Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash

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Couture Candy PTBO Celebrates Grand Opening on Saturday

Couture Candy PTBO’s second location on Lansdowne Place hosted its grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday.

Lisa Couture and Family cut ribbon in opening ceremony of their new location. Photo by Luke Best

The new storefront is located between Journeys and Claire’s at the bottom of the escalator. Couture Candy PTBO has been donated the space from the mall until Oct. 3 to aid in their ‘Cancer Care is Sweet’ fundraiser.

$1 from select products will go towards the Peterborough Regional Health Center Foundation for cancer care with a goal of $10,000.

Before the new location opened on saturday, they had already raised $8,500 according to Couture. Photo By Luke Best

“We're gonna crush it. I know we will,“ said owner Lisa Couture. “We actually have some fun challenges for the community to get more donations. There's a cool hair-cutting challenge that's will be coming up.”

Donations can also be made at both stores or online.

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Local Woman Tackling Halliburton Forest 100 Miler For One Roof Community Centre

Krystal LeBreton, a Peterborough woman, will be be attempting to run 100 miles (160km) in less than 32 hours through the Haliburton Forest, in support of One Roof Community Centre, on September 10.

Photo courtesy of Krystal LeBreton.

The Haliburton Forest 100 Miler is an annual event that invites trail runners to complete four laps of 42 km - which ultimately results in having run more than 100 miles.

The race begins at 6 a.m. on September 10 and runs until 3 p.m. the following day. LeBreton says there will be no time for breaks and she will have to run through the night to complete it on time.

“I’ve ran for most of my life,” said LeBreton. “As a kid I ran a lot of marathons but I’ve gotten more into trail running lately, its more camaraderie than competition and I like that.”

Though the 100 Miler isn’t traditionally a fundraising event, LeBreton thought that receiving pledges per kilometer would be encouraging and that One Roof would be the perfect recipient.

LeBreton was first introduced to the work that One Roof Community Centre did because her neighbor is the coordinator.

When she and some friends hosted a fundraiser for relief efforts in Ukraine in April, One Roof allowed them to use their kitchen to prepare.

“One Roof opened their kitchen for us, they even had one of their staff members come and help us. It’s amazing how much this organization cares and how much support they provide.”

As a dietitian LeBreton says it’s clear to her to see the cost of living is rising and people are struggling to make ends meet.

“I’ve really noticed a difference the last couple of years,” she said. “It’s not abut what’s nutritious, it’s about what they can afford and what’s accessible to them. One Roof offers great meals in a supportive place that’s non judgmental.”

LeBreton has started a Facebook group where friends and family are supporting her run.

Some donors are pledging per km ran while some are pledging per lap, LeBreton has left it up to the donor to decide the amount.

Those interested in donating are invited to join the Facebook group or message Krystal LeBreton on Facebook.

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Trent Student Hosting Second Annual Sleep Out To Raise Awareness And Funds For Homelessness In Peterborough

Simal Iftikhar, a Trent University student, is hosting the second annual Sleep Out in support of the Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) and the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC) on Sept. 10.

Simal is currently pursuing her master’s in education at Trent University. Photo courtesy of Simal Iftikhar.

Last year Iftikhar slept outside during the winter to highlight the struggles of homeless people sleeping outside in the cold.

Due to COVID restrictions she invited others that wanted to participate to do so on their own but this year she is inviting anyone that wants to participate to join her at the Lion’s Club in East City.

In contrast to last year, this years event will be hosted in the summer to demonstrate the unique challenges that come with being unhoused in the summer heat.

Part of the reason Iftikhar is hosting this event can be attributed to her time working in the mental health sector.

“We’re experiencing a crisis within a crisis,” she said. “We know the pandemic has increased mental health inequities. and those that experience that the most are already marginalized.”

She also notes the impact that COVID-19 has had on shelters.

“I’ve talked with shelter workers and they have to turn people away when they never have before, we can’t let that happen. These people are just like us, they’re people who lost their jobs, who just can’t make ends meet.”

While working in mental health Iftikhar says she spoke with many young people experiencing homelessness that were also victims of human trafficking.

She hopes that through this event she can raise awareness of the challenges homeless youth face, while fundraising for YES and KSAC.

During last years event she raised over $5,000 and she hopes to do that again.

Iftikhar says in speaking with employees at the YES Shelter, she learned that a large portion of their funding comes from the municipality and the rest comes from individual donors.

She will split the funds 50/50 and leave it up to each organization to decide what they will do with the donation.

Donations can be made online. Those interested in joining Iftikhar on September 10 are asked to register for free on Eventbrite and bring their own sleeping bag and cardboard sign.

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Down Syndrome Association Looking For Volunteers At Annual Kawartha Tri Sport Tournament

The seventh annual Kawartha Tri Sport Tournament to benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough is looking for volunteers for Sept. 10 from 12 - 8 p.m.

Photo from Kawartha Tri Sport.

Kawartha Tri-Sport is a three day, three sport tournament that challenges teams with golf, three-pitch and ball hockey.

There is a division for men and women.

Since it’s inception, Kawartha Tri Sport has raised over $115,000 for local charities.

Proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough, Five Counties Children’s Centre and the Alzheimer’s Society of Peterborough.

Representatives from the Down Syndrome Association will be on site on Saturday and are looking for volunteers to run 50/50, umpire ball games, offer support as needed and to cheer for athletes.

Those interested should email info@downsyndromepeterborough.ca.

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8U Peterborough Tigers Host Fundraiser In Support Of Local Family After The Loss Of Their Son

The 8U Peterborough Tigers Baseball team are hosting an online raffle to raise money in support of the Birkhof family, after the passing of their son Steve Stapley this month.

Photo courtesy of the Birkhof family.

Stapley and the Birkhof family were very involved in the Peterborough sports community.

Before his unexpected passing Stapley was a valued defenseman with Lakefield Rage Sr Lacrosse Club and helped take the team to the 2021 Ontario Championships.

Stapley was an advocate for youth sports so to honour his memory the family is asking for donations to the Peterborough Minor Lacrosse Association in Steve’s name in lieu of flowers .

Those interested in donating can etransfer pmlavpfinance@gmail.com with the info note ‘Steve Stapley Registration Fund’.

Stapley’s nephew is a member of the 8U Peterborough Tigers, so in hopes to support his family during this time, the team is hosting an online raffle.

Prizes include $1,200 of gift cards to a variety of stores, a Gyroor EBike (worth $650), and a Google Nest Hub.

Tickets are one for $5, three for $10 or eight for $20. They can be purchased by etransferring money to Birkhofdonation@gmail.com and including a full name and email in the comment.

The draw will be held on Sept. 3 and the winner will be contacted directly.

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