Fundraisers Dive Into the Action at 37th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim

Big splashes were made that the 37th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim as 19 teams hit the pool lanes to raise a goal of $50,000 for rotary projects at the YMCA Central East on Friday morning.

Renee Oake (left) with her son Oscar Weinstein (right) after swimming 150 laps in the lane pool. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This event has fundraised over $1.32 million for Easter Seals and Rotary Projects in the area.

The funds raised will go towards rotary projects such as Easter Seals, Camp Merrywood, equipment for Easter Seals families for home renovation, Camp Kawartha, Breakfast for Kids program, The Rotary Trail and supporting a residential treatment facility. 

Carl Oake started this event 37 years ago. He says he was inspired by the work the Easter Seals did because of his relatives. His mother’s twin sister contracted polio in the 1950s while a cousin of his was born with spina bifida - both physically debilitating diseases.

Vanessa Oake Hogan, event organizer took over running the event her father started and was satisfied that the event has had so much community support over the years.

“I'm very proud that he started it and very proud to have the opportunity to carry it on,” she said. “It's a lot of work but with Rotary's help, we seemed to be able to keep it going so there's a lot of pride.”

The Carl Oake Rotary Swim fundraising page still remains open for donations. A final tally is being made at a later date.

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Roads Reopened After Incident at SGS Canada Inc.; One Person In Hospital Precautiously

After an industrial accident at SGS Canada Inc. in Lakefield on Thursday morning that resulted in temporary area closures with one hospitalized as a precautionary measure, roads have been reopened as reported by the Peterborough Police Service.

Photo courtesy of SGS.

Police were asking anyone to avoid the area of Concession Street, County Road 33, Water Street and Oxford Street in Lakefield for several hours. Motorists were being diverted at Block Road and County Road 28, at River Road and at Nicholls Street in Lakefield.

Hazardous materials technicians were at the site to manage response which is localized to the SGS site according to a press release.

The area has been blocked off as a precaution. Emergency services were called from reports of a concerning smell.

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Registration For Peterborough's 22nd Dragon Boat Festival Opens This Wednesday

It’s paddles up for Little Lake as registration for the 22nd Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival opens this Wednesday at midnight.

To date, the festival has raised over 3.9 million dollars. File Photo.

This year’s event takes place on June 10 at Del Crary Park and features Dragon Boat Races, artisan and food vendors, Family Fun Zone, a beer garden and more according to a press release.

“I am thrilled to once again work with an amazing group of volunteers,” said Michelle Thornton, festival chair. “We continue to work hard to fulfill our motto of ‘Making a Difference One Race at a Time’ by raising money to help fund world-class breast and other cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).

Proceeds of the 2023 Festival go towards PRHC to invest in cancer care equipment and technology. Examples include minimally-invasive surgical tools and a second cutting-edge MRI machine.

“We’ve always focussed on breast cancer awareness and raising funds for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s (PRHC),” said Ann Stabler, Dragon Boat team president. “We know firsthand the importance of PRHC’s continuing mission to bring the best cancer care the world has to offer, right here to our hospital. With community support, the hospital will be able to serve more patients, support earlier cancer diagnosis, and ensure safer, more effective treatment, close to home.”

Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO says she’s grateful to everyone who helped the Festival thrive over the years.

“Cancer volumes are on the rise and the number of patients from Peterborough and the surrounding area who receive treatment at PRHC has grown significantly,” she said. “PRHC’s ability to provide expert, compassionate cancer treatment depends on having state-of-the-art equipment and technology.”

The first three teams to register earn a free extra practice in a dragon boat on Little Lake.

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Hometown PTBO: Vanessa Oake Hogan On the Origins of the Carl Oake Rotary Swim and the Upcoming 37th Edition on March 3

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Vanessa Oake Hogan of Century 21 United Realty about how the Carl Oake Rotary Swim got started and getting prepped for the 37th annual swim on March 3.

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Peterborough’s Got Talent Event in Support of Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

Kawartha Home and Health Care Services announces Peterborough’s Got Talent event in support of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada on April 21.

photo courtesy of Kawartha Home and Health Care Services.

The talent competition begins at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. at the Erben Bar and Eatery (379 George Street N). Tiffany Arcari will be the local guest emcee alongside a panel of three judges from the community.

The talent competition is divided into two categories; a youth competition for contestants 18 and younger, and the adult competition for participants 19 and older.

Participants will have an approximately 15 minutes to showcase their talent. Musicians, performers, comedians and local talented individuals are all invited to join the competition and create an amazing community event supporting MS Canada. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finalists in the youth and adult categories.

Patti Clancy, owner of Kawartha Home & Health Care Services discusses the inspiration for the event, “Our organization is always searching for ways we can better enrich the community that we’re a part of, and we are looking forward to working more closely with MS Canada on this new and exciting event. Drawing more attention to a wonderful cause and very much hoping we can make Peterborough’s Got Talent an annual celebration.”

