James Strath Students Raise Over $4,500 for Habitat for Humanity

James Strath Public School’s student-run character council raised $4,520.65 for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region through their basket raffle fundraiser.

Photo courtesy of Krista McNamara.

James Strath’s character council is made up of 46 students Grades 6 to 8 whose goal is to better their school community with fundraising and goal-setting initiatives.

These students chose Habitat for Humanity as a charity partner, then planned and executed fundraiser.

“I actually didn’t know about the fundraiser until about a week before they announced it,” says Habitat for Humanity communications and donor services manager Jenn MacDonald. “We’re appreciative of any support, but I was blown away by how much they were able to raise.”

The students more than doubled their $2,000 fundraising goal, raising just over $4,500 through themed basket raffles.

James Strath teacher Mr. Wade gets his head shaved by henry’s barber shop in front of the school to celebrate surpassing the fundraising goal. Photo courtesy of Krista McNamara.

MacDonald says the funds raised will go towards Habitat build projects, such as the 12-unit affordable condo building at Leahy’s Lane.

“We’re really happy to say that any financial donations that come to (Habitat) go 100 per cent to the construction of our affordable housing. I’m excited to follow up with the kids and show them through the build process what their support has done for the community,” MacDonald says.

Character council has organized a number of different fundraising efforts throughout the school year, including a food drive for Kawartha Food Share and making blankets through Cuddles For Cancer for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

“We thought since we raised money for food, which is a need in our community, and made blankets which provided community members with warmth, that the next need would be shelter,” said James Strath teacher Krista McNamara. “Habitat is one of those organizations that always puts the community first and as schools are the hub of our community, we really need to blend together and support each other.”

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Peterborough Lakers Auctioning Mann Cup Jerseys For Kawartha Food Share and Parkinson's Society

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers are auctioning off their 2022 Mann Cup championship jerseys with proceeds being donated to Kawartha Food Share and the Parkinson’s Society announced on Wednesday night.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers.

The auction is being hosted online beginning on Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. and closing on Feb. 8 at 7 p.m.

It currently has 18 lots up for bid including jerseys from Robert Hope, Shawn Evans, Joe Resetarits, Thomas Hoggarth and more.

The Lakers beat the Langley Thunder in seven games to win their fourth-straight Mann Cup.

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Winterfest 2023 Fundraiser In Support of Five Counties

Join Five Counties Children’s Centre for family-friendly, in-person and virtual fun during their Winterfest 2023 fundraiser.

Five Counties Children’s Centre staff members Linsey Kampf, Lyn Giles and Lisa Graham are ready to hop aboard Winterfest. Photo courtesy of Five Counties.

Winterfest 2023 is set to include virtual and in-person activities which will offer lots for families to do as the event transitions back to ‘normal’ since the pandemic. In-person events will happen on the Family Day weekend at malls in Peterborough and Lindsay, ending with a Peterborough Petes’ home game on Family Day Monday. There will also be an online auction, a variety of fun, family-friendly events and a ‘thank you card’ contest for kids starting Feb. 1.

In 2022, Winterfest raised nearly $20,000 to support the programs and services provided by Five Counties to more than 6,000 children and their families in Peterborough City-County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County and Haliburton County.

“If you suffer from the winter blahs, Winterfest 2023 is a great way to celebrate the season with fun, in-person and virtual activities for the entire family,” says CEO of Five Counties Children’s Centre Scott Pepin. “Taking part in Winterfest also helps support the life- changing work provided by Five Counties to help kids with physical, communication and development needs in our communities.”

Winterfest 2023 festivities include:

• Feb. 1 to Feb. 28 – Winterfest kicks off with the first-ever ‘Thank You Card Contest’ for Kids. Show appreciation to Five Counties supporters by writing words, creating a drawing or colouring a picture that says ‘thank you.’ Kids can enter to win prizes, and one child’s artwork will be selected and featured on Five Counties thank you cards. Find contest rules and colouring sheet samples on the Five Counties website.

• Feb. 16 to Feb. 21 – Check out the many Winterfest Virtual Events available, including a workout with the Peterborough Petes, winter scavenger hunt, story times, baking demo, snow creature contest and magic show.

• Feb. 16 to Feb. 21 – Winterfest’s Online Auction featuring a selection of hand-made quilts, artisanal wood items, gift cards, kids’ toys and more. Register online to join the bidding. 

• Feb. 18 – In-person, family-friendly fun Winterfest activities at Lansdowne Place mall (645 Lansdowne St. W) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Feb. 19 – Winterfest festivities coming to Lindsay Square Mall (401 Kent St. W) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Feb. 20 –  Cheer on the Peterborough Petes as they host the Sudbury Wolves. Take part in a raffle and have a chance to win prizes, all while supporting Five Counties.

Canadian Tire stores in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg, Campbellford and Fenelon Falls return as Winterfest’s lead sponsor in 2023.

“Winterfest is a great way to embrace the season, while supporting the valuable work being done by Five Counties,” says Canadian Tire Peterborough South owner Ralph Moulton. “We’re proud and pleased to again be able to assist a great community event and organization.”

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Local Shoppers Drug Mart Campaign Raises Over $10,000 For YWCA Crossroads Shelter

Donations to the 2022 LOVE YOU Giving Shelter campaign by Shoppers Drug Mart raised $10,638 in support of the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton for women experiencing gender-based violence announced Wednesday.

file photo.

