Peterborough Concert Band Performing In Benefit Concert Fundraiser for the New Canadians Centre On Oct. 27

The Peterborough Concert Band (PCB) will perform in a fundraising concert with all proceeds to benefit the New Canadians Centre (NCC) on Oct. 27 at Market Hall from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the NCC.

In 2023-2024, NCC reports that more than 2,000 newcomers received assistance from their organization. It was a 50 per cent increase over the previous year and was the highest number of clients ever. The number included 1216 new clients according to the NCC.

“While Canada remains a global leader in welcoming newcomers, we are sobered by the local and global challenges and conflicts affecting all of us and often the newcomer community even more acutely. The services the NCC provides to clients are making resettlement in Peterborough a little more bearable. The top 10 countries from which newcomers arrive are Syria, Ukraine, India, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Philippines, Iran, Mexico, and Pakistan,” according to a statement from the NCC.

The Peterborough Concert Band is one of the longest-running concert bands in Canada. Their Juno-nominated conductor and composer, Saman Shahi, will lead the band through selections ranging from classical to contemporary.

Following the performance, a reception will be organized by NCC.

Tickets are available through the Market Hall box office, their website or Peterborough Concert Band.

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United Way Launches 'Double your Difference' Donation Match Challenge

United Way Peterborough & District has announced a ‘Double Your Difference’ donation match challenge from their 2024-25 Community Campaign.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to a press release, an anonymous donor has made the donation match challenge possible.

All local donations made by individuals are eligible. United Way states that the parameters around this donation match challenge are determined based on whether you gave to last year’s Campaign (donations placed between April 1. 2023 and March 31st, 2024).

If you did not donate to United Way Peterborough & District in 2023-24: Donations of any amount made by community members who did not donate to United Way Peterborough & District in 2023-24 will be 100 per cent matched.

“We are inviting community members who have not previously donated to United Way Peterborough & District to give back to their community in a big way,” said Shirley Turner, United Way Campaign Chair. “New donors can ‘Double Your Difference’ by giving any amount that is within their means. No donation is too small, and through this matching challenge your support will be twice as impactful.”

If you did donate to United Way Peterborough & District in 2023-24: Community members who donated to United Way Peterborough & District in 2023-24 can participate in the donation matching challenge as well. Anyone who increases their donation by at least 10 per cent from last year will have the increased amount matched. For example, if someone gave $1,200 last year and increases their gift to $1,320, the additional $120 will be matched.

“Inflation has been hitting us all over the last few years. Rising costs have especially impacted the agencies that we fund and the vulnerable clients that they serve,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “Our campaign goal was set at 10 per cent higher than last year, so we are asking our current supporters to increase their donation by at least 10 per cent to help us achieve our $1.5 million goal and continue to meet the need for services in our community.”

United Way Peterborough & District’s 2024-25 Campaign is currently underway. Several large workplace campaigns, such as Trent University and GM Financial, launched in late September. In addition to workplace launches, community initiatives, such as LCBO's give-at-the-till program, are also underway for a limited time. United Way will provide the community with an update on campaign progress later this month.

Donations are accepted online or at the United Way Peterborough & District office at 277 Stewart St.

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Community Living Trent Highlands and Kawartha Food Share Receive $5,000 Each From Inaugural Mayoral Golf Tournament Fundraiser

As a result of the fundraising efforts of the inaugural Peterborough Mayoral Invitational Charity Golf Tournament, $5,000 each was donated to Community Living Trent Highlands (CLTH) and Kawartha Food Share (KFS).

(From left to right) Blake Ulrich, Kawartha Golf Club head golf professional; Tracey Switzer, CLTH director; Mayor Jeff Leal; Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager and Nigel Lister, regional manager of Market Deelopment of Cambium INc. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event took place on Sept. 9 at Kawartha Golf Club and was originally announced by Mayor Jeff Leal on Aug. 13.

“I want to sincerely thank all the participants and sponsors who so generously supported these two important causes in our community,” he said. “Special thanks to Nigel Lister for organizing the tournament and to Blake Ulrich, Jamie Carter and all the staff at Kawartha Golf Club for their hard work to make the event run smoothly.”

