Local Pizza Huts Fundraising For 'Purple Day' During Epilepsy Awareness Month For Peterborough Epilepsy

Pizza Hut’s colours in Peterborough and Lakefield are changing from red for ‘Purple Day’ during Epilepsy Awareness Month to raise funds for Epilepsy Peterborough (EP) this Tuesday.

MIRANDA ZEPPIERI, EP ambassador was diagnosed with Epilepsy at six years old. Photo courtesy of Pizza Hut.

Ten per cent of all sales are being donated to help EP to continue to educate, raise awareness, support caregivers and people living with Epilepsy in our community.

Four Pizza Hut locations from the City and County are participating.

The following are the participating locations:

• 901 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough

• 705 George St. N., Peterborough

• 132 Queen St., Lakefield

Miranda Zeppieri, EP ambassador and her brother Michael were diagnosed with epilepsy at six years and five weeks old respectively. Events like these to generate awareness are key since there is a lot of epilepsy that not everyone knows about according to Miranda.

“We’re really just emphasizing getting awareness out there about those like myself and my brother who live with it,” she said. “Yes, it brings its challenges but it’s something that is a part of everyday life and how it affects it is vastly different based on an individual basis. There are also 40 different types of seizures too so that’s really important to emphasize too as not all seizures are the same.”

Guests are encouraged to wear purple on that day, eat pizza and enjoy the satff’s company.

Epilepsy Peterborough representatives will be on-site to provide information for anyone wanting to learn more about epilepsy and/or the services they offer.

“Just being there to help support someone who has seizures is always huge,” said Miranda. “Just knowing that someone is there makes it easier too.”

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United Way Pushing For $80,000 to Reach $1.45 Million Fundraising Goal; Results to Be Announced at Campaign Celebration On April 11

United Way Peterborough and District is making its final push of $80,000 in their 2023 fundraiser to meet its $1.45 million goal by its Campaign Celebration scheduled for April 11 at The Venue, announced on Friday.

United Way announced it’s 2023 campaign in December of a goal of $1.45 million. It funds 20 partner agencies serving about 46,000 residents in 2022. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

They have reached 94 per cent of their goal, currently at $1.37 million, surpassing last year’s campaign's success.

“It’s a privilege to see the focus and hard work of volunteers, workplaces, donors joining in driving to a final goal,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “Milestones are important but only serve as signposts for a destination. Often it is the last dollars that are hardest to get and in these final weeks we sense that community momentum in reaching the final destination of 1.45 million.”

“I am continuously inspired by the generosity demonstrated by individuals, families, organizations, and businesses in our community. It's through their collective efforts that together we can create a stronger, more resilient community.” said Jim Hendry, United Way campaign cabinet chair. “We’re in the final push to raise the last $80,000 and make a positive impact on countless local lives.”

Everyone is invited to the celebration with tickets for $25. They can be purchased online.

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Second-Annual 'PTBO's Got Talent' Limited Edition T-Shirts Being Sold In Fundraiser For Addiction Support At 'Right to Heal'

To help raise money for addiction support at ‘Right to Heal,’ limited edition t-shirts are being sold for the second edition of ‘PTBO’s Got Talent’ show at Market Hall on April 12.

pHOTO and design courtesy of Jason Wilkins.

The design was created by local artist Jason Wilkins, who is one of four judges for the event alongside Dani Guppy, Tiffany Creasy and Sarah Evans, with Tiffany Arcari of The Tiffany Show as the emcee.

Ricart Branded Apparel & Promo is printing the T-shirts and $10 from each sale will go to Right to Heal.

In addition to the shirts, all ticket sales and draws will benefit the non-profit organization that provides addiction support in a safe environment.

“This is all the brainchild of Patti Clancy, owner of Kawartha Home Health Care, who’s an incredible force for community betterment,” said Wilkins. “Each year Patti chooses a different organization to support through PTBO’s Got Talent.”

The show is meant to showcase local talent in a fun and entertaining format while fundraising for Right to Heal.

Video audition submissions were received until the end of February and Kawartha Home & Health Care Services Inc. selected the contestants. Those selected will compete at the event and the top three will walk away with prizes.

