United Way 'Adopt A Crop' to Fund Community Garden Project

United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes (UWCKL) will be launching a new fundraiser on Giving Tuesday (Nov. 29), allowing community members and organizations to ‘Adopt a Crop’ through their community garden.

Photo courtesy of United Way.

Adopt a Crop will provide individuals and organizations with the opportunity to sponsor or “adopt,” a crop at Edwin Binney’s Community Garden, UWCKL’s food security and food literacy project. All proceeds will go towards the community garden.

The project was started in 2019 on unused land on the Crayola Canada property. Over 50,000 pounds of produce have been donated to 20 organizations with food programs and 11 food banks in the last four years, according to UWCKL.

“Running a farm as a non-profit is a major investment of time and resources, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have corporate and individual donors to help us with our work in tackling local food insecurity,” says Emily Beall, United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes co-executive director. “This season we produced more food than ever before; over $40,000 worth of fresh produce that was donated into our communities across the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton. Adopt a Crop is an effort to involve the community more, while also ensuring we have the means to maintain the garden, grow nutrient-rich foods and provide educational opportunities.” 

This fundraiser will be ongoing until all sponsorships are claimed for the 2023 growing season. Sponsorships will be available each year, with sponsors from the previous year receiving the right of first refusal to adopt their crop again.  

There are 25 crops available for adoption. To learn more visit the Adopt a Crop website starting Tuesday.

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Kawartha Youth Orchestra Launches Its RESONATE! Campaign For Music Education Bursaries

The Kawartha Youth Orchestra (KYO) is launching its RESONATE! campaign this Sunday to coincide with Giving Tuesday next week and recognize local philanthropists Ralph and Carol Ingleton announced on Wednesday.

Roughly 100 children are enrolled KYO which operate out of rehearsal space at All Saints’ Church in the City of Peterborough’s downtown core. Photo courtesy of KYO.

The campaign raises bursaries for local children who cannot afford to pay for music education. The goal is to raise $70,000 for bursaries in 2022-23.

The Ingletons are being honoured during a rehearsal after KYO received an undisclosed donation. The senior orchestra rehersal is conducted by KYO artistic director Dr. Alexander Cannon.

“Music is part of our lives and having a youth orchestra in our community is simply wonderful,” said Ralph. “Helping young people with needs to make music is extremely important. I would hope that other musical friends will join in lending a helping hand.”

‘#GivingTuesday’ is a global movement and day of giving to non-profits, that encourages people to do good and unleash their power to transform their community.

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GoFundMe Created To Aid Family In Fatal Hwy. 7 Accident From Tuesday Night

A GoFundMe has been created to cover costs and care for an injured family member after a fatal car crash occurred on Hwy 7, killing four people on Tuesday night.

GoFundMe photo.

The accident involved a pick-up truck and an SUV where the driver of the other vehicle was also killed but is yet to be identified.

Stefphanie, Jon and Riddick MacHart were identified as three of the four people killed in the accident that occurred near the Blue Jay Motel in Otonabee-South Monaghan Township around 5:15 p.m.

Rowghan MacHart, the only survivor, was airlifted to SickKids with an update pending according to Tanya Hart from the GoFundMe page, a family member.

“It is with the heaviest heart that we are writing this…” said Hart on the GoFundMe page. “We are absolutely devastated by the sudden and tragic deaths of Stefphanie, Jon, Riddick on the evening of Nov. 22nd.

One family member was a staff at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School while another was a student. The school’s flag was lowered at half mast according to a notice sent by Rita Russo, director of education:

“Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School is grieving the loss of one of their students and and a staff member after last nights fatal collision on Highway 7.

Debbie Callahan, Principal at TAS had announced this morning that it is with profound sadness that she must share some tragic news regarding last nights serious vehicle collision just east of Peterborough. They have learned that an entire family, the MacHart (Hart & MacDonnell) family, has been deeply impacted by this terrible accident, including the death of a student at our school and both parents, one of whom is also a Thomas A Stewart staff member. Another family member was involved, also a student at our school, and they were airlifted to hospital.

Our school community is shocked and grieving as we struggle to process this difficult news, and we understand that this will have an immediate and significant impact on our students, staff and families. Together, we know you join us in offering our deepest condolences to the MacHart (Hart & MacDonnell) family.

The school has sought the support of the mental health clinicians at our school board, for both students and staff. This news has been shared directly with students this morning, and school board counsellors are available at the school to speak with anyone who needs support. Counsellors will remain available as long as needed. If you feel your child is in need of professional support, please contact us at the school, and we will make the necessary arrangements.

The school has also lowered its flag to half-mast in our grief for the MacHart (Hart & MacDonnell) family.”

Hwy. 7 was closed in both directions around Keene Road and Hwy 28 and reopened Wednesday morning.

