Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign Raises Over $33,000 For Kawartha Food Share

The Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign raised $33,645.48 for Kawartha Food Share (KFS) in a cheque presentation at the latter’s facility on Tuesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The campaign ran from Nov. 13 to 19, when KFS was announced as the fundraiser recipient in early November.

“In the past, we have donated at Christmas to Kawartha Food Share,” said Erika Rowe-Gallagher, Tim Hortons owner and operator. “It becomes a little more special and a little more meaningful at Christmas when we think of family.”

The proceeds were split 50/50 between the Tim Hortons Foundation Camps for youth aged 12-16 with disadvantaged circumstances. The other half was for KFS to help them fill their food bank.

“Hopefully this will stretch us a couple months into the new year. We're busy right now filling up our Christmas orders and getting things out before the year's end,” said Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager. “Come January, the need is just as high so this will help us ensure that we can purchase food items for that time of year as well.”

The money came in time to help meet KFS's increasing demand over the holiday season.

“In the last couple of years, we have our numbers have significantly risen,” said Aitken. “Pre-pandemic, we were feeding anywhere from 7,500 to 9,000 people a month. Now we're feeding close to 12,000 people a month at food banks. Sometimes that number increased as high as 15,000.”

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Peterborough Petes Aim For $1 Million Goal of Overall Funds Raised For Cancer With 15th Annual Pink In the Rink Campaign

The Peterborough Petes aim to hit a milestone of $1 million raised overall for its 15th annual Pink in the Rink game, announced at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The game is being held on Feb. 3 against the Niagara IceDogs.

The team has raised $954,136 over the past 14 years. The team’s fundraising goal is $50,000 to cross the $1 million mark in Pink in the Rink’s history. 

The proceeds will benefit the Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope program this year. It aids those with cancer to get rides to their treatments from volunteer drivers. For those who need to travel independently, it aids in travel costs for safe and reliable transportation.

“The Peterborough Petes players and coaches are extremely excited to participate in the Pink in the Rink campaign this year as ambassadors and help get closer to the one million dollar fundraising mark,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “Wheels of Hope is a fantastic program and we are very pleased to support this great cause.”

This year, all Petes players and coaches will act as ambassadors for the campaign. Family, friends, and fans can donate on behalf of a particular player or coach by going online and choosing their name from the dropdown menu on the CCS fundraising website. 

“Our Pink in the Rink game is always one of our biggest and most popular games of the year and I think it’s a huge honour and opportunity for the players and the team to be leading the initiative of raising money and awareness for this cause,” said Donovan McCoy, Petes captain.

Official game-worn jerseys will include the names of fans and community members featured in the custom jersey design. Fans can purchase names for just $20 each to be placed on the jersey by contacting the Petes Office at (705) 743-3681 ext. 201, by email or online.

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23rd Annual Loonies on the Street Fundraiser Hits Downtown Peterborough For Kawartha Food Share on Dec. 15

The 23rd Loonies on the Street Fundraiser in support of Kawartha Food Shareis hitting Downtown Peterborough on the corner of George St, and Simcoe St.on Dec. 15 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Kawartha Food Share Helps feed more than 12,000 people a month – 35 per cent of whom are children – KFS also provides nutritious snacks for 51 area school breakfast programs helping over 17,000 children get a healthy start to their school day. Photo courtesy of Kawartha Food Share.

Their bucket brigade is collecting loose change on George Street while members of the Peterborough Lions Club are collecting on the Hunter Street Bridge. Online donations are also being accepted.

Kawartha Food Share is a central collection and distribution warehouse that partners with 37-member agency food banks, food cupboards and other food action programs in the City and County of Peterborough.

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The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign Kicks Off For Nov. 16

The Salvation Army Christmas Kettles will kick off on Nov. 16th at 11 a.m. at Lansdowne Place near the food court, accepting donations to redistribute throughout the community.

Photo courtesy of the Salvation Army Peterborough Temple.

Mayor Jeff Leal is helping kick off the campaign’s first day as a City of Peterborough representative.

This year, a goal of $110,000 was set, up from $100,000 met last year.

The Salvation Army in Peterborough strives to help those in Peterborough and the surrounding area who need it the most. They do that through their Food Bank, Breakfast Program, Christmas food assistance, the Christmas Toy Shop, and various other programs.

The Salvation Army is also needing volunteers for this year’s campaign. There are roughly five shifts per kettle daily. Some days may require up to 30 volunteers, according to a press release.

Any interested volunteers can contact Brian Lee, volunteer coordinator at 705-742-4391 Ext. 225 or by email at Peterborough.Christmas@salvationarmy.ca.

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Kawartha Food Share Named Recipient of Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign

Tim Hortons famed Holiday Smile Cookies have given Kawartha Food Share (KFS) a big reason to be happy as the latter is the recipient of this year’s campaign running from Nov. 13 to 19, announced on Monday.

