Peterborough AAA Hockey Council Honours Audrey Runnalls With Memorial Fund

To tribute a beloved community member, the Peterborough AAA Hockey Council honours the Audrey Runnalls Memorial Fund.

(From Left to Right) Mike Hennesey, grandson; Rick Runnalls, son; Bill Juby and Wayne Clark of the AAA Council. Photo courtesy of Wayne Clark.

It was established by Bill Juby and aims to assist players in financial need and ensure that every child can participate in the sport they love.

The $12,500 is drawn from the proceeds of the longstanding PrimeSite Midget Hockey Tournament, now called the Century 21 Tournament of Champions. The tournament has been in the Peterborough hockey community for over two decades.

Organized by Juby, the tournament consistently provided annual bursaries to support young athletes. The efforts continue under the Audrey Runnalls Memorial Fund. Juby had coached Midget teams for over two decades.

Juby dedicated a significant portion of his life to local hockey and fastball. He expressed his desire to honour the memory of Runnalls through this fund according to a press release. She was known for her unwavering support, positive spirit and volunteerism within the hockey community.

“Audrey was an incredible individual whose dedication to the sport and our community was unmatched,” said Juby. “By establishing this fund in her name, we hope to continue her legacy of support and inclusivity in Peterborough hockey.”

Audrey’s sons, Karl and Rick, played in the system.

“Both Rick and I are very proud that our mother’s legacy continues to benefit the Peterborough hockey community and the players in need,” said Karl. She was truly Peterborough’s ‘Hockey Mom,’ not just for us but for all the Petes minor hockey players.”

Chad Cavanagh, Peterborough AAA President was a former player in Bill Juby’s program.

“The Audrey Runnalls Memorial Fund provides financial assistance to families who might otherwise struggle to afford the costs associated with AAA hockey,” he said. “This initiative ensures that all aspiring players have the chance to develop their skills and enjoy the camaraderie and life lessons that come with being part of a team.  This is also a great opportunity to share the legacy of a wonderful hockey parent who brought an infectious positive energy and attitude to minor hockey.”

In recognizing Audrey Runnalls through this memorial fund, the Peterborough AAA Hockey Council says it wants to honour her memory and reaffirm its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all players.

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Riverview Park and Zoo's James Hamilton Railway Closed For Maintenance

The Riverview Park and Zoo James Hamilton Railway is closed for maintenance until further notice.

The railway welcomes over 66,000 riders each season. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The train has been in service for over 50 years and requires significant repairs according to the Zoo.

“Sometimes our 1860 replica locomotive train ride needs a little TLC. This includes safety check ups, regular inspections, and repairs. Safety is our first priority here at the Park and Zoo,” as stated in a press release.

There have been plans to replace the train and Riverview has been closing in on our fundraising target. The Zoo is continuing to maintain the current train until then.

The Zoo’s campaign has raised $250,000 toward its $350,000 fundraising goal. Thy are asking the public to help them reach 50 per cent of the capital cost to purchase a new locomotive.

Those wanting to help can sponsor or donate to the campaign.

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Photos: Gauvreau CPA Makes a Splash For Peterborough Humane Society

Robert Sweeney looks on as he hopes not to get dunked. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The staff and friends of Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory took turns taking the dunk tank plunge as they raised money for the Peterborough Humane Society at Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews parking lot on Thursday afternoon.

The public was invited to spend $10 for three balls to dunk some of the Gauvreau staff.

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Little Lakers Night Raises Over $15,000 For High-Demand Treatment In Children

The home team won on and off the lacrosse field after Little Lakers Night in Peterborough, raising $15,287 for local kids’ treatment services on July 11.

Brothers Bo and Oak had a ball at Little Lakers Night as the Five Counties kids also got to participate in the pre-game ball drop during the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers home game. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The money raised was more than double the $6,784 raised at the first-ever Little Lakers Night last year for Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC).

“The Peterborough Lakers were amazing hosts and partners for Little Lakers Night, and we’re extremely grateful to the team as well as everyone who attended, participated, donated, sponsored and volunteered,” said Linsey Kampf, FCCC annual giving coordinator. “If you measure the success of the event, it’s not only in dollars raised but also in the many smiles on the faces of our kids and families that were evident throughout the game.”