“So far we have 22 acts performing who will score some amazing prizes from local businesses plus tons of giveaways happening during the event for attendees,” said Wilkins.

Shirts can be purchased online or donations can be made through e-transfer at PtboGotTalent@gmail.com with the deadline on Sunday. Tickets for the show are $25 and can be purchased at Kawartha Home Health Care Services (320 Water St., Unit 72). Attendees can also pay a cover charge of $25 at the door on the event day. Door prize donations or sponsorship opportunities can email management@khhcs.ca.

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Kaawaate East City Public School Launches Fundraiser of $200,000 For Accessible Playground

Kaawaate East City Public School (KECPS) launched a campaign seeking the public’s help to raise $200,000 for an accessible playground for roughly 800 students from the East City of Peterborough and surrounding areas.

pHOTO courtesy of Kaawaate East City Public School.

The school opened in September 2021 but without a playground since the Ministry of Education does not fund that equipment according to KECPS.

The school has to raise funds for the physical play structure(s), installation costs, ground surfacing and ongoing maintenance.

A common concern for the parents is the inclusion of an accessible playground that caters to all students including those with special mobility and sensory needs as stated in a press release.

The KECPS yard is adjacent to a forest and offers a view from the hill overlooking the Trent-Severn Waterway.

“I was surprised and disappointed to learn when the Ministry of Education builds and opens a new elementary school, its funding doesn’t include the school playground,” said Tara Joyce, KECPS Playground Committee parent member. “A playground for the students seems critical to the healthy functioning of any elementary school.”

“With our student body and new building already overcrowded in its third year of existence, creating more interactive spaces outdoors for our students is critically needed and will have a long-term positive impact on their learning and growth,” said Robin Koshurba, KECPS Playground Committee member.

The Committee is asking local businesses and organizations, families and any interested donors to help meet their fundraising goal.

The school is already facing overcrowding issues in its third year of operation and a playground is essential for shaping the future of everyone involved according to KECPS.

Donations can be made online via School Cash Online or by cash or cheque.

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Tebey Golf Classic Returns To Support Youth Mental Health For May 30

To support youth mental health, the Tebey Golf Classic with Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) is hosted at Wildfire Golf & Country Club on May 30th.

Golfers, sponsors, partners and donors more than $200,000 has been raised since 2017. Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

Foursomes are available for $1,200. It includes a shotgun tee-off, meet and greet with Tebey, access to private in-person VIP acoustic performance with Tebey and special guests (TBA), activities and contests throughout the course, lunch and supper, prizes, professional photos of your foursome and the opportunity to play one of Ontario’s top private courses that has hosted PGA tour events. 

A $240 tax receipt will be provided to all foursomes, with funds raised to support Youth Mental Health programming through Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter for Youth and Families.

“I’m really looking forward to getting home for our annual golf fundraiser with GPSHF, Your Family Health Team Foundation,” said Tebey. "As someone who has expressed my own challenges with mental health well-being over the years, it's really important to me to support initiatives in this area of health services. I am especially proud to give back to these organizations like Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter for Youth and Families who provide essential and valuable assistance in my hometown area of Peterborough.”

A shotgun tee-off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., with an outdoor acoustic performance at 7 p.m. 

“These funds help us to reduce wait times and to provide specialized services for children, youth and families,” said Gord Langill, Peterborough Youth Services executive director. “Mental health issues are affecting more people in more complex ways, and resources are limited, so every fund-raised dollar makes a difference.”

From YES Shelter for Youth and Families Executive Director “The Tebey Golf Classic is one of the highlights of our year at YES,” said Aimeé Le Lagadec, Yes Shelter executive director. “This incredible event has become crucial to the support provided to young people and families struggling severely with their mental health while experiencing homelessness in Peterborough."

Foursomes for the tournament can be booked online.

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52nd Easter Seals Telethon Kicks Off With Live Event For March 24; Higher Ambitions With $100,000 Goal Set

The 52nd Easter Seals Telethon fundraiser has kicked off for March with their live event broadcasting on March 24 on YourTV and Global Peterborough from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(From left to right) The Growdens Tara, Teddy, Dan and Ambassador Sawyer sharing a moment as the 52nd Easter Seals Telethon Kicks Off. Sawyer is returning as a regional ambassador after being announced as a new one last year. She was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder which affects the 15th chromosome. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcement was made at Lansdowne Place with Deputy Mayor Joy Lachica proclaiming March to be Easter Seals Month in Peterborough.