The Smile Cookie campaign began in 1996 as a way to help raise funds for the Hamilton Children’s Hospital in Ontario, and has grown to become a major fundraising event at Tim Hortons Restaurants. Photo courtesy of KFS.

The announcement was made by KFS on social media posted Monday morning.

Purchasing a Holiday Smile Cookie during the designated week will have half the proceeds benefit KFS while the other half goes to Tim Horton’s Foundation Camps.

Cookies purchased at Tim Hortons in Peterborough, Lakefield, Curve Lake, Havelock and Bridgenorth will contribute to KFS.

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United Way Peterborough's 2023 Community Campaign Reaches 45 Per Cent of $1.45 Million Fundraising Goal

United Way Peterborough & District has reached 45 per cent of its $1.45 million 2023 Community Campaign goal in an update announcement at the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board on Wednesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The amount represents a 10 per cent increase over the success of United Way’s community fundraising effort last year according to Jim Russell, United way CEO.

“‘Together we can...’ the theme of this year’s campaign is illustrated through the numbers in this update to the community - it has been a fun and busy fall - 73 per cent of our workplace campaigns are in full swing, have been completed or are scheduled to begin in the next week or so,” he said.

Several fundraising efforts have been made since the launch on Sept. 6 including a Fear Factor Competition, a mini bicycle “fondo” race, a skating party, a ‘Seeing is Believing’ Tour, a wellness fair and barbeques.

“With approximately 40 per cent of Community Campaign revenue coming directly from workplace Campaigns, we are grateful for the many dedicated employees who go above and beyond to organize and execute their workplace campaigns, bringing their teams together having fun and raising much needed funds for our community.”  said Russell “Based on workplace campaign projections and individual gifts received, so far we are 45 per cent or $652,5000 towards our 2023 Campaign Goal of $1.45 million.”

The United Way’s cabinet — selected in late August — contributed more than $40,000 to the campaign.

“Our 2023 Campaign Cabinet is a dedicated group of 22 people who have been working tirelessly as ambassadors and leaders in our community,” said Jim Hendry, campaign cabinet chair. “Our Cabinet members are volunteers and they also support the campaign financially,”

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Photos: Seasons On Ravenwood Deploying Pirate Ghost Ship For One More Halloween After Receiving Multiple Complaints

The Seasons on Ravenwood’s famed ghost pirate ship is making one more appearance this Halloween for trick-or-treaters to explore the front-yard exhibit before being permanently retired due to anonymous complaints.

Jenn and Braden Glasbergen entertaining a first-time Halloweener during the ghost pirate ship's last year. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The closure was announced by Jenn and Braden Glasbergen, who run Seasons on Ravenwood.

The couple put out four extravagant seasonal displays a year which include a dinosaur park, Easter, Halloween and Christmas display on their front lawn on 1723 Ravenwood Dr.

The decision to retire the pirate ship came after the Glasbergens received numerous threats and warnings of legal action for the displays allegedly being a safety hazard.

“We've decided that given some of the comments that we received, it's time to move on from the pirate ship,” explained Braden.

While the couple has received overwhelming support for the good the displays have done, the Glasbergens refuse to deal with the negativity affiliated with the display.

“We know that there's not a lot of teeth to it but it's just aggravation that nobody wants to deal so we're decided that the time is appropriate for us to hang it up for the pirate ship,” said Braden.

According to Glasbergens, they received messages claiming their decorations cause traffic hazards since they are a distraction and could result in vehicular accidents.

“We've done all we could with it as safe as possible when people come to visit it but a lot of comments we've been receiving is people on the way to the pirate ship, there are concerns around the traffic on Ravenwood and people might be getting hit,” said Braden.

Signs and flags — including a 15-footer visible from Parkhill Road — have been posted to help notify traffic to slow down. Posters are also plastered throughout the display to ensure safety when visitors are touring through the exhibit.

One of the many safety and rules signs posted throughout the property. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Initially, they decided not to put the pirate ship on display after complaints back in June. Overwhelming support persuaded the family to put up the pirate ship again in a Facebook post in late August. It also gave the community one last chance to take photos, videos and create memories with the ship before it gets permanently sidelined.

“There's been such an outpouring of support for the ship and the community loves it. The people who do love it, love it a lot,” said Braden. “We've talked to our town councillor Matt Crowley, who's been fielding a lot of calls in support of the pirate ship and he's brought those positive reinforcements forward and the neighbours have a great time with it.”

The public is invited to visit the pirate ship until it gets taken down during the first week of November. The family continues collecting food or monetary donations to support St. Vincent de Paul, which they have been doing since running Seasons on Ravenwood four years ago while the ship is on display.

After the ship has run its course, it will change ownership as the Glasbergens have sold it to an out-of-town buyer.

Jenn and Braden say they have loved and appreciated the community’s support over the years and will not forget the positivity given to them over the last four years.