Kawartha Home & Health Care Services is requesting the door cover be a monetary donation or “pay what you can”, and the event will include a 50/50 draw and door prizes with all proceeds going to support the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.

Kawartha Home & Health Care Services is currently seeking applicants for the talent showcase in both the youth and adult categories. Registration forms can be requested online or by contacting the Kawartha Home & Health Care Services office by phone or in person at 320 Water St., Unit #72 between office hours (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

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The Peterborough Butterfly Run Returns To a Live In-Person Race For It’s 7 Year Anniversary

The Peterborough Butterfly Run is returning to an in-person run for the first time in four years at Millennium Park on April 30.

photo courtesy of the peterborough butterfly run.

GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation, in partnership with the Peterborough Butterfly Run executive committee and the Partners In Pregnancy Clinic (PiPC) are bringing back the annual 5 kilometre run/walk with the same route as previous years. Registration will open at 9 a.m., the 1K Memorial Walk and 1K Kids Fun Run at 10 a.m., opening ceremonies at 10:30 a.m., and the 5K chip timed run/walk starting by 11 a.m.

The Memorial Walk is free, with 1 kilometre Kids Fun Run registration costing $5 and the 5K run is $45. This includes a race shirt, medal and various other items in the race kit.

The 2023 Peterborough Butterfly Run Executive Committee includes Kelly Ross, Jennie Vanier, Alessandra Friesen, Kori Mahon and Ashley Hickson and the event is also supported by a number of other dedicated volunteers.

Mike Dalliday will be speaking at the run, sharing his story with participants.

“The Butterfly Run has always been very special to my wife Jess and I. Even before our own battle, we had many friends and family members who had been affected by infertility, miscarriage and infant loss and the event felt like a way we could connect with and support those families,” said Dalliday. “In 2016 after we were married, we began our own infertility journey. But after almost 2 years of tests, appointments, 2 surgeries, close monitoring, and medications we were miraculously able to conceive our now 4-year-old daughter Rachel.”

“We were lucky enough to conceive our second child in 2020. However, after a rare complication of childbirth, both Jess and our newborn daughter Angeline tragically passed away in April of 2021. Through that experience and beyond, the Butterfly Run and the support and services it makes possible have been an integral part of our grief and healing journey. My family and I will be forever grateful for the Butterfly Run and the community of support it has brought into our lives when we needed it most,” Dalliday continued.

Funds raised at the event have been used to provide ongoing specialized education in Perinatal Bereavement Care to healthcare providers across Peterborough City and County, establish more than 10 lending libraries for individuals and their families located across Peterborough City and County, as well as the development of bereavement kits for families and individuals who experience early and later pregnancy loss and infant loss.

Since 2018, more than 500 bereavement kits have been provided to families and individuals by health care providers. Money raised at the race is also invested back into the race day itself as keeping costs affordable for participants, continuing to offer the free 1 kilometre Memorial Walk/Run, providing memorial bibs to all runners to write a personalized name or message and the display of memorial banners are all important aspects to creating the sense of community that the Peterborough Butterfly Run has become known for.

“GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation has been involved in the Peterborough Butterfly Run from its inception in 2017. We are excited to take a more lead role in organizing the event this year, under the watchful guidance of the Butterfly Run race committee” said Vince Bierworth, executive director for the GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation. “It’s great to be able to return to a live event this year as the last time we had a live event was in 2019. However, for those unable to attend on April 30th, or don’t feel comfortable doing so, we are also offering a virtual run option to build upon the success of the past two virtual runs and be as inclusive as possible.”

Registration is available online or in-person at Runner’s Life 174 Charlotte St., Peterborough.

Those who would like to find out more about sponsorship opportunities can email Vince@GPHSF.ca or PTBOButterflyRun@gmail.com.

For those who are unable to join on April 30, but would still like to support, a virtual option is also available. 

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'Peterborough Performs III' Hitting Showplace Fundraising For United Way's Homeless Initiatives

Fifteen acts encompassing 43 musicians are taking the stage at Showplace Performance Centre for United Way’s ‘Peterborough Performs III: Musicians Against Homelessness’ to fundraise for homelessness initiatives announced on Thursday.

Jacques Graveline (pictured) has performed in the past two ‘Peterborough Performs’ and is playing again for a third consequtive year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The one-night event takes place on March 2 at Showplace (290 George St. N.) at 7 p.m. with tickets for $50. There are roughly 600 tickets available for the event.

“A $50 ticket breaks down to just a little more than $3 per performance,” said Paul Rellinger, event organizer. “You can't beat that, no way no how. Being general admission, ticket holders can wander Showplace as they please, taking in the main stage acts or hanging out in the more intimate Nexicom Studio or, ideally, do a combination of both.”

All acts for the third edition of the concert are local artists with several new and returning performers taking the stage. The 15 acts are performed on two stages simultaneously. Jordan Mercier is returning as this year’s emcee.