Little Lakers Night featured many highlights, including:

• Five Counties kids and families took part in a behind-the-scenes experience. Kids met Lakers players during their pre-game warmup, took part in the pre-game ball drop, and assisted in the PA booth during the first period.

• Facepainting, Little Lakers Night T-shirt sales, giant Lego and a silent auction organized by Five Counties volunteers and staff took place before and during the game.

• Members of the Junior A and Junior C Lakers volunteered to do pass the bucket through the crowd, which raised $4,000 alone for Five Counties kids.

• Prior to the game, two St. Teresa kindergarten students, Bailey and Raelynn, were honoured for having their design chosen for the special jerseys worn by Lakers players during their pre-game warm-up. The girls’ teacher, Jocelyn Lemay, had encouraged her St. Teresa’s class to enter the jersey design contest. Bailey and Raelynn’s design for the warm-up jerseys -- a red-green-blue, stylized-crayon creation featuring rainbows and hearts – was ultimately transformed into reality thanks to the generosity of Merrett Home Hardware. After the game, the warm-up jerseys were sold in an online auction.

“Five Counties has played a big role throughout the years in our family, and we’re grateful to have this incredible Centre serving families in our community,” said Len Powers, FCCC ambassador and Peterborough Lakers’ board member.

The $15,287 raised from Little Lakers Night supports Five Counties’ Building Abilities for Life campaign. It goes directly to fund high-demand treatment services like speech therapy and occupational therapy.

The end result is that more kids and youth in the region can access life-changing treatment services that they need when they need it.

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Five Counties Smashes $40,000 Fundraising Goal From Third-Annual Backyard Summer Social

Five Counties Children’s Centre’s (FCCC) signature gala fundraising event, ‘The Centre’s Backyard Summer Social’ surpassed the $40,000 mark for the third straight year, raising $41,775 to support kids’ treatment service.

Julie Davis, FCCC Board of Directors chair (left) and Petes’s mascot, Roger (right) were among the guests to help kick off summer at the third annual Backyard Summer Social. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

All proceeds raised through the Backyard Summer Social go to the Centre’s Building Abilities for Life campaign which directly benefits children in the community to receive high-demand treatment services according to a press release. This includes providing priority speech-language therapy and occupational therapy to children and youth who need them and reducing wait times for these life-changing services.

“The day was supposed to be a washout, but the rain held off just long enough on June twenty-second for us to enjoy a fabulous afternoon outdoors. The Backyard Summer Social was filled with fun, games, music, laughter, good conversation, and memorable moments – all while supporting our kids,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “We know the earlier a child can access important treatment programs for development, communication or physical needs, the better their outcome. That’s why fundraising events like this one allow us to see more kids and fill the gaps that can’t always be covered by government funding.”

The Backyard Summer Social is billed as an event for people age 19+ that allows adults to be kids again. This year, attendees enjoyed music, food, entertainment, a live auction, door prizes, and fun activities including axe throwing, jousting, circus performances, a petting zoo and old-fashioned picnic games.

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Ennismore U15 Athletics Qualify For Nationals After Fourth-Place Finish At Provincial Qualifiers

After a fourth-place finish at the OASA Provincial Qualifiers in Wilmot, Ont., the “Ben Smith Sells” Ennismore U15 Athletics (A’s) have qualified for the National Competition in Quebec from Aug. 14-19.

Photo courtesy of Katy Fallis.

The A’s had an undefeated regular season with several players as OMHA champion Ennismore Eagles U15 team members this year.

“These boys have shown incredible dedication and teamwork throughout the season,” said Coach Brett Stevenson, A’s coach. “We're honoured to have the opportunity to compete at the national level and represent Ennismore and the province of Ontario. Community support will be crucial in helping us make this journey.”

The team is seeking community support to help with travel and accommodation costs. The Ennismore U15s are reaching out to local businesses, organizations, and individuals for donations to help ease the financial burden and ensure all players can participate.

