Team 55's Friday Night Lights Raises Over $28,000 In Its 10th and Final Year

The 10th and final year of Team 55 Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness Friday Night Lights concluded, raising $28,000 for the campaign.

Dave Pogue at the ninth annual Team 55 “Friday Night Lights” event last year. Only one family member per player was allowed to watch the game during that year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The number was confirmed by founder Dave Pogue and was recorded as the second-highest total ever raised.

The “Friday Night Lights” football game was at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School’s athletic field and has raised over $600,000 since it began in 2013.

Proceeds support Canadian Mental Health Association initiatives that helped launch the Assertive Outreach for Suicide Prevention program.

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Lakefield Youth Unlimited Celebrates 19-Year Anniversary with Online Fundraiser

Lakefield Youth Unlimited (LYU) is celebrating 19 years of ministry on Oct. 27 with an online fundraiser.

File photo.

They will be celebrating the day by sharing stories of hope among youth and families in the community. These stories will be shared through short videos to the LYU website and social media feeds.

Traditionally LYU hosts a fundraising dinner each October, but they have decided to cancel the event this year. Despite this, they are still fundraising online and have a goal to reach $15,000.

“Over the summer much of our energy went into a volunteer and partner appreciation night in June and the grand opening of The Barn, our new facility, in August. We decided to focus our volunteer’s time on helping us rebuild and reconnect with our local youth rather than on pulling off a fundraising event,” said Chris Jones, LYU satellite director.

LYU is accepting donations in-person at their office, by mail, phone or online at lyufundraiser.com.

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GoFundMe Raises Money For Four-Year-Old Struck By Truck at Norwood Fair

A GoFundMe has been started for four-year-old girl Sophie Foley who suffered life-threatening injuries from an oncoming truck at the Norwood Fair on Thanksgiving Monday.

Foley is in the ICU at Sick Kids Toronto after being airlifted from Campbellford Memorial Hospital. Photo courtesy of Daniel Steven Foley.

Foley was at the fair with her family when she was struck by a truck while crossing the street according to the GoFundMe page. The driver reportedly fled the scene after the incident.

Police have identified the driver but have not yet announced any charges or released their name.

Off-duty nurses reportedly performed CPR to restore her pulse before paramedics arrived according to Foley’s parents in separate Facebook posts. She was taken immediately to Campbellford Memorial Hospital and then airlifted to Sick Kids in Toronto.

Sophie Foley enjoying fair festivities before the tragic accident occurred. Photo courtesy of Daniel Steven Foley.

Foley is currently fighting for her life according to her mother’s Facebook post. She suffered a fractured skull, extensive brain injuries and a laceration on her liver. She is currently on life support in the ICU at Sick Kids hospital in Toronto, according to her father Daniel Steven Foley.

Her Mother, Natasha Celene released a statement on Facebook of her family’s gratitude for the outgoing support and donations they have received.

Over $27,000 has already been raised of the $30,000 goal at time of this article’s publication to help her family stay in Toronto as she receives treatment at Sick Kids.

Anyone is welcome to donate to their GoFundMe.

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Riverview Park And Zoo Releases Second Jigsaw Puzzle Fundraiser For New Locomotive Next Season

The Riverview Park and Zoo have released a puzzle of their miniature train ride puzzle for a second consecutive year, fundraising a replacement locomotive and its passenger coaches for next year announced Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Riverview Park & Zoo.

The 308-piece, 11 x 17-inch puzzle of the current 1860 locomotive replica is a limited-edition gift for $20. They are available at the Riverview gift shop beginning on Thanksgiving weekend (the gift shop closes for the season after Oct. 10) or at certain local retailers while quantities last.

“We felt that including the F86 Sabre Jet Plane, flown in the Korean War, would introduce a whole new point of interest for our community,” says Shauna Moodie, Zoo advisory chair.

The zoo’s miniature train ride was established in 1974 and has provided regular income that sustains the operations and helps to make necessary capital improvements to exhibits and the park. The ride is just over two kilometres long and is $2 to ride or free for children under two.

There are six bench dedications left on the new train available for sponsorship, used to recognize anyone or your company’s contribution to the Park and Zoo or dedicate it in honour of a special project or a loved one. Dedications are $2,500 each.

Riverview Park and Zoo’s goal is to raise $300,000 with $225,000 already raised.

Since 1933, Riverview Park and Zoo is Canada’s only free-admission accredited zoo with nearly a quarter of a million annual visitors.

They received the fighter jet monument in 1971 and display it to honour the people from Peterborough who fought for Canada.

Donate to the train campaign: https://forms.riverviewparkandzoo.ca/Donations.

