Homelessness Benefit Concert Returns With 'Peterborough Performs IV' For United Way at Showplace On March 7

Sixteen acts are taking the stage at Showplace Performance Centre for United Way’s ‘Peterborough Performs IV: Musicians United to End Homelessness’ to fundraise for homelessness initiatives announced Thursday morning.

Musician Dan Hicks is one of 16 acts joining ‘Peterborough Performs IV."‘ Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The one-night event takes place on March 7 at Showplace (290 George St. N.) at 7 p.m. with tickets for $50.

The campaign is in its fourth year with the ultimate fundraising goal $1.45 million. The concert has raised over $84,000 to date, with 95 per cent of the proceeds going to local shelters according to Paul Rellinger, event organizer.

“We all feel homelessness is a big issue that we can't as individuals do anything about,” he said. “You can make a difference with this event.”

While the event averages over $28,000 annually in raised funds, Rellinger adds that no goal is set for this campaign's fourth edition.

“The first goal is to do better than the year before,” he said. “What I'm really excited about is the event is going to well pass $100,000 in money raised over four events and that's pretty good for something that was just an idea four years ago.”

Tiffany Arcari from ‘The Tiffany Show’ is the emcee for the event.

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

• The Weber Brothers Band

• Emily Burgess

• SJ Riley

• The Austin Carson Band

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

• The Cheryl Casselman Trio

• Irish Millie

• Tom Eastland

• Chris Collins

• Bread & Soul

• Phil Stephenson/Glen Cardus/Ron Kervin

• Jacques Graveline

• The Hippie Chicks

• Michaela Hetherington

• Dan Hick

• Tim Burnie (stand-up comedian)

An online auction with over 50 items runs until March 7 at 10 p.m. Local businesses, sponsors and organizations have donated all the lots for the auction.

Tickets to Peterborough Performs are available for purchase at the Showplace Box Office. The discount code ‘LoveLocal’ is available to purchase two tickets for $40 until next week Thursday.

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Trent University Crushes Fundraising Goal Raising Over $117,000 For United Way

Trent University's faculty, staff and retirees smashed their fundraising goal of $100,000, raising $117,847 for the United Way supporting those in need in Peterborough and Durham at a cheque presentation held at Bata Library on Thursday morning.

Trent's support and annual campaigns for the United Way date back to 1965 and have raised more than $2.7 million for the organization. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“The enthusiasm and generosity displayed by Team Trent have set a standard for what can be accomplished when we come together with a shared purpose,” said Marcus Harvey, United Way board chair and Trent University Faculty Association executive director. “Trent's annual campaign will make a tangible, positive impact on the United Way and the agencies and individuals they serve.”

The campaign launched in October with fundraising events such as the annual kick-off BBQ, a chili cook-off and white elephant tables.

“I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to Trent University for their unwavering dedication and generosit,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “Their remarkable efforts in raising funds epitomize the essence of community support, ensuring that the most vulnerable among us receive vital assistance. Thank you to the donors and campaign ambassadors at Trent University for your outstanding commitment to building a strong community. Together we can uplift lives and forge brighter futures.”

The funds will aid United Way in redistributing it to its community partners including its ‘Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy.’

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Wolfe Lawyers Two-Hour Free Holiday Parking Raises Over $12,000 For Kawartha Food Share

Downtown shopping has paid off in a big way as the Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers Two-Hour Free Holiday Parking raised $12,625.58 for Kawartha Food Share (KFS) at a cheque presentation at the latter’s facility on Wednesday afternoon.

(From left to right) Mayor Jeff Leal; Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager; Councillor Alex Bierk and Bill Wolfe, Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers. 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.

From Nov. 25 to Dec. 31, Wolfe Lawyers sponsored Downtown Peterborough's free parking. This includes all downtown municipal parking spaces such as on-street parking, municipal parking lots, the King Street Parking Garage and Simcoe Parking Garage.

Any optional parking fees paid through parking meters or the HotSpot App went towards KFS during that time.

“The Two-Hour Free Holiday parking promotion is a true win-win scenario that collects much-needed donations for the Kawartha Food Share while encouraging people to enjoy the shopping, dining and entertainment of downtown businesses,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

“We appreciate the support and generosity of shoppers and residents making voluntary donations during the holiday season,” said Bill Wolfe of Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers. “These funds, through the support of Kawartha Food Share, will help to put food on the tables for people.”

“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.”