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PTBO Strong With Peterborough Petes To Hold "Hockey For Hampers" Food Drive This Saturday

Not-for-profit group PTBO Strong is teaming up with the Peterborough Petes to hold a ‘Hockey for Hampers Food Drive” in support of Kawartha Food Share (KFS) this Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Food hampers will be made up to help the beneficiaries of KFS.

Non-perishable items are being accepted either at Greg’s No Frills on 230 George St. N. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or at the Peterborough Memorial Centre during game night.

Petes mascot Roger and a few players to be announced will be in attendance for the morning at No Frills to help collect any donated goods during the early hours of pickup.

PTBOStrong was formed in 2019 due to the opioid and homelessness crisis facing the City of Peterborough. Photo courtesy of PTBO Strong.

Tim Burke, PTBO Strong co-founder says his group raises critical funds and awareness for treatment around opioid addictions but wants to help the root of the problems.

“Our town has a lot of rough stuff going on,” said Tim Burke, PTBO Strong co-founder. “We have 13 methadone clinics and we don’t have any detox centres, it’s craziness. They’re all lined up.”

The Peterborough Petes play the Ottawa 67s this Saturday as the final leg of three consecutive days of games.

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Peterborough Police Launch 'K9 Calendar' Fundraiser For Peterborough Animal Care Centre

You can hang up 12 months’ worth of dog pictures anywhere in support of the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) and the Peterborough Animal Care Centre as the Peterborough Police Service has launched their first-ever ‘K9 Calendar’ fundraiser announced on Thursday.

Jamie Hartneett, inspector of operations; Pixie, facility dog and Alice Czitrom, victim services coordinator unveiling the first-ever K9 calendar. Pixie has been with the Peterborough Police Service since January of 2020. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The calendar features photos of the police K9 Unit with police dogs such as PSD Isaac, PSD Gryphon, PSD Mag and their handlers Cons. Bob Cowie and Cons. Dillon Wentworth – along with facility dog Pixie and her handler Alice Czitrom.

The calendar costs $20 with all proceeds going to the PHS’s Peterborough Animal Care Centre. Calendars can be purchased online at their website. Calendar pickups are at the Peterborough Police Station, located at 500 Water St. between 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 

The K9 Calendar has the latest statistics on the work of both K9 Unit and Facility Dog Pixie in Victim Services and a section dedicated to past Police Service Dogs and handlers.

“This project has been in the works since January.  We feel it’s a neat way to connect with our community and share the great work our canine officers and their handlers do each shift.” says Tim Farquharson, Peterborough Police Service acting chief. “It’s also important for us to give back to our community.  As such the proceeds from the sale of the calendars will go to the Peterborough Humane Society’s Animal Care Centre.”

“We are excited to not only have the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre highlighted in the 2023 Calendar but for the funds to also be supporting Our Pet Project capital campaign to build the new Centre.” shared Shawn Morey, PHS executive director.

The Peterborough Animal Care Centre’s construction is scheduled to finish before the end of the year with a soft opening in January. This Centre hosts three programs: a publicly accessible Spay and Neuter Clinic, an Education and Adoption Centre and a cutting-edge Dog Rehabilitation Centre. The Centre also features a community hub, an off-leash dog park, a private event space and a patio.

"A lot of our members are animal lovers,” said Jamie Hartnett, Peterborough Police inspector of operations. “Peterborough Police have always been engaged with the community aspect of it, community policing and this is just another example of why we love our community.”

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Peterborough Fiddler “Irish Millie” Raises Over $2,300 For Terry Fox Foundation

Millie Shadgett, better known by stage name “Irish Millie” uses her fiddling talents to raise $2,343 for the Terry Fox Foundation through ‘Fiddling for Fox’ campaign.

Irish Millie has been nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award for the second year in a row along with her band, The Receivers. Photo courtesy of Irish Millie.

The 15-year-old Lakefield College School (LCS) student began performing for her first live audience about six years ago, at the Peterborough Farmers Market.

It was around this time that she learned about Terry Fox. Having been touched by cancer in her own life, Millie says his story inspired her.

“I thought ‘I don’t have much money to give’ but if I use my fiddling gift to allow people to donate to this amazing cause, then I can raise money through that,” said Millie.

Photo courtesy of Irish Millie.

Photo courtesy of Irish Millie.

After the first successful Fiddling For Fox event, she decided she wanted to do an annual fundraiser for the Terry Fox Foundation.

This year, she ran two fundraising events at the Peterborough Farmers Market and LCS, raising a total of $2,343 for the Terry Fox Foundation.

At the Farmers Market, Millie included a number of local names as special guests in her performance including Washboard Hank and Ty Wilson.