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Third Annual 'Winter is Coming' Food Drive Launched to Aid Food Insecurity in Peterborough County

The third annual ‘Winter is Coming Food Drive’ has been launched by Kawartha Food Share (KFS) and Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith to aid in food insecurity for Peterborough County announced on Thursday.

Non-perishable goods and monetary donations are being collected on five separate dates in different locations to aid their respective townships.

“These food drives are always such a great way for community members living in the county,” said Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager. “The rising cost of food has made this a very difficult year for KFS, our member agencies and of course, food insecure community members.”

Aitken says the food bank aided 7,000-8,000 people prior to the pandemic that began in March 2020. That number rose to 9,000 during the winter months. During the pandemic, demand would increase by 20 per cent to 12,000 people.

Smith is collecting at most of the listed dates and aided the campaign in its last two years. The grand total has raised almost $40,000 worth of cash and food donations in November 2020.

“I was a member of the Kinsmen Club and our motto was to 'serve the community's greatest needs' and I've always taken that to heart,” explained Smith. “I now have an opportunity where people recognize my name more than they did say 10 years ago with different groups. I have that opportunity to use my name and do good for my community.”

The following is a listed schedule of the ‘Winter is Coming’ campaign:

• Havelock Foodland collecting for Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Food Bank from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 1

• Lakefield Giant Tiger collecting for Lakefield Community Food Bank from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 20

• John’s Your Independent Grocer collecting for Bridgenorth Food Bank from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 28

• Buckhorn Foodland collecting for Rural Outreach from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 29

• Morello’s Independent Gorce collecting for North Kawartha Food Bank from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 5*

*A special drive to support the Apsley food bank, who has lost their community’s only grocery store in a fire late last year.

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Team 55's Friday Night Lights Running Its Final Year After a Decade; Fundraiser to Continue In Subsequent Years

The decade milestone of the “Friday Night Lights” football fundraiser for suicide awareness with Team 55 is running its last year and held at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School this Friday.

Dave Pogue at the ninth annual Team 55 “Friday Night Lights” event last year. Only one family member per player was allowed to watch the game during that year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The final theme for this year’s event is a homecoming for Thanksgiving weekend. Anyone who participated in the event in the last nine years is invited to attend with opening ceremonies beginning at 6 p.m. — though fans are encouraged to arrive at 5:30 p.m. — It is also a celebration of the event’s culmination over the years.

Peterborough Petes president Dave Pogue Team 55 is having its last event because the event planning takes exhausting amounts of work and feels he’s accomplished the goal of having a “decade of discussion” regarding suicide.

“It's a lot of work, it's very difficult to put on an event like this and it's stressful because tend to want to one-up ourselves every year,” explained Pogue. “The conversation has been rampant over the last nine years which is exactly what we were after.”

Team 55 will remain active in fundraising despite Friday Night Lights doing its last year.

Pouge founded the Team 55 campaign after losing his son Mitchell to suicide. The charity is named after Mitchell’s jersey number, 55 as he captained the Adam Lions football team.

Over $600,000 has been raised for suicide awareness, aiding Canadian Mental Health Association initiatives that helped launch the Assertive Outreach for Suicide Prevention program. It provides help and resources for attempted suicide victims or those contemplating it.

The double-header football games begin with opening ceremonies beginning at 6:00 p.m. then the following matchups:

• 7:00 p.m. - Adam Scott Collegiate and Vocational Institute vs. Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School

• 9:00 p.m. Holy Cross Secondary School vs Crestwood Secondary School

The games will be broadcasted by YourTV Cogeco with the field open at full capacity.

Fundraising efforts are through donations online, their Facebook page “Team55 Tackles Suicide Awareness” or sending a cheque to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offices at 415 Water St.

An online silent auction will run until Saturday evening. Big-ticket items include Petes private suite package, signed Steve Yzerman jersey, signed acoustic guitar by Carrie Underwood, $500 freezer meal package and more.

A barbecue is available on site that includes burgers, hot dogs, snacks, soft drinks and hot drinks.

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Five Counties Children's Centre Online Auction to Support Local Children

Five Counties Children’s Centre’s (FCCC) ‘Every Bid Helps a Kid ‘ Fall Online Auction is running from Oct. 12-17 to benefit children affiliated with the charity announced on Monday.

Scott started coming to Five Counties when he was a week old. Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children’s Centre.

Bidders can walk away with on one-of-a-kind items made by local artisans including members of the Kawartha Woodturners Guild and Lindsay Creative Quilters’ Guild.

Items currently up for bids include homemade blankets, wood-turned bowls, toys, gift baskets and gift cards to local shops.