Financial donations can be transferred to ennismoreathletics2024@gmail.com.

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PRHC Foundation Launches $60 Million Campaign Publicly For Enhancing Healthcare

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation has officially launched its $60 million campaign publicly to enhance healthcare which was announced at the facility on Tuesday morning.

(Left to right) Dr. Heather Cox, PRHC vascular surgeon; Dan Moloney, PRHC Foundation Board Chair; Jennie Ireland, PRHC Foundation campaign ambassador and grateful patient; Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO; Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President & CEO and David Morton, PRHC Foundation campaign ambassador. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The money is to ‘reimagine healthcare delivery at the hospital, propelling innovation and elevate care for patients from across the region' according to Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President and CEO.

“Our hospital is at a crossroads,” she said. “Our hospital and the communities we serve are facing severe problems. We need creative, inspired, efficient solutions to tackle them. Without advancements in technology and increased capacity, we risk leaving our patients behind. Today, we choose to design our healthcare future.

The following are the PRHC’s campaign key objectives:

• Empowering World-Class Care: Bringing advanced medical care closer to home

• Fuelling Innovation: Introducing new lifesaving services and pioneering treatments

• Attracting Top Healthcare Professionals: Cultivating an environment that attracts the brightest minds in medicine

• Inspiring Solutions: Addressing critical hospital challenges head-on

“The hospital, they identify for us the hospital's priority needs that link to their annual planning but also link to their strategic plan and their bold vision for the future,” said Heighway.

“The Foundation and the hospital work really closely,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President and CEO. “We're in conversation all the time about what are the needs of today, what are the needs of the future and what do we need to fundraise for in the immediate term and then what can we do in the middle of the road. It's that kind of collaborative planning with the needs of our community and our patients at the forefront that lead to the goal that has been set.”

The campaign started in 2020 and the funds were acquired through donor support. Already, the Campaign has totalled $45.5 million of its $60 million goal.

The money has already seen improvements in the hospital, such as upgraded Cath Lab suites, state-of-the-art CT scanners, a second MRI machine, the new Scotiabank Youth Eating Disorders Day Treatment Program, and ongoing renovations to enhance patient care facilities.

According to Heighway, the campaign will be heavily marketed to attract attention and garner donations to complete the final 25 per cent.

“Over the summer months, you'll start to see some additional awareness being raised and as we head into the fall, we'll have a large community kick off and we'll be hoping to inspire people through third-party events,” she explained. “We'll be appealing to the community in a variety of ways: digitally, by mail, TV, radio. Just a number of different ways that we hope people will engage with us.”

The following is a list of the investments of the $60 million:

• $11 million for cardiac care, unlocking new opportunities and ensuring the people, infrastructure, systems and programs are in place to allow world-class cardiac care across the spectrum

• $12 million for cancer care so our experts can treat more patients with more types of cancer, supporting earlier diagnosis, and ensuring safer, more effective treatments are available close to home

• $14 million in minimally invasive surgical and interventional radiology services to treat more urgent and chronic conditions – safely, quickly, so patients can go home sooner

• $4 million in support for mental health will help address the surge in demand for emergency mental health services in our region, while making hope & recovery possible through new, innovative therapies and modern, healing environments

• $2 million endowment fund to support the Physician Innovation Accelerator, fostering a culture of innovation and empowering PRHC to invest in physician-driven research and ingenuity that will result in game-changing advances in patient care

• $17 million will continue to fund PRHC’s top emerging priorities as they’re identified by the hospital, with many millions of dollars in lifesaving investments already made

The remaining money, once obtained, will be used to fund projects such as expanding PRHC’s cardiac labs to include the introduction of electrophysiology, improving the Emergency Department’s mental health and addictions Crisis Response Unit, establishing a hybrid operating room for vascular disease, and introducing digital pathology to expedite cancer diagnosis.

“Our community has stepped behind us,” said Heighway. “They've really rallied and has supported us across the spectrum of care, Our donors have helped us fuel innovation, bring new life-saving services to PRHC and really help the hospital attract the best physicians and staff for our hospital.”