“We’re thrilled with the success of the LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart fall fundraising program to grow women’s health and would like to thank everyone who participated. Each year, our customers and staff demonstrate their generosity and their commitment to supporting women in our community, and we couldn’t be more proud of everyone’s contributions,” said Shoppers Drug Mart owner (High St., Chemong Road and Lansdowne St. locations) Mohan Joshi. “YWCA Peterborough Haliburton plays a critical role in our area, and the proceeds from this year’s campaign will go a long way to helping them support women who are fleeing abuse.”

This annual campaign is national in scope, yet locally based, with customers and employees donating directly to women’s shelters in the community to ensure that resources and programming are available to meet the needs of women across the country.

“Your generosity fuels YWCA intervention programs that make it possible for women and children to safely escape violence and rebuild their lives. Thank you for helping to ensure that strong, reliable support continues to be available in our community,” said YWCA executive director Kim Dolan.

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CMHA Hosting Eight-Hour Relay For Mental Health and Supporting Housing Program On Jan. 22

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) is hosting an eight-hour Ski Relay for mental health on Jan. 22 at the Kawartha Nordic Ski Club from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Kawartha Nordic Ski Club

The relay is in collaboration with Wild Rock Outfitters and Peterborough Kawartha Nordic Ski Club with the opening ceremonies prior to the relay.

Proceeds go towards CMHA HKPR’s Garden Homes Project through the Supportive Housing program. The project supports vulnerable individuals who are at risk of homelessness in the Peterborough area by providing affordable, small homes. Small, custom-built housing for individuals or small families within Peterborough.

“Much of our community has been challenged with access to affordable housing. Through the support of this fundraiser, we hope to develop creative solutions to a highly complex issue in our region,” says Mark Graham, CEO.  “With low vacancy rates and many people facing homelessness, this initiative is needed now more than ever.”

“As a worker in Peterborough’s downtown, I walk from my home in East City on my commute to work and have seen the struggles of people experiencing homelessness. The Garden Homes Project will be a step forward in addressing the housing crisis in the area,” said John Hauser, ski relay organizer.  “The relay seemed to be a great way to bring community together to raise funds for this much needed cause.”

The event includes food, music and games. You can register as an individual or as a team; or donate to the cause online. For more information contact event organizer John Hauser at johnh@wildrock.net.

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‘A Hand Up’ Free Concert at Junction in Support of Community Organizations

A free concert in support of various community organizations to be put on at the Junction Nightclub on Jan. 22.

photo courtesy of DreamTeam Concerts.

DreamTeam Concerts, in partnership with Kawartha Food Share and United Way Peterborough & District (with support from the Peterborough Police Deputy Chief Tim Farquharson) have launched the emergency fundraiser to raise funds for both the United Way and Kawartha Food Share.

These organizations were chosen because of their integral community support through the unprecedented challenges the community may face around homelessness, poverty, mental health and addictions. These organizations supply many other local charities and programs with resources to be able to help the community as well. 

The lineup includes the musical talents of Ty Wilson, Jesse Slack, SJ Riley, Baz Littlerock and Tyson Briden, High Waters and Bowie Lives Unplugged.

A silent auction will be available with many items donated from local Peterborough businesses.

There will be opportunities to donate in many ways at this event, though DreamTeam says those who are unable to make it can donate through the GoFundMe page.

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GoFundMe Created To Help Young Girl Diagnosed With B-Cell Leukemia Days After Fourth Birthday

It may not be the best present for four-year-old Ellie Bell as she was diagnosed with B-Cell leukemia shortly after her fourth birthday but a GoFundMe was set up to aid the family.

Bell after meeting Santa Clause at Lansdowne Place Mall while she got her face painted. Photo courtesy of Natalie Campbell.

Bell received the diagnosis four days after her fourth birthday (Dec. 12). She was release from the hospital after spending 10 days according to a Facebook post from her mother.

It began as what the family thought was a high fever and Bell was taken to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. She was eventually taken to SickKids Hospital on the same day for several tests including blood work, x-rays and ultrasounds.

The second day, Bell had to be put on a feeding tube while already on five days with no food or fluids according to the GoFundMe page. It was revealed that she respiratory syncytial virus, urinary tract infection and rhinovirus resulting in a a prescription of heavy antibiotics and receiving a blood transfusion (which gradually helped her condition).

On Bell’s 10th and final day at the hospital — which was her birthday — she received a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy because her cell line numbers were still low as stated in the GoFundMe. She was released from the hospital that day. During that time, Bell’s mother had openly asked friends and family to send videos wishing her a happy birthday.

Bell was readmitted on Thursday for a lumbar puncture and her first round of chemotherapy. I was administrated directly into her spine to prevent the cells from travelling to her spinal fluid and brain. A second round of chemotherapy on the same day.

On Friday, Bell will ‘receive a port line inserted in her chest to prevent two years worth of needle pokes’ according to Natalie Campbell, Bell’s great aunt.

Bell began junior kindergarten however her treatment will take roughly two to three years and is unable to return to class until the following school year. The parents have taken time off work to care for her during the recovery process.

“Our top priority is making sure Ellie has the love and support she needs to stay strong, as well as getting more answers in the coming weeks to further determine her prognosis,” said Campbell.

The GoFundMe was created by Campbell on Thursday that has already seen short of $5,000 of the $10,000 goal.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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