3rd Annual Santa's Sleigh Yields Over 900 Gifts For Children and Families

/

The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation (KHCAS) has collected over 900 gifts for children and families in their 33rd annual Santa’s Sleigh program for the holiday season announced on Tuesday.

IRELAND REID, 6, TELLING SANTA CLAUS WHAT SHE WANTED FOR CHRISTMAS DURING THE LAUNCH OF SANTA’S SLEIGH AT WALMART. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The gifts are for those affiliated with the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society.

“So many individuals, workplaces and community groups came together to make sure a gift was purchased for every child on our tree, so they will each have a special gift to open this holiday season,” said Carrie Truman, KHCAS executive director. “I am so thankful for the support and generosity the community has provided for the Santa’s Sleigh program again this year.”

The event was held at Walmart (Chemong Road location) and ran from Nov. 24 to Dec. 5.

Children wrote their gift lists on cards to be hung on a Christmas tree at Walmart. Any customer could grab the card, purchase the gift and donate it in a dropbox.

Money, gift cards and presents not on wish lists are encouraged and accepted for the program as alternate ways to help.

Members of the Peterborough Lions Club, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of REALTORS and Corus Entertainment have volunteered to help add new cards to the tree and collect items from donors.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

PVNC Raises Over $56,000 For 2022 United Way Campaign

/

Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has raised $56,757 for the four area United Way organizations during its 2022 board-wide campaign announced on Tuesday.

Students at St. Patrick CES in Peterborough took part in the school's ‘Pumpkin Fest’ fundraiser for the United Way in October. Photo courtesy of PVNC.

PVNC staff gave the money through payroll donations as schools could host special fundraising events such as pumpkin carving contests, soup sales, dress-down days and more. 

“Given that we launched this year’s campaign amid a turbulent labour process, and during a time of high inflation and increased household costs, we cannot thank our PVNC Community enough for its generosity this year,” said Galen Eagle, campaign chair. “It’s heartening heading into the Christmas holidays to be able to provide this source of funding to our United Way agencies that support services so integral to the health and well-being of our communities.”

Proceeds will go to Peterborough and District United Way, Northumberland United Way, Durham United Way and City of Kawartha Lakes United Way.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Ryan Reynolds Sends Encouragement Video To 14-Year-Old Whose Family Died in Highway 7 Crash

/

Renowned Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds sent a video of encouragement to 14-year-old Rowghan MacHart who suffered critical injuries and lost her family in a Highway 7 crash in late November.

(from left to right) Johnathan MacDonnell, Rowghan MacHart, Riddick Hart and Stefphanie Hart. The family accident occurred near the Blue Jay Motel in Otonabee-South Monaghan Township. Photo courtesy of Kathryn Wilson.

According to the GoFundMe page run by MacHart’s cousin Tanya Hart, the video was sent to her on Thursday that, ‘brought a smile to her face.’

The update says MacHart has undergone five surgeries in the span of just over three weeks.

“Rowghan is so strong and hasn’t complained once,” said Hart on the GoFundMe page. “She has smiled and made jokes, continuing to amaze the doctors, nurses and everyone that surrounds her.”

On the evening of Nov. 22, Rowghan lost her father Jonathan MacDonnell, mother Stefphanie Hart and brother 18-year-old Riddick Hart (also known as the MacHarts) to a head-on crash with a pickup truck. The truck driver was identified as Jason Schmidt of Hastings who also died as a result of the accident.

Rowghan was airlifted to SickKids hospital after the accident as the only survivor. After her third stomach surgery, doctors fear she may never be able to talk again according to a GoFundMe update.

The GoFundMe was originally created to costs and care for Rowghan. The $10,000 was shattered and over $87,000 was raised. A funeral for the three lost family members has been postponed until Rowghan is well enough to attend.

“We are sorry that we have to delay the services for Stefphanie, Jon and Riddick into the new year,” said Tanya. “However, it is so important that Rowghan be healthy and stable enough to be in attendance, in order to continue to process and grieve her beloved family.”

A second GoFundMe was created on Nov. 23 by Kathryn Wilson to help cover Rowghan’s grandparents’ expenses while they are in Toronto with her. The GoFundMe is paying for the hotel, food costs and planning of three funerals. Roughly just under $9,000 has been raised of the $10,000 goal.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

/ /

David Tuan Bui


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

/

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.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

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

/

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

/

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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

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

/

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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

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

/

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.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

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

/

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. 

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

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

/

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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.