The following are the acts performing at this year’s concert:

  • The Weber Brothers Band

  • Michaela Hetherington

  • Jacques Graveline

  • The Peterborough All-Star Band (featuring Rick and Gailie Young)

  • Nicholas Campbell and the Two-Metre Cheaters

  • Nick Ferrio and Evangeline Gentle

  • Groove Authority

  • Tom Eastland

  • Wylie Harold

  • Jericho’s Wall (featuring Charlotte Melby)

  • The Receivers (Irish Millie, Fern and Willow Marwood)

  • Phil Stephenson and Glen Caradus

  • Benj Rowland

  • The Hippie Chicks

  • Chris Collins

An online auction with over 45 items valued at over $10,000 is being run, starting on Feb. 16 at 5 p.m. and closing on March 2. All lots have been donated by local businesses and organizations according to Mabby Mwanangonze, United Way donor engagement officer.

A link on United Way’s website will be available to view the auction once it is active. Bidders do not have to be present at the event in order to claim their won auction lots.

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Wolfe Lawyers Free Holiday Parking Program Raises Over $13,000 for Kawartha Food Share

Wolfe Lawyers raised $13,851.95 for Kawartha Food Share (KFS) through their Free Holiday Parking Program that ran from Nov. 25 to Dec. 31 in a cheque presentation on Wednesday.

Kawartha Food Share currently assists more than 9,000 people every month through its 36 member agencies. It supports four meal programs, seven city food banks, six housing projects, seven county food banks and over 20 food cupboards across the City and County of Peterborough.  Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Residents were able to park in all downtown municipal parking spaces including on-street parking, municipal parking lots, the King Street Parking Garage and the Simcoe Street Parking Garage. Any paid parking fees at pay-and-display machines, parking meters or via the HotSpot App during the free two-hour period were donated to KFS.

“We are so thankful for the continued support of the City of Peterborough and the local shoppers for donating to Kawartha Food Share each and every December,” said Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager. “This year, more than ever before, we needed this donation to help us restock our shelves.”

The program encouraged residents to do their holiday shopping locally and to help raise money to support KFS.

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Wild Rock Outfitters and Kawartha Nordic Ski-Relay Raises Over $16,000 For CMHA HKPR’s Garden Homes Project

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) announces that the Ski-Relay hosted by Wild Rock Outfitters, Kawartha Nordic and Ashburnham Ale House has raised $16,800 for CMHA HKPR’s Garden Homes Project.

photo courtesy of cmha hkpr.

The Ski-Relay, which took place on Jan. 22 at Kawartha Nordic Ski Club, included 11 teams and 40 skiers and donors. The funds from the relay will go towards supporting CMHA HKPR’s Garden Homes Project through the Supportive Housing program. The Garden Homes project aims to support vulnerable individuals who are at risk of homelessness in the Peterborough area by providing affordable, small homes.

Through the project, CMHA HKPR will be creating small, custom-built housing for individuals or small families within Peterborough. This project is one of the first of its kind in the region and CMHA HKPR says they hope to pave the way for similar projects and more affordable housing in the future.

“The funds raised through the Ski-Relay will go a long way in helping us launch the Garden Homes Project,” says Mark Graham, chief executive officer at CMHA HKPR. “Thanks to this fundraiser, we have now reached our fundraising target and are able to purchase the first Garden Home.”

For more information on CMHA HKPR’s Garden Homes Project, check out the website.

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Pink in the Rink Game Brings in Record Crowd as Petes Raise Over $60,000 For Cancer Care

The Peterborough Petes welcomed the Oshawa Generals to the Peterborough Memorial Centre for the 14th annual Pink in the Rink game this past Saturday.

photo courtesy of the peterborough petes. photo by kenneth anderson photography.

Although the Generals would ultimately take the game with a final score of 7-5, the Petes had many successes that night, including drawing in an all-time record attendance of 3,912 hockey fans.

The large crowd also broke a Pete’s record for 50/50 draw prize total, awarding $9,360 to one lucky fan.

The Petes note that this year’s campaign raised a preliminary fundraising total of $62,600.

Five local hockey moms, Jennie Ireland, Dara Gosselin, Elke Rye, Karen Tarkington and Dana Thorn were named ambassadors for the 2023 Pink in the rink campaign. They joined Physician Ambassador Dr. Neera Jeyabalan and PRHC Foundation President and CEO Leslie Heighway on the ice before the game for a ceremony recognizing each of their cancer journeys.

This year’s Pink in the Rink Fundraising efforts were highlighted by amounts raised in several categories, including the Hockey Mom Ambassadors fundraising pages, a game-worn jersey auction, chuck-a-puck and t-shirt sales.

The highest single bid was $3,000 for Brennan Othmann’s jersey.

In Saturday’s game, Tommy Purdeller led the way for the Petes with two goals, while Jonathan Melee added a goal and two assists. Owen Beck had two assists, and J.R. Avon and Sam Mayer each had a goal. Brian Zanetti, Gavin White, Chase Stillman and Jax Dubois each had an assist in the loss.

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