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Publican House's 'Our Pet Pilsner' Raises Over $8,500 For Peterborough Humane Society's Animal Care Centre

Since its inception in early February of 2022, Publican House’s fundraiser beer ‘Our Pet Pilsner’ has raised over $8,500 for the Peterborough Humane Society and their Animal Care Centre.

Our Pet Pilsner is a 4.5 per cent German-style that won a gold medal at the 2023 Ontario Brewing Awards. pilsner Photo courtesy of Publican House Brewery.

The money was to aid the Humane Society’s move to their new $10 million Animal Care Centre on Technology Drive.

The beer originally raised $5,000 as of May last year. The downtown pub raised another $3,590 and donated the money in another cheque presentation last Friday.

The brewery plans to continue to raise money for the Humane Society throughout 2024.

”With the gold medal recognition at this year's Ontario Brewing Awards, we hope to raise even more in 2024. Thank you to everyone who has enjoyed an Our Pet Pilsner and to the amazing team at the Peterborough Humane Society,” as stated in an Instagram post.

As part of the collaboration, Publican House showcased a pet for adoption from the Humane Society on their social media every month.

The beer label design was created by local artist Jason Wilkins.

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Peterborough Petes 15th Annual Pink In the Rink Game To Support Wheels of Hope Running This Saturday

In support of Wheels of Hope, the Peterborough Petes' 15th annual Pink in the Rink game is set for Saturday when the Petes host the Niagara IceDogs at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The team is wearing special theme jerseys designed by Kyle McDonald of Pioneer Inc. that highlight the names of nearly 200 people battling cancer and feature a special Canadian Cancer Society shoulder crest.

The funds support the Wheels of Hope transportation program provided by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). It connects people to cancer treatments with volunteer drivers and travel cost reimbursements.

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.

Fans can also support the campaign through an in-person silent auction in the North Lobby on game night, a special chuck-a-puck at the second intermission or by purchasing an Official 15th Annual Pink in the Rink t-shirt and/or Anniversary Pin.

Bobcaygeon Brewing Co. has produced a limited edition run of Petes Lager featuring a Pink Can. Each can sold sees 25 cents donated to the Pink in the Rink campaign.

After raising $954,136 over the past 14 years, the Petes announced that this year’s fundraising goal is $50,000. If achieved, the Petes and the Peterborough community will hit $1,000,000 raised in the fight against cancer in Pink in the Rink’s history. 

Official game jerseys are available at the Pink in the Rink live post-game auction. Fans are asked to move to the Gibson’s Finest Club Section immediately following the game to participate in the auction. A game ticket is required to take part in the game-worn jersey auction. 

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Empty Bowls Fundraiser Returns With In-Person Event in Five Years For YWCA

For the first time in five years, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is bringing back its renowned fundraiser, Empty Bowls, for an in-person seated lunch event, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The event is on Feb. 23 at The Venue. It raises funds to support the Nourish food program operated by the YWCA which provides fresh food at affordable costs to families experiencing hunger.

“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of this wonderful event, we are thrilled to be able to return to sharing food together with our community,” says Kim Dolan, YWCA executive director. “Food insecurity is a critical health issue and a core barrier for women experiencing gender-based violence. The majority of our food box recipients are single mothers, and we’re so grateful to our partners, sponsors and everyone who joins us for Empty Bowls to help women feed their families and live their lives with dignity.”

The Nourish program offers food box deliveries, educational workshops, food preparation skill-building, and community gardening. With community support, roughly 260 food boxes each month to individuals and families around the Peterborough area according to a press release. Nourish also runs a weekly market at Curve Lake First Nation, bringing produce from local farms to the community at affordable prices.

Tickets are available online or by calling the YWCA at 705-743-3526.

Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. for Early Bird VIP ticket holders ($75), for the best selection of lunch options and bowls and noon for General Admission ticket holders ($60).

The ticket price includes one lunch meal to enjoy on-site and a one-of-a-kind ceramic or wooden bowl, hand-crafted and generously donated by local artisans.

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Peterborough and the Kawarthas Home Builders Association Raised Over $42,000 From Annual Charity Auction

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Home Builders Association (PKHBA) had their most successful holiday fundraiser yet as they raised $42,377.39 during their annual Charity Auction on Dec. 7.

Photo courtesy of the PKHBA.

The annual Charity auction helps support housing initiatives in Peterborough and the Kawarthas by raising funds for PKHBA and Habitat for Humanity PKR.

