Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival Sets 2025 Fundraising Goal; Team Registration Opens Saturday

The 24th-annual Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival has set its 2025 fundraising goal of $260,018.01 for the PRHC Foundation and registration for the event opens this Saturday.

To date, the Festival has raised over 4.5 million dollars. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival.

Michelle Thornton, festival chair, explains the precise amount of this year’s fundraising goal.

“The two represents the two out of five Canadians who will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime. The 60 is to bring attention to the PRHC Foundation’s 60 million dollar ‘ReImagine Health Care’ campaign that we are a part of,” she explained. “In keeping with our mandate of raising awareness about breast cancer, the 18 is for the one in eight women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and the 0.01 is the percentage of men who will also face a breast cancer diagnosis.”

“But most importantly, what’s raised here, stays here,” said Thornton. “We all know someone who has been affected by cancer and if we keep paddling together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of family, friends and neighbours in our region, who are facing this rotten disease.”

The event is hosted by the Survivors Abreast Peterborough Dragon Boat Team. It has fundraised for the PRHC Foundation since 2001.

Ann Stabler, Survivors Abreast team President, said they are proud of the outstanding community work the team has done since its inception in 1999. 

“We’ve always focussed on breast cancer awareness and raising funds for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre,” she explained. “We know firsthand the importance of the work the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation (PRHCF) does and their continuing mission to bring the best cancer care the world has to offer right here to our hospital.” 

“We’re excited to get back out on the water this June, paddling for a cause that has touched so many lives,” said Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President and CEO. “As cancer volumes continue to rise in Peterborough and the surrounding area, it’s more important than ever to invest in state-of-the-art technology and equipment our regional hospital needs to care for our family, friends and neighbours. The support from Peterborough's Dragon Boat Festival is absolutely vital to ensuring PRHC has the tools to provide world-class cancer care, close to home. We're so grateful for the Festival's commitment to cancer care and the Campaign for PRHC.”

This year’s event is back at Del Crary Park and features Dragon Boat Races, artisan and food vendors, a Family Fun Zone, a beer garden and more.

All pledges support the cause as the Festival is funded through local businesses and organizations.

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United Way In Final Stretch Of Reaching $1.5 Million Fundraising Goal

United Way Peterborough & District is in the final stretch of its community campaign as it approaches its goal of fundraising $1.5 million, announced on Monday.

United Way had announced its 2025 campaign goal of $1.5 Million to be raised in September last year. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The organization is down to its last $117,000 and have until March to reach the goal since they started in September.

“The work of the campaign is not done yet though; with an ambitious goal of $1.5 million, United Way needs to raise a final $117,000 before March 31st in order to achieve the goal. The campaign goal is so much more than just a number,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “It serves as both a sign of the level of need in our community, but also as a beacon of hope. Achieving the campaign goal means that our community came together, recognized the need, and responded.”

“Being a part of this effort has been truly inspiring,” said Shirley Turner, United Way campaign cabinet. “Seeing our community come together—neighbours, businesses, and even strangers—united by a shared purpose and working hard towards a shared goal is amazing. We set a priority of having fun this campaign and it has paid off.”

All eligible donations made by Feb.28th can be claimed on your 2024 taxes after the federal government extended the deadline.

United Way’s ‘Double Your Difference’ campaign is still in effect. Any Donation made by individuals who did not give in 2023 will be matched entirely. Individuals who gave in 2023 can participate by increasing their gift by 10 per cent or more and the increased amount will be matched.

The public can d onate by March 31 through one or more of the following methods:

• Donate in person at 277 Stewart St. on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• Donate over the phone by calling 705-742-8839 ext. 3

• Donate online at https://give.unitedway.ca/donate/WPETER

• Purchase tickets to United Way’s upcoming events such as Peterborough Performs and its associated online auction (details to come)

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Registration Open For Third Annual GPHSF Charity Bonspiel Closes On Sunday

Registration for the third annual Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) Charity Bonspiel, held on Feb. 15 at the Peterborough Curling Club closes on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

Funds raised go towards broadening healthcare and its accessibility for Peterborough, the County, Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations.

“We are really excited for our third Bonspiel in partnership with Imprinted Apparel Store. This event continues to grow each year. The response remains incredibly positive. We have a great time putting it on and being part of this event” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “Funds raised from this event will continue our mission to broaden health equity and access to healthcare for the residents in Peterborough City and County as well as Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations.  Funds will support our partnership with the Peterborough Family Health Team, along with many other community organizations we work with.”