The tournament drew 80 golfers that saw community members, local businesses, and city leaders for a day of friendly competition and fundraising.

“We are so appreciative of Mayor Leal selecting KFS as one of the recipients of the Inaugural Peterborough Mayoral Invitational,” said Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager. “Food Insecurity is unfortunately on the rise in Peterborough and County and this financial support will allow us to supply our 37 member agencies with much needed food items to assist in feeding nearly 14,000 individuals. Thank you to all who participated in making this a fun day for two fantastic causes.”

“We are so pleased to have been chosen and to have a role on such a tremendous day,” Teresa Jordan, CLTF executive director “Despite the rain, everyone was in high spirits, generous and interested. The personal connection that Mayor Leal has with Community Living helped to shine a light on what we aim to do each day in people's lives. It was a wonderful event, and we are so grateful for the support.”

Leal says he plans to run the event again next year.

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50/50 Cash Raffle to Support Four Peterborough-area Community Groups

Profits from the Lakefield & District Lions Club’s “Collaboration 50/50 Cash Raffle” will be divided evenly between Kawartha Food Share, PRHC Foundation, Community Care Peterborough and the Lions Club.

LAKEFIELD & DISTRICT LIONS CLUB "COLLABORATION 50/50 CASH RAFFLE” POSTER

“Fundraising is always challenging, but the people of Peterborough have been very generous in helping us provide our services throughout the region,” Kawartha Food Share General Manager Ashlee Aitken said.

Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation extended gratitude to the Lakefield & District Lions Club for organizing the fundraiser.

“Yours is a powerful example of how we all can make a real difference, close to home,” she said. “Community-led fundraisers are essential to local charities.”

Heighway states the funds will empower world-class care at PRHC by fueling innovation and bringing new services to the region.

“They’ll also support solutions to critical hospital challenges, including helping PRHC attract the best and brightest healthcare experts,” she added.

“Our mission is to support the health and wellbeing of individuals, caregivers and communities,” Danielle Belair, CEO of Community Care Peterborough said. “Our programs and services allow people across the City and County of Peterborough to maintain their independence and dignity.”

Belair goes onto say Community Care Peterborough’s programs impacted more than 6,000 seniors and adults with disabilities in 2023.

“The Lakefield & District Lions Club has been around since 1946 and we are giving back to our community through the generosity of supporters,” added club president Don Parsons.

The winning ticket will be selected on Nov. 15.

Tickets are on sale at lakefieldlions5050.ca.

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100 Women Peterborough Raises More Than $10,000 for Hearts 4 Joy

On Sept. 17, 100 Women Peterborough gathered at Fleming College to support individuals with intellectual exceptionalities (21+).

Photo by 100 women peterborough.

The event, hosted by the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office, benefited Hearts 4 Joy, a group that has been advocating for and enhancing the lives of young adults with Down Syndrome, Autism, or Learning Disabilities since 2020.

The initiative began in the backyard of one of Hearts 4 Joy’s co-founders and current board member, Norma Christensen.

“We are proud to nurture the talents of individuals with Down Syndrome, Autism, and Learning Disabilities,” said Christensen. “With the generous support from 100 Women Peterborough, we hope to purchase a new kiln and expand our product line.”

“I am incredibly proud of our group for donating over $10,000 to this remarkable organization,” said Rosalea Terry, a founding member of 100 Women Peterborough. “It’s a testament to the power of collective giving and the impact we can have when we come together.”

Hearts 4 Joy has seen its program membership expand to include 14 artists with intellectual exceptionalities, who have found a dedicated space to create and sell their work in the Charlotte Mews, called the Hearts 4 Joy Artisan Shoppe.

“We are overjoyed and thankful for this support,” said Debbie Quinlan, Hearts 4 Joy co-founder. “These funds will help us hire a web designer to create, launch, and maintain our first Hearts 4 Joy website, showcasing our unique products, raising awareness for upcoming events, and facilitating monthly donations.”

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8th Annual Fire Truck Pull for Dementia Recognizes World Alzheimer's Day

Teams flexed their collective muscles in a test of strength and teamwork to pull a fire truck for a good cause.