“We cannot thank our local community enough for supporting this event, and Habitat’s affordable home-building efforts,” said Susan Zambonin, Habitat CEO. “Our local trades, contractors, and businesses have been tremendous supporters in helping Habitat homeowners have a safe and affordable place to call home.”

“This is a great opportunity for PKHBA members to give back to the community where they live, work and play,” said Rebecca Schillemat, PKHBA executive officer. “We are thrilled with the amazing support our community has shown for all types of housing in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. We're so thankful for all those who donated, sponsored and attended our annual charity auction last year and can’t wait to see what this year brings.”

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Home Builders Association plans to host the seventh Annual Charity Auction with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region on Dec. 5th, 2024.

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Cannonball and Floating Catwalk Challenge Added to 38th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim Fundraiser

The Rotary Club of Peterborough has added two fun activities, the ‘Cannonball’ and ‘Floating Catwalk’ Challenge, in addition to their swimming to fundraise for the 38th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim, announced at the Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club on Monday afternoon.

Various members and Rotary guess showcased swim attire to participate in the new events as an aternative to traditional swimwear. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The fundraising event is scheduled at the YMCA of Central East Ontario for March 1, beginning at 7 a.m.

The new activities for the annual fundraiser were added to allow those who cannot swim or provide an alternate activity to raise money for teams or individuals.

“Not everybody is a seasoned swimmer,” said Ken Seim, Rotary president-elect. “Some of the older groups that used to come out were having difficulty putting together a team and we thought, ‘let's change it up and make it more fun.’”

Participants can cannonball into the pool in the ‘Cannonball’ challenge or run across a tarp floating atop the water in the ‘Floating Catwalk’ challenge.

The Rotary Club presented a swim fashion show to promote wacky swim attire as an alternative to traditional swimwear like bikinis or shorts. A contest with prizes is being held for those who wear the aforementioned.

A goal of $45,000 has been set for fundraising efforts towards Rotary projects. Over $1.4 million has been raised to date.

“It’s our primary fundraiser and with that, we’re able to do our projects in town,” said Seim. “The Prince of Wales breakfast program, you heard about the international program that’s been done, Easter Seals Christmas party, work on the Rotary Trail, supporting stuff like the YES program, transitional housing and anew nurses station at Camp Kawartha.”

The public is encouraged to participate in the events as an individual or a team and can register online. Those registered will be assigned a fundraising page. The public can also donate directly via the website and receive an instant tax receipt.

Anyone can donate at any time online at the Rotary’s website.

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Jazz Singer Ada Lee to Perform Special Fundraising Concert To Benefit Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame

The Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame is hosting a special fundraising concert featuring world-renowned jazz singer Ada Lee at the Studio at Showplace Performance Centre on Feb. 8 at 2 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the Pathway Walk of Fame.

She has performed with some of the most revered generational jazz masters including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Guido Basso, Moe Koffman and Don Thompson.

The ‘Home Again’ concert represents a return to Peterborough for Ada, where she founded the Voices For Life Gospel Choir and was an active community volunteer. She has been honoured with a Governor General’s Award and the City of Peterborough Key to the City. She was also inducted into the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame, where she served as a founding member.

The opening act is the Sean Hully Jazz Group and Ms. Lee will be accompanied by Rob Phillips. The concert is produced and sponsored by David Goyette.

Tickets are $35 and are available through Showplace at showplace.org or 705-742-7469.

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United Way Reaches 63 Per Cent of Its $1.45 Million Fundraising Goal

United Way Peterborough & District has reached 63 per cent of its $1.45 million 2023 Community Campaign fundraising goal, announced at Peterborough Public Health (PPH) on Thursday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“For 82 years United Way has facilitated a community campaign to meet the current and emerging needs in Peterborough,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “This years campaign builds on that tradition of giving and public goodwill.”

The $1.45 million is a 10 per cent increase from last year’s goal, according to Russell.

“We are happy to update today on the success so far and the need to meet our goal, a goal which is 10 per cent higher than last year’s achievement and a goal that is based on the need in the community,” he said. “We are well on our way to meeting that goal but there is still time to give so that we can invest in building a strong, healthy and inclusive community for us all.”

During the media event, Peterborough Public Health donated $11,756.25 to United Way as part of its 2023 Workplace Campaign.

“The diverse projects served by United Way Peterborough address critical issues affecting the health and wellness of members of our community,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, PPH’s medical officer of health. “It was an honour to support this year’s tremendously successful campaign and my congratulations to all those who participated for the important funds that have been raised for our community.” said Piggott.

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