Central Smith Creamery's Second "Fill the Truck" Campaign Donates 14,000 Pounds of Food and Over $10,000 for Kawartha Food Share

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Year two of Central Smith Creamery’s “Fill the Truck” campaign built on its inaugural year, delivering roughly 14,500 pounds of food and $10,030 in cash donations for Kawartha Food Share (KFS) on Friday.

This year’s campaign nearly tripled last year’s food weight and raised more money than last year’s event. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The campaign rallied 38 businesses to collect cash and non-perishable goods as Central Smith drove their delivery trucks and collected the donated items on the same day they were delivered.

The campaign ran from Dec. 1 - 15 and beat the previous year’s goal of 5,000 pounds and $9363.50.

“Just given what's happened with the economy with food prices and all of that, I'm just amazed that we were able to be successful in our campaign,” said Jenn Scates, Central Smith Creamery co-owner. “With the work of my team and everybody contributing, it's not just one person, it's a whole bunch of elves that helped and it's just amazing.”

“It's been difficult for us to stretch our dollars as far as it once did but it's also difficult for our donors to continue to donate as much as they did in the past,” said Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager. “We know times are tough, we know food costs are extremely high and so to see this many people donate this many items is so heartwarming this time of year and we really appreciate the support.”

The timing for the donations could not have been better for KFS as the demand for food banks goes up during the holiday season according to Aitken. She says Christmas is an added expense that not all families can afford.

“Heat and hydro bills are up, kids are home from school, there's a couple of extra meals they have set them up with there, there's just a lot of added expenses to families that are already struggling and already don't earn enough money for their families,” explained Aitken. “Every little donation goes a long way. Something like this where they're bringing in thousands of pounds of food for us, it really helps us stock the shelves at the food banks before we get into that busy crazy season.”

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'Loonies on the Street' Fundraiser Raises Over $160,000 For Kawartha Food Share

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Updated: 2:56 p.m. at Dec. 9, 2022

The 23rd annual Loonies on the Street fundraiser was back to collecting donations in downtown Peterborough raising over $160,000 for Kawartha Food Share on Friday morning.

Photo courtesy of Kawartha Food Share.

The fundraiser has raised over two million dollars to date, allowing them to purchase food items for over 8,500 community members each month.

While the loyal ‘bucket brigade’ were out collecting loose change up and down George St. outside of Peterborough Square, the Lions Club was collecting on the Hunter Street Bridge.

Local Woman Spending the Night Outside; Raising Money Through Homelessness Awareness Initiative

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Wilhelmina Don-Venus will be pitching her tent this Saturday, (International Human Rights Day) spending the night outside in Peterborough and raising money through her ‘Tent-Up To Make Homelessness #UNIGNORABLE’ initiative.

Photo Courtesy of Wilhelmina Don-Venus.

Don-Venus “… hopes to raise both awareness to the cold reality our unsheltered neighbours live during the winter months, and funds to support local homelessness initiatives and support for the almost 300 people in Peterborough who don’t have the basic human right of a safe place to sleep,” she says in a press release.

Beyond raising awareness, she wants her efforts to support the vital services that local, charitable organizations provide to those who are facing winter outside.

“There is a network of agencies who work to provide outreach, cold weather survival gear, counselling and so many integral supports to our neighbours experiencing homelessness and I want to help by raising funds to be invested in these services,” said Don-Venus.

Last year, she met ‘Jessica’ and her dog, ‘Hailey.’ Don-Venus says Jessica has been homeless for over 5 years and will likely face another winter outside.

“Her love and commitment to faithful companion Hailey has precluded her from many temporary and more permanent housing options,” said Don-Venus.

Although some local shelters provide accommodation for pets, she says Jessica had several bad experiences and no longer feels safe.

“While I can’t change the circumstances in Jessica’s life, I feel that it is very important for us all to do what we can, every day to have empathy and compassion for all of our neighbours,” she said.

The United Way Peterborough and District has set up a giving page to help Don-Venus reach her $2,500 goal by Dec. 13.

“We are all born equal in dignity and human rights and taking a moment to share a kind word or offer encouragement to those who are struggling is meaningful, and may be the one thing that keeps them going for another day,” said Don-Venus.

To learn more about ‘Tent-Up To Make Homelessness #UNIGNORABLE’, or to donate, visit the website.

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YWCA and Local Donors Matching Donations For Women and Children During the Holidays

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Double the impact for local women and children this holiday season with the YWCA as they are matching donations up to $88,500 until midnight on Dec. 31.

Photo courtesy of YWCA Peterborough.

On any given night, over 6,000 Canadian women and children sleep in shelters because they aren't safe at home according to the YWCA. The funds raised aid women and children experiencing gender-based violence.

YWCA’s Crossroads Shelter, Haliburton Emergency Rural SafeSpace (HERS) and other support programs receive only partial government funding and are unable to cover basic operating costs without fundraising as stated in a press release. As demand for gender-based violence support continues to grow, the need for funding has reached critical proportions YWCA says.