Registration is $300, with a $60 tax receipt. The day includes two games along with breakfast and lunch. There are $2,000 prizes to be won provided by Imprinted Apparel Store and $500 in prizes provided by Goldline. Other activities such as trivia challenges, raffle draws, cornhole boards and many other opportunities to win prizes will be at the event.

Participants can register online. Only 24 teams are available. GPHSF notes that participants should have some experience with the game and their equipment. They will not be able to provide on-ice training for beginners.

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Public Invited to 'Curl With Cathy Funspeil' to Support Trent Student-Athletes On Feb. 15

To support student-athletes, Trent University’s Athletics & Recreation invites the public to join their president, Cathy Bruce, for the inaugural ‘Curl with Cathy Funspeil’ held at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Feb. 15.

Photo courtesy of Trent University and the Peterborough Golf and Country Club.

The proceeds go towards Trent’s Green & White Athletics Financial Awards. It is given to entering student-athletes who achieved an entering academic average above 80 per cent and have been recruited for Trent athletics.

No curling experience is necessary to participate as it is a non-competitive tournament. All required equipment, such as sliders, grippers and brooms, are provided.

Each team will play two six-end games from an early draw (9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.) or a late draw (11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.).

The cost is $100 per person and includes a $70 charitable donation receipt and a lunch buffet.

Registration is open to groups of four or for individuals. Those looking to register can sign up online.

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PVNCCDSB Raises Nearly $60,000 During Annual United Way Campaign

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) has raised $59,893 for its 2024 United Way campaign to support the latter’s four organizations serving local communities, announced on Wednesday.

File Photo.

Funds were raised through payroll donations and school fundraising initiatives. They included as pumpkin carving contests, soup sales, dress-down days, put-your-principal-to-work raffles and more.

“Housing, food insecurity, domestic violence - these are the types of issues that often keep our staff up at night because they see the need firsthand in our schools and communities,” said Galen Eagle, the Board’s United Way campaign chair. “It’s incredibly empowering to witness the way our staff rally together to address these challenges through our annual United Way campaign. Their dedication to supporting United Way programs is a reflection of their deep care for our students, families, and neighbours.”

“The generosity of our staff speaks volumes about the social justice spirit that defines our Catholic schools,” said Stephen O’Sullivan, director of education. “Rooted in Catholic Social Teachings, our school communities embrace the call to care for the vulnerable and build a just society. This campaign is a testament to the compassion and faith-driven commitment of everyone at PVNC Catholic.”

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Hometown PTBO: Renée Oake Carrying On Her Father's Legacy Through the Carl Oake Rotary Swim

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Renée Oake, about her father's recent passing, carrying his legacy through the Carl Oake Rotary Swim and how the fundraiser has impacted the community.

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

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Alzheimer Society Launch 'Dining for Dementia' to Mark Alzheimer Awareness Month

To recognize Alzheimer Awareness Month during January, the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton have launched a ‘Dining for Dementia’ fundraiser, which also helps local businesses.

Photo Courtesy Of The Alzheimer Society PKLNH.

Inspired by the Alzheimer Society of Durham's campaign, this initiative brings diners to local restaurants. During that time, they can contribute to the local Alzheimer Society and support restaurants during a slower time following the holiday rush.

A portion of each meal at participating restaurants will be donated to support counselling services, education, and recreational programs for caregivers and those living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. 

The following restaurants are currently participating in this initiative: 

Peterborough:

• Hanoi House

• Allen Gourmet Coffee & Eatery

• La Mesita Mexican Restaurante

• Bobo Tea

• Brickhouse Craft Burger

• The Favourite Greek

Cobourg:

• The Pink Café

Campbellford:

• Riverview Family Restaurant

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Rotary Swimathon Founder Carl Oake Passes Away Ahead of 39th Annual Fundraiser Launch

Ahead of the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 39th Rotary Swimathon launch scheduled for Feb. 28 at the YMCA of Central East Ontario, founder Carl Oake has passed away at 79 years old on Thursday, announced at the Baker Tilly KDN on Monday morning.

(From Left to Right) Renee Oake, Tana Oake, Vanessa Oake Hogan and Lesley Oake share a moment of love as their father and/or husband, Carl Oake, had passed away last week at 79 years.. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Also known as the Carl Oake Rotary Swim, the fundraising event supports Easter Seals and Rotary projects, raising over $1.4 million since its inception. A goal of $50,000 has been set for fundraising efforts towards Rotary projects which is being collected until March 28.