Items up for bidding can be viewed in advance, with the auction opening on Oct. 12 at 8 a.m. and closing on Oct. 17 at 8 p.m.

“Get a head start on holiday shopping, as there are many unique and varied items that will appeal to all ages and interests,” says Lyn Giles, FCCC director of fund development. “We’re so grateful to our many new and returning donors who have made this auction possible. All items have been donated, which means every dollar of your purchase goes directly towards helping Five Counties’ kids.”

The online auction portal can be accessed here.

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Virtual Hike for Hospice Raises More Than $96,000 for Hospice Peterborough

Hospice Peterborough has raised over $96,000 during their 20th Hike for Hospice event from Sept. 10 to 16 announced on Thursday.

Shannon Kelly, Jamie McNinch and their two boys Joe and Alex. Photo courtesy of Hospice Peterborough.

The week-long event took place virtually with over 150 registrants.

This money will help the organization keep up with the 45 per cent increase in demand they’ve faced over the last five years.

Shannon Kelly was one of many who participated in Hike for Hospice for the first time this year after her husband, Jamie McNinch, passed from cancer in July 2022.

After he received a palliative diagnosis, their family was connected with Hospice Peterborough and a palliative doctor who helped them navigate support systems and provide resources. McNinch eventually opted for medical assistance to end his life.

She rowed one km for every $100 raised and ended up putting in 82 kilometres on her rowing machine in a single day after raising over $8,200.

As more donations came in, her total raised jumped to $8,585 and she claimed the top fundraiser spot.

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Peterborough Cadets Will Celebrate Cadet Week With Tagging Weekend And Recruitment Day

As of this year, the first week in October has been proclaimed Ontario Cadets Week, the 2672 Hastings and Prince Edward County Army Cadet Corp. will spend this week tagging and recruiting new members.

The 2672 Hastings and Prince Edward County Army Cadet Corp is a free program open to youth aged 12-19.

According to Executive Chair Elizabeth Rodney, youth in this program will learn respect and discipline while gaining valuable, fun experiences they may not otherwise get.

Every Tuesday from 6:30 - 9 p.m. the group meets for training. Depending on the week they will focus on leadership courses, military history, orienteering, range team or music to name a few.

Outside of regular training, members will have opportunities to go on trips that vary each year.

According to Rodney, every year the group will go on a camping trip that will teach camping, cooking, shelter, survival skills. Members are also invited to compete in sporting events and band.

Every few years the group organizes a completely free trip for members.

Recently, before COVID, the group was able to travel to Myrtle Beach where they stayed on a Naval Base. They explored military ships, participated in submarine training and a submarine simulation.

In the past they have also traveled to Washington D.C where they were given access to tours that most members of the public wouldn’t be able to see. They visited Arlington Cemetery, the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier, government buildings and many museums.

“Cadets is made up of all demographics, military kids, non-military kids, its inclusive,” said Rodney. “It’s open to everyone, it doesn’t matter if you have money or if you don’t.”

Registration for Cadets can be done in person, on Tuesday nights at 6:30 at the Peterborough Armories.

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Local Man Raises Over $2,100 With Haircut Towards Cancer Research

It may be the most rewarding haircut for Justin Armitage as he raised over $2,100 in support of Peterborough Regional Health Center Foundation for cancer care on Tuesday afternoon.

Armitage is a former coworker and a longtime friend of Couture Candy PTBO owner Lisa Couture. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The money is going towards Couture Candy PTBO’s fundraiser campaign with a goal of $10,000 (which has already been reached).

Armitage raised money as a tribute to a friend he lost to cancer roughly a decade ago.

“It was a hard thing to deal with,” he said. “This is just a great way to make me keep his memory alive and makes me feel like I'm contributing to something.”

@ptbo_canada Justin Armitage raised over $2,100 to help @couturecandyptbo and their $10,000 fundraiser for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation for Cancer Care! #ptbo #ptbocanada #cancer #haircut #fundraiser #fundraise #hair #couture #candy #cancerresearch ♬ Whatta Man (feat. En Vogue) - Salt 'N' Pepa

Armitage began his haircut by getting his ponytail cut off in front of Couture Candy PTBO. The rest was completed at men’s clothing store, barber, bar and café Providence.

He reached out to friends, family and other potential donors roughly a week and a half prior to the haircut.

“I'm sure my family and friends are tired of hearing from me over the last few days so there were a lot of texts and phone calls,” laughed Armitage. “But a lot of it was social media and run through that with peers, friends and whoever wanted to contribute.”

He plans to donate the ponytail to Locks of Love to help children suffering from medical hair loss by making a hairpiece from it.

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