Hepburn Family Makes Whopping $15 Million Donation To Lakefield College School

On Tuesday (May 7th), two Lakefield College School families expressed their support of the school through commitments of very generous gifts totalling $18 million.

Alumnus John ’68 and Jane Hepburn have made a $15 million commitment toward the school’s new dining hall and other strategic priorities. The Hepburn's gift represents one of the largest single donations ever made to an independent school in Canada. 

Left to right: LCS Board Chair Nicole Bendaly '93; John Hepburn '68; Head of School and Foundation Anne-Marie Kee; Jane Hepburn; and LCS Foundation Board Chair Jock Fleming

The new dining hall has been identified as one of the major priorities under “Community First” in the school’s latest strategic plan and will be situated in the heart of the beautiful campus, which is located on Katchewanooka Lake.

A gathering place for the entire community, the dining hall will be designed to strengthen and enhance the student experience and will be named in honour of the John and Jane Hepburn Family. 

"With this new dining hall will come an array of opportunities for us to connect and learn from each other, as one community in one inspirational space,” says Anne-Marie Kee, Head of School and Foundation.

Lakefield College School campus

In addition, the Parent Family confirmed their intention to make a very generous gift to the school of $3 million towards a new student residence. Parent House will complete the proposed double residence, which includes Ross House (announced last spring) and will be designed to strengthen their new “Community First” house model.

This gift is made by Marc Parent in honour of his children Alexandre '15, Sabrina '18 and Stephanie '20 in gratitude for the indelible mark the school has left on their lives.

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100 Women Peterborough Raises $10,200 In Under One Hour For Brock Mission Cameron House

At their first meeting of the year on March 19th, the 100 Women Peterborough group raised more than $10,200 in under one hour for Brock Mission Cameron House.

Brock Mission Cameron House, which has been open since the fall of 1996, is a short-term, emergency shelter for women with 12 beds. They have since added eight bachelor units to the site allowing for women to pay a modest rent and customize the program to suit the individual’s needs. The Life Skills program provides education and training for independent living in the future.

Bill McNabb, Executive Director of Brock Mission Cameron House, accepting the cheque from 100 Women Co-Founders Catia Skinner, Alyssa Stewart and Rosalea Terry,

The contribution from 100 Women Peterborough will help to fund a new laundry room as well as much needed upgrades to their current facilities.

"What an incredible experience to see 100 Women Peterborough at work,” says Bill McNabb, Executive Director of Brock Mission. “We are encouraged, inspired and grateful for their generous support in getting some much needed repairs and improvements for our shelter facility.”

Brock Mission provides crisis shelter, food, clothing and support to those in the Peterborough community who find themselves in need. They also provide links with existing community services.

HOW 100 WOMEN WORKS

100 Women members commit to donate $100 at each of the four events hosted throughout the year. The aim is to help women learn about the multitude of different causes in the community, help people in need, and join other like-minded women to empower and multiply the impact of their contributions.

One hundred percent of the funds raised by the membership will be donated to four non-profit organizations determined by the membership throughout the year.

Women that are interested in joining the group—it has quickly grown due to word of mouth—are encouraged to reach out via the website here.

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Trent University Crushes Its United Way Goal For Second Year In A Row

Trent University blew past its United Way goal for a second year in a row. The target was $100,000, and they raised a whopping $114,328.

United Way’s Cabinet member Michael Nasello—the Education Director for the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board—was on hand at the United Way office (see picture below) to receive the oversized cheque from Trent University’s Julie Davis, Vice President of External Relations and Advancement, and Trent’s internal United Way committee.

Michael Nasello (far left) And Julie Davis (far right) with Trent’s internal United Way Committee (Photo courtesy United Way)

“This is humbling and speaks to the quality of educators and educational institutions in Peterborough and their commitment to the community,” says Nasello.

Since 1991, employees at Trent University have given more than $1.6 million to United Way of Peterborough and that