The event encourages groups, organizations and individuals to swim at the lanes at the YMCA to raise funds. Introduced last year are the ‘Cannonball’ and ‘Floating Catwalk’ Challenge. They were added to allow those who cannot swim or provide an alternate activity to raise money for teams or individuals.

His daughter and event organizer, Vanessa Oake Hogan says that this event will always continue the legacy left by her father.

“We never had any intention of stopping and especially now, we always knew it was important to the community,” she explained.

Over the weekend, several notable Peterborough figures, organizations and friends and family of the Oakes expressed their condolences of Carl’s passing on social media. The outreach was reassuring for the Oake family knowing Carl’s impact on the community.

“But the last couple of days, the outreach has been incredible and I know that's what people know him for primarily,” said Vanessa. “It really helps in dealing with this loss to know that he touched so many lives and was recognized and appreciated for that. It helps us cope with this difficult loss.”

Carl Oake and his daughter Renee after the latter finishes up swimming her lanes in 2022. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Despite Carl’s passing, it will not deter from the event in late February if at all creates an opposite effect, says Vanessa.

“I just think we have a huge boost of energy behind the event this year and renewed sense of importance,” she explained. “Hopefully the community rallies and joins us to honour dad with the end goal of helping the community.” 

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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Rotary Club of Peterborough Rename 'Breakfast Cup' To Honour Dedicated Program Volunteer; $6,000 Donation to Five Counties From Golf Fundraiser

The Rotary Club of Peterborough has renamed its friendly competition of its morning meal program the ‘Breakfast Cup’ to the ’Koeslag Cup’ to honour one of its late dedicated volunteers, Peter Koeslag, announced on Monday morning.

The Koeslag family as part of the newly named ‘Koeslag Cup’ with this year’s winner. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcement was made at the Northminster United Church during a club’s meeting, including a $9,000 donation to Five Counties Children’s Centre. The proceeds were raised from the Club’s ‘Fore For Kids’ golf tournament held on Sept. 26 at Bellmere Winds Golf Resort in Keene.

The Koeslag Cup was a Prince of Wales school breakfast program that started in 1994 with Rotarians Isadore Black and Dr. Garry Humphries. Rotarians and local volunteers would be in teams to prepare delicious and nutritious meals daily for Prince of Wales Students.

Koeslag has been known to make a challenge among the volunteers to see which group could create the most exciting breakfast menus for kids during the last weeks of school before the Christmas holidays and summer break.

“He enjoyed seeing the smile on people's faces, he didn't do it for money, he just did it because he loved doing that,” said Paul Koeslag, Peter’s son. “Part of it was because when he was younger, he didn't have those opportunities. Dad just loved helping people.”

The Rotary Club of Peterborough, which meets at noon two Mondays per month, is one of four clubs in the area and one of over 46,000 clubs, with 1.4 million members around the world. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

He created a special trophy that would be awarded twice yearly to the winning team, as judged by students and school staff.

“Peter was very active in the school program,” explained Kein Seim, Rotary president. “Between him and a couple other ones that have been it for 30 years, they've been instrumental in bringing it along. From pretty meagre beginnings to a full kitchen and full breakfasts, Peter himself is very handy. If we needed something, he would make it.”

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Darling Insurance and Sentinel Risk Insurance Raise $51,000 for Easter Seals Through Charity Golf Tournaments

After hitting the links from two charity golf tournaments, Darling Insurance and Sentinel Risk Insurance raised and donated $51,000 for Easter Seals, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Darling Insurance.

The proceeds help Easter Seals to provide programs and services for children and youth with physical disabilities in Ontario. Their programs and services include access to mobility equipment, financial assistance for camp programs and educational support for children with disabilities.

“We are thrilled with the success of this year’s golf tournaments and we are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from our community,” said Peter Blodgett, Darling Insurance president. “Supporting Easter Seals aligns with our company’s commitment to giving back to the communities we serve. This donation will go a long way in helping children and families across Ontario.”

“We are so proud to partner with Darling Insurance on these events,” said Greg Kruk, Partner at Sentinel Risk Insurance. “It’s heartwarming to see so many people come together to support Easter Seals, and we look forward to continuing our work with such a fantastic organization.”

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