Supporters are encouraged to register as holiday sponsors or donate gift cards to provide extra support for local moms and kids.

Donations can be made by donating online at ywcapeterborough.org or by phone at 705-743-3526.

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U13 Hockey Team Raises $1,300 For Needing Families on Giving Tuesday

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The U13 Central Ontario AAA Wolves put their generous spirit on display raising nearly $1,350 to purchase gifts on ‘Giving Tuesday’ for needing families for in Peterborough.

Photo courtesy of Chad Birkhof.

“It’s something that we’ve done with other teams we’ve coached,” said Chad Birkhof, Wolves head coach. “For us, it was a bit of a team-building function. Those kids raised that money on their own and they had the opportunity to buy for those families and children. It’s the gift of giving at Christmas.”

The team consisted of players from Peterborough, Omemee, Bobcaygeon and Lindsay. They shopped for gifts at Walmart on Chemong Road with their coaches and determined what would be suitable for the respective families they were helping.

The Wolves had sponsored a family of four and gave gifts to them as well as two other teenagers (one boy and one girl).

“We are so proud of this group of boys and so grateful that the Wolves are able to spread some Christmas cheer and support those who need it the most,” said Courtney Bribeau, Central Ontario Wolves ice scheduler. “Thanks to the coaches and mothers who helped pull all of this together.”

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Peterborough Petes Celebrating Local Hockey Moms For 14th Annual Pink In The Rink Campaign

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The Peterborough Petes 14th-annual Pink in the Rink game celebrates and honours hockey moms afflicted by cancer and will be played on Feb. 4 against the Oshawa Generals announced at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) on Wednesday.

Members of PRHC and the Peterborough Petes players and staff outside the PRHC on a rainy morning. Last year raised $76,952.18 for the Canadian Cancer Society. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The goal for this year’s campaign is $50,000. Proceeds go toward cancer care at (PRHC). Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation president and CEO says that with cancer volumes on the rise, donors are essential to the hospital’s ability to serve more patients, support earlier diagnosis and ensure safer, more effective treatments, close to home.

“The number of patients from Peterborough and the surrounding area who rely on PRHC to support their cancer journey continues to climb,” she said. “It’s events like Pink in the Rink and organizations like the Peterborough Petes – along with the people and businesses who support them –  that fund the tools our experts need to save and improve lives.”

Leading up to the game, the Petes are accepting nominations of local hockey moms to be honoured leading up to and during the game. 

This is a spin on prior years as annual chairs were selected to spearhead the campaign.

“With the honourary chair model that we used to use, it would be a little bit burdensome on those people,” said Burton Lee, Petes executive director of business operations. “They had lives, they were trying to manage day-to-day, probably still dealing with their cancer journey and on top of that, we were saying 'raise a bunch of money for us, would you?'“

The Petes are accepting orders to purchase a name (up to 200) to be printed on one of their Pink in the Rink game-worn jersey for $20. The Petes will unveil a special jersey with the purchased names at a future date.

Fans can also buy a special edition custom Pink in the Rink t-shirt with any name on the back and donate tickets to cancer survivors or volunteers to attend the game. A live auction will take place after the game to bid on game-worn jerseys.

The Pets have raised $900,000 over the past 13 years as they are closing in on their $1 million milestone. 

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Five Counties Children’s Centre Announces Backyard Summer Social For June 24

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Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is hosting its second annual Backyard Summer Social on June 24 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. announced on Tuesday.

In 2021-22, FCCC served and supported 5,588 kids in the region. there is a waiting list of 2,516 children for therapy at Five Counties with an average wait time of 18-24 months. more than 90 per cent are waiting for speech and language therapy as well as occupational therapy. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The event is in support of FCCC’s speech therapy and occupational therapy programs for children and families in the region. In its inaugural year, the event raised more than $45,000.

“Nothing says season’s greetings better than the gift of the summer season for loved ones on your holiday shopping list,” says Lyn Giles, FCCC director of fund development. “Getting an early-bird ticket to the Backyard Summer Social makes for a great holiday gift. The event is a celebration of the start of summer for guests to enjoy an afternoon of fun-filled activities that lets you be a kid again.”

The adults-only event is considered a ‘backyard picnic for adults’ according to the FCCC. The event is at Five Counties Children’s Centre, located at 872 Dutton Rd. It features food, fun and unique activities, live music, and live auction according to the press release. Guests can ditch their gala attire in favour of comfortable summer wear.

“This is a great opportunity to give your loved one a unique experience, while supporting a great cause,” said Giles. “Speech and occupational therapies make up 90 per cent of our waitlist at Five Counties. The more children we can get off the waiting list and into therapy services, the more opportunities they have to gain independence and enjoy a better quality of life.”

Tickets are available for $125 each and can be purchased online.

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

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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

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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

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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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David Tuan Bui