“One of the reasons I am so honoured to be the CEO of this hospital is because this community is unbelievable in their support, in their generosity and their willingness to engage with us and looking to the future,” said Dr. Mikula. “There's no community I'd rather be working in as a hospital CEO and I'm so proud of Peterborough and the region.”

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Fourth Annual Lakers Alumni Golf Tournament Returns To Support Peterborough Grassroots Lacrosse Programs

Over 90 golfers got their clubs out at the Keystone Links Golf & Country Club for the fourth annual Peterborough Lakers Alumni golf tournament held on Friday.

Johnny “Shooter” Davis taking the ceremonial tee-off before the event began. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The tournament was sidelined last year but returned this year, seeing more golfers than ever.

“It just shows that the community still likes to get out and have fun together,” said Dean Porter, Alumni president.

The event honoured the 1984 and 2004 Mann Cup Champion Lakers. Several alumni, such as Paul Evans and Johnny ‘Shooter’ Davis, were in attendance and performed the ceremonial tee-off at the first hole.

“Lacrosse brings together a group of guys that were together in 84',” said Porter. “We got a good turnout here; they all came back; most of these guys still see each other and they all come to the alumni box during the games throughout the season.”

All proceeds go towards the Peterborough Lakers Alumni who support the Peterborough area's sustainability and grassroots lacrosse programs.

“Lacrosse is huge in Peterborough,” said Porter.

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CMHA's 'Change the Cycle' Surpasses Goal Raising $25,500 For Mental Health Initiatives

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge’s second-annual ‘Change the Cycle’ fundraiser saw the wheels turning positively as they raised $25,500 at Nicholls Oval last Saturday.

Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

The funds raised go towards supporting Family and Youth Mental Health initiatives. The money raised barely surpassed the $25,000 goal set on April 9.

“This demonstrates the growing community support and dedication towards addressing mental health challenges among young people and families,” according to a press release statement.

This year’s edition saw 74 riders, doubling the number from the previous year.

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Riverview Park & Zoo's 13th Annual Fun Run Held On June 29 to Support Aviary Exhibits

Jog your way to helping the birds as the Riverview Park and Zoo’s (RPZ) 13th annual Fun Run takes place on June 29.

Last year’s event supported construction of the new outdoor meerkat exhibit. Photo courtesy of Riverview Park & Zoo.

This year’s proceeds will fund the aviary exhibits which include emu, peafowl, turkey and guineafowl species.

“The Fun Run began in 2011 by community members that wanted to help contribute to the Riverview Park & Zoo.” said Cathy Mitchell, RPZ manager and curator. “Jim and Jodi Mulder created and managed the volunteer-led RPZ Fun Run for seven years.”

The Fun Run's goal is to raise $5,000 to support the construction of a new outdoor aviary and the revitalization of indoor aviary spaces. All funds raised from the Fun Run will go toward this goal.

“The event has supported some significant and varied improvements to the Park and Zoo over the years,” said Mitchell. “The funds raised focus on accessibility, conservation efforts, and excellence in animal care standards. The Park and Zoo is proud to be such a key part of the Peterborough culture and is shaped and made better by the generosity of our community.”

Registration can be found online. The following is the race-day schedule:

Race Day Schedule:

• 8:10 a.m. - Yoga warmup in the Gazebo

• 8:25 a.m. - 1K runners at the starting line

• 8:30 a.m. - 1K race begins

• 9 a.m. - 1K racers pick up medals

• 9:10 a.m. - 5K runners at the starting line

• 9:15 a.m. - 5K race begins

• 10 a.m. - 5K racers pick up medals

In-person registration and race kit pick-up are available at the Rotary Education Centre at Riverview Park and Zoo on June 27 and June 28, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can also register in person on June 29 before the race begins between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. The 1k race begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 5k race starts at 9:15 a.m. There are prizes for kids under 12 in the 1k and the top three males and females overall in the 5k.

RPZ encourages those to dress up as birds for the event as there are additional prizes for the best animal costume and top three fundraisers.

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