“It's overwhelming, the positive support that we get,” said Braden. The fact that we've reached that many people, that we've touched that many people just because we wanted to put up some seasonal displays and have a little bit of fun. It's been a great outpouring that way.”

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'Porch Pirates For Good' Food Drive Plundering Peterborough For Kawartha Food Share

Kawartha Food Share (KFS) is plundering Peterborough again as they are doing their “Porch Pirates For Good” food drive to restock their empty shelves this Saturday.

Since the inception of the pandemic, our porch food drives have brought in over 120,000 pounds of food and over $12,000 in monetary donations. Each month, KFS serves more than 4,500 children under the age of 18. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Households are asked to leave a bag of non-perishable food items on their front porch for the Porch Pirates to collect starting at 9 a.m.

The number of clients using food banks has reached an all-time high throughout the nation, according to KFS. They continue to state that the rising cost of food and supply chain shortages have affected their clients, donors and purchasing power.

The following is a list of items requested for donation from KFS:

• Peanut Butter

• Canned tuna

• Canned fruit

• Individually wrapped school snacks – very helpful

• Pasta and pasta sauce

• Alpha-getti, Kraft Dinner and Chef Boyardee

• Breakfast cereal

• Gluten-free items – like pasta, cookies, oats etc.

• Canned vegetables

• Canned soup/stew

• Feminine hygiene products

• Diapers

• Toiletries

• Monetary Donations (can be made online or during item collection)

For every $1 donated, $3 worth of food can be purchased, according to KFS. Volunteers can collect cheques or cash during their pickups on October 28th.

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PTBOCanada's #PetLovePTBO Campaign Raises $4,000 For the Peterborough Animal Care Centre

After community support from PTBOCanada’s #PetLovePTBO campaign, $4,000 was raised and donated to the Peterborough Animal Care Centre in a cheque presentation at the facility on Friday morning.

(From left to right) Shawn Morey, PHS executive director; Si Grobler, donor relations manager, Hermione and Kirtus Evoy, PTBOCanada owner. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“It's community helping community,” said Shawn Morey, Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) executive director. “It's all about us working with our local community to continue the spread of wellness from an animal perspective so it's greatly appreciated all the way through.”

The campaign started in November last year, where toques (men's and women’s) and dog toys were sold to raise funds. This was two months before the PHC moved into the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC).

men’s/women’s toques and dog chew toys were sold as part of the #PetLovePTBO campaign. Photo by Jordan Cooper.

To date, the PACC has received $10 million in donations. Most of them were from the community and $1,560,500 from the provincial government in April. The Centre is still seeking another three million to help fund community programs, services and enhanced animal care.

“We'll have the ability to expand outwards, doing more outreach, more community service support, provide better opportunities from a care-enhancement perspective that we want to do for animals within our care,” explain Morey. 

The PACC’s grand opening occurred in late June and they immediately felt the impact of the community’s needs since relocated to Technology Drive. The shelter has a surplus of dogs available for adoption and is a crisis for PACC as they are seeking homes for them.

“With the number of animals we're getting calls for surrenders and strays coming into our care, our demand for services has grown by over 105 per cent since the second we walked in here,” said Morey. “It's timely, we need this building to provide these services, provide the care and wellness that we were able to do so but we are in a bit of a crisis mode.”

There are 42 dogs available for adoption but the PACC has a capacity for 36. They are currently not accepting surrenders but will still take in strays. Dog adoptions are by appointment only and can call 705-745-4722 x 201 to set one up.

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Scotiabank Cycling Through Its Annual Ride-A-Thon to Raise Money For Diabetes Research

Scotiabank is biking its way to helping type-1 diabetes research get one step closer to a cure with their annual Ride-A-Thon inside their Hunter Street branch on Friday.

Youth ambassador and TASSS student Tilly Stimpson, 15, leads off on the bike as one of 16 cyclists participating in the ride-a-thon. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Sixteen cyclists hopped on an exercise bike in 30-minute intervals throughout the day during the SunLife Ride to Defeat Diabetes event. The branch collected donations to help fund the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

The goal is $2,500 and Scotiabank will match the amount raised at the end of the day. The branch has participated in this event annually for roughly the last 10 years, said John D’Altoe, Scotiabank branch manager.

“There are a lot of employees that are impacted by type-1 diabetes and we wanted to make sure that we're showing our support,” he said.

Branch teller Donna Giles was the third person to ride the bike and the first of the Scotiabank employees. She says this event means a lot since her family has been heavily affected by diabetes.

“My son was diagnosed at the age of 11 and I just became type-1 as well in April so it's close to my heart,” explained Giles.

Scotiabank is the leading organization to raise money for JDRF at $296,640, with the National Bank of Canada as the next-best with $183,050.

“Knowing the people who are impacted is an important part of it and it's one of those silent diseases that a lot of people don't know a lot about so again, if we can do our part, we will,” said D’Altoe.

Donations can be made at the branch or online. $1,100 of the $2,500 goal was raised during this article’s publication.

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