Telethon host Stu Harrison is returning as well as Graham Hart, celebrating his 50th year volunteering. Actress Linda Kash and Energy Morning Show’s Brian Young are hosting the Wheelchair Challenge where small teams come on the Telethon to contact everyone they know for donations.

”They're calling and reaching out to their contacts list of corporate supporters, family members, employers, that kind of thing and basically drumming more donations for us,” Coralie Jacobs of Easter Seals Ontario “It's sort of a neat and little competitive little edge to the show.”

Easter Seals is its 102nd year with the 52nd and is a fundraiser that provides support for children and youth with physical disabilities. The televised event celebrates success stories, showcases Easter Seals kids and their families, recognizes donors and sponsors.

Jacobs credits everyone involved in the event and/or its promotion on why the event has been successful for over a century.

“A lot of that has to do with who's involved with it and they're putting the word out for us,” she explained. “It's really valuable for people to understand and help them understand what it is that we're doing.”

For the 52nd edition of the Telethon, a goal of $100,000 was set, an increase of $80,000 in years prior.

“We've never had that as our goal, it's always been 80,” said Jacobs. “We're very good at exceeding 80 and I'm comfortable with that but this year I thought, 'you know what, let's go for it,' 100 grand, I know this community can do it.”

Also returning to the Telethon is regional ambassador and seven-year-old Sawyer Grace Growden who has Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder which affects the 15th chromosome. She uses a wheelchair and a walker to help with her mobility.

“She loves the attention, loves being on camera,” said Dan Growden, Sawyer’s father. “You can tell by the laughing and giggling that she loves to be here.”

Last year, the family participated in the Easter Seals Family Camp and have already applied to participate for 2024. The camp gives families an opportunity to meet other families, have an accessible family vacation with overnight camping. The camp has a wide range of programs that are geared to various age groups for families to partake in.

“It was an incredible experience to be there as a family, meet other families,” said Dan. “Teddy got to meet siblings of other kids with physical disabilities so it just a great time all around.”

Supporters can donate during the Telethon or at anytime online.

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38th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim Takes the Plunge For Easter Seals and Rotary Projects

The 38th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim plunged into the YMCA Central East Ontario pool to fundraise their goal of $50,000 for Easter Seals Ontario and Rotary Club of Peterborough on Friday morning.

Vanessa Oake Hogan (left) with her sister Renée Oake shortly after the latter did 146 laps in the swimming lane. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This event has fundraised over $1.4 million for Easter Seals and Rotary Projects. Other recipients of the proceeds are literacy programs, various shelters (Brock Mission, Yes Shelter and more) Breakfast for Kids, Camp Kawartha, Rotary Trail and more.

Roughly $5,300 of the $50,000 goal was already raised online at the publication of this article but more funds have yet to be accounted for with a final tally.

Carl Oake started this event 38 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.

Carl’s daughter, Vanessa Oake Hogan, succeeded in the role of organizing the event in 2017 after the former was satisfied that the event had so much community support over the years. She and her sister, Renée Oake, were proud to carry on their father’s legacy.

“He built so much momentum with this event over the year and it's gained a lot of support with the community so it was a natural for us to carry it on,” said Vanessa. “It's definitely important for us to carry on dad's tradition.”

”I'm just proud to carry on the torch for my father for such a good cause,” said Renée.

Teams and groups could swim in lanes to participate in the fundraising event.

New to this year’s swim was the ‘Cannonball’ and ‘Floating Catwalk’ Challenge. They were alternative activities for those who cannot swim or could not get a team to help raise money while participating in the event.

“It was a great addition,” said Vanessa. “I think it's definitely something we would want to continue.”

The online fundraising page remains open for donations until March 15.

“It's always a lot of work leading up to it but it's the day of the event you say, 'Okay, it's all worth it,' and I'm really happy to have all the support and the volunteers,” said Vanessa.