“It was almost like a bunch of little shows in one big day,” recalled Millie.

Wanting to do something different through Fiddling For Fox this year, she wrote “If I Don’t Make It,” a song to honour Terry and his legacy.

“I was really inspired by Terry and his courage and his bravery, and so I wanted to write a song to convey that,” she said. “It was the way that I could show my inspiration from him, through music.”

The original song features a drum beat in the background that represents Terry’s feet as he ran.

“It was a lot of work, and it took a lot of time and effort, but it really was great to have that showcased for Terry Fox,” Millie continued.

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#PetLovePTBO Campaign Launches in Support of the Peterborough Humane Society

PTBOCanada has launched their #PetLovePTBO campaign, selling toques and dog toys in support of the Peterborough Humane Society.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Toques range from $20-$25 and toys are $15. $10 from every toque and toy will go towards the Humane Society and their new Animal Care Centre.

“We’re just about ready to open up the Peterborough Animal Care Centre right here on Technology Drive. It’s going to be absolutely amazing, it’s gone to revolutionize animal welfare right here in Peterborough, and we can’t wait to get things started,” says Shawn Morey, executive director at the Peterborough Humane Society.

The new facility is set to feature larger kennel spaces, larger cat suites, humane education programming, a spay/neuter clinic and a dog rehabilitation centre.

“The support from Kirtus and the folks at PTBOCanada has been amazing, as well as our whole community,” Morey continued. “This is a centre that was built for the community, by the community, and we’re just excited to be bringing it home.”

Apparel in support of the Peterborough Humane Society can be purchased at www.ptbocanada.com/shop until Christmas.

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Hometown PTBO: Former OHL Defenseman Dan Growden Raising Money For His Daughter Diagnosed With Angelman Syndrome

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks to former OHL defenseman Dan Growden about his OHL career, transitioning into speed skating and raising money for his daughter Sawyer. She has been diagnosed with the rare Angelman Syndrome.

To help donate, click here.

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Dooher’s Bakery Raises Over $5,500 for Four-Year-Old Hit By Vehicle While Leaving Norwood Fair

Dooher’s Bakery’s “Sophie Day” fundraiser, selling pink and purple sprinkle doughnuts, raises $5,567 for young Sophie Foley who suffered life-threatening injuries from a tragic accident in Norwood.

Foley suffered a fractured skull, extensive brain injuries and a laceration on her liver as a result of her injuries. Photos courtesy of Daniel Steven Foley and Dooher’s Bakery.

After being hit by a vehicle while leaving the Norwood Fair Thanksgiving Monday (Oct. 10), the Campbellford bakery contacted the girl’s family and organized the fundraiser for Oct. 18, rallying the community to support the four-year-old as she continues to fight for her life in Sick Kids Hospital.

Within a day of announcing the fundraiser, the bakery already had 100 dozen preorders. By Oct. 17 the bakery had “well over” 200 preorders, according to a Facebook post.

“We are blown away by all of the support of Sophie Day at the bakery,” Dooher’s Bakery said on Facebook. “This wouldn’t be possible without all of the amazing customers, donators and our great team here at the bakery!”

In total Dooher’s Bakery made and sold 3,540, or 290 dozen, pink and purple doughnuts (Sophie’s favourite colours) for Sophie Day.

Another 20 dozen have been ordered by the Peterborough Police Service for Thursday.

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"Cancer Takedown" Event to Fundraise for Cancer Care Coming to Market Hall

“Cancer Takedown” is fundraising for local cancer care through performances and storytelling on Nov. 16 at Market Hall Performance Centre.

Linda Kash is well-known for her role as the Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese Angel. File photo.

Cancer Takedown is an evening of song, story and solidarity, with all proceeds from ticket sales going to Cancer Care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).

The night will be MC’d by m Linda Kash and Megan Murphy, featuring stories shared by people with cancer and performances from local musicians Kate Suhr, Melissa Payne and their bands, musical director Anthony Bastianon and Denise Oucharek. It will be an opportunity to rally the community and provide hope.

Cancer Takedown is organized by husband and wife Rick and Amy Kemp. Rick has been a patient of PRHC since 2019 when he was diagnosed with metastatic kidney cancer. In May 2021 his battle doubled as he was diagnosed with a second primary cancer, central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma.

For Rick and others living with cancer, there are good days, and there are days when the battle is much more emotional than physical. The Kemp’s idea for Cancer Takedown was born out of those darker days, even referring to the show as being a “spirit-raiser” as much as a fundraiser.

“The goal of Cancer Takedown is twofold. One is to raise funds. The other is to raise spirits for those battling cancer and the people helping them in their journey,” said Rick.

Tickets are $30 for general seating, and $50 for cabaret and can be purchased at: https://www.markethall.org.

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