Nine teams of 10-12 ‘pullers’ hit the AON Citi Centre on Aylmer Street on Friday to compete to see who can pull a 44,000-pound fire truck across a 100-foot pull zone the fastest.

Teams included the Dementia Defenders, AON 1 and 2, Day Service and Minds in Motion, Ptbo Axe Club, CIBC Private Wealth, SGS 1 and 2 and Trent Rowing.

Team SGS1 ended up taking home the title of fastest pullers with a time of 19.85 seconds.

All proceeds raised supported local programs and services at the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton.

Local strongman Kevin Fast was in attendance and pulled a truck by himself.

Fast also offered up some advice for teams that attempted to pull the truck as well.

According to a media release on Monday morning, $9,000 and counting was raised from the event.

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Inaugural Mayoral Golf Tournament Fundraiser Raises $9,710 For Community Living Trent Highlands and Kawartha Food Share

The inaugural Peterborough Mayoral Invitational Charity Golf Tournament, held at Kawartha Golf Club, raised $9,710 for Community Living Trent Highlands and Kawartha Food Share.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event took place on Sept. 9 and originally announced on Aug. 13 by Mayor Jeff Leal.

“I want to sincerely thank all the participants and sponsors who so generously supported these two important causes in our community,” said Leal. “Special thanks to Nigel Lister for organizing the tournament and to Blake Ulrich, Jamie Carter and all the staff at Kawartha Golf Club for their hard work to make the event run smoothly.”

The tournament drew 80 golfers and proceeds benefitted Community Living Trent Highlands (CLTH) and Kawartha Food Share (KFS).

“We are so appreciative of Mayor Leal selecting Kawartha Food Share as one of the recipients of the Inaugural Peterborough Mayoral Invitational,”  Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager. “Food Insecurity is unfortunately on the rise in Peterborough and County, and this financial support will allow us to supply our 37 member agencies with much-needed food items to assist in feeding nearly 14,000 individuals.”

“We are so pleased to have been chosen and to have a role on such a tremendous day,” Teresa Jordan, CLTH executive director. “Despite the rain, everyone was in high spirits, generous and interested. The personal connection that Mayor Leal has with Community Living helped to shine a light on what we aim to do each day in people's lives.”

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Hometown PTBO: Kassie Graham On Her Love For Animals and the Humane Society's New Off-Leash Dog Park

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Kassie Graham of the Peterborough Humane Society about her love for animals, the new off-leash dog park and the upcoming 50/50 “Ruff”le fundraiser.

Click the link to purchase 50/50 "Ruff"le tickets.

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Lakefield Animal Welfare Society Getting Its Paws Together For Doggie Dash Fundraiser

The Lakefield Animal Welfare Society will host the Doggie Dash, a dog-walking fundraiser to help animals in need at the Isabel Morris Park in Lakefield this Sunday at noon.

Photo courtesy of LAWS.

According to a press release, dog owners can walk with their canine friends for 1.5 or 2.5 km through Lakefield to help rescue, rehabilitate, and find forever homes for more dogs and cats in the community.

Registration will open at noon and the walk will kick off at 1:00 p.m.

Sarah VDB will play live music, food vendors, local artisans, and small businesses selling their handmade goods after the walk.

Participants are encouraged to register online or on-site at the event, with collected donations of $100 or more.

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United Way Releases Goal to Raise $1.5 Million For 2024 Campaign

With a party atmosphere compared to years past, the Peterborough & District United Way ceremoniously released its 2024 campaign goal to raise $1,500,000 at the Healthy Planet Arena on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Nearly 200 people attended the event, where United Way Campaign Cabinet and Board members ushered them in with pom-poms, music and bubbles to launch the 83rd Community Campaign for United Way.

This year’s campaign theme is ‘Building Community.’ The $1.5 million goal was an increase from last year’s target of $1.45 million.

“We set this ambitious goal because the community need for services is greater than ever. Achieving this goal will ensure that vulnerable community members have access to the vital supports our Partner Agencies provide when and where they are need them most.” says CEO Jim Russell.

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