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YWCA's Empty Bowls Fundraiser Raises Nearly $20,000 For Its Nourish Food Program

The 20th annual YWCA Empty Bowls event has raised just under $20,000 in support of our Nourish Food Program that ran at The Venue on Friday.

The Nourish program offers monthly food boxes, community gardening, and a weekly market at Curve Lake First Nation, bringing high quality produce from local farms to the community at affordable prices. Thanks to the support of the community, we distribute about 260 food boxes each month to individuals and families around the Peterborough area. Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The Empty Bowls event has raised over $210,000 for the YWCA. All proceeds support the YWCA’s Nourish Food Program which provides fresh food at affordable costs to families experiencing hunger.

Close to 200 guests attended the event with a wide variety of food options available provided by 15 local restaurants. The handcrafted ceramic and wooden bowls created and donated by community artisans were a big hit with participants, many of whom purchased extra bowls to take home.

“This year, more than ever, I’m encouraged and humbled by the number of people who support Empty Bowls with their generosity. The time devoted to making this event a success holds true this year more than ever,” said Kim Dolan, YWCA executive director. “20 years is a remarkable milestone, especially given the challenges in recent years. It is a testament to the dedication of our community members who fired up their kilns, sharpened their chisels, showed up, donated, sponsored, volunteered, and continued the legacy of Empty Bowls in Peterborough.”

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Peterborough Petes Next Gen Game Raises Over $21,000 For Five Counties Children's Centre

The Peterborough Petes’s annual Next Gen Game raised $21,341 for Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) that was held on Feb. 19, announced on Tuesday.

Five Counties Children’s Centre provides speech, physio and occupational therapies, as well as other treatment services for kids and youth from birth to age 19 years. Last year, Five Counties served more than 6,200 children and youth in the Peterborough, Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton region – the highest number of clients in its nearly 50-year history. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The money is used to support kids’ treatment services at FCCC.

In 12 years of running the Next Gen Game, this was the highest total fundraiser since the partnership.

 “We are so grateful to the Petes, their fans and our other supporters for again showing their support for Five Counties kids,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “The funds will go directly to our Building Abilities For Life (BAL) campaign that supports high-demand treatment services at Five Counties. Through these funds, we can help to reduce wait times and ensure more children and families get access to the care they need when they need it.”

There were eight FCCC kids who enjoyed a behind-the-scenes experience at the game, ‘signing’ a one one-day contract with the Petes of working roles within their organization. They included general manager, coach, scout, PA announcer and more.

“The smiles on our kids’ faces lit up the Memorial Centre,” said Pepin. “The Petes were first-rate in creating the Next Gen opportunity, and we heard many good comments and compliments from the kids and their families about their experiences behind the scenes.”

“Every year this event continues to grow. It’s a great opportunity for families to come out and enjoy their Family Day while supporting other kids in our community,” noted Eric Ebenbauer, Petes director of sales. “We look forward to continuing this tradition and engaging with Five Counties clients for future Next Gen programs, which was presented by Tim Hortons this year.”

The Petes hit the ice at home on Thursday to host the Erie Otters for Pride Night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Peterborough Petes Game to Benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough in 'Big Game For Kids' On March 7

The Peterborough Pets game against the Ottawa 67’s on March 7 will be extra special as a fundraising night for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough (Peterborbough Bigs) in the “Big Game for Kids,” announced on Thursday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Bigs.

The game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre has the puck drop for 7:05 p.m. The event features a classic photo booth, chuck-a-puck prizes and local hockey action while making meaningful differences for Peterborough youth.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Peterborough Petes and Monaghan Lumber for the 'Big Game for Kids,' an event that combines the excitement of hockey with the spirit of community giving,” said Brent Shepherd, Peterborough Bigs executive director. “Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of children and youth in our community by providing them with the support and guidance they need to succeed.”

All funds raised benefit Peterborough Bigs’s mentoring programs, allowing the organization to continue matching young people with caring adult mentors, fostering meaningful relationships and positive outcomes according to a press release.

Tickets are available at the Peterborough Bigs website or by contacting Hilary Morgan at (705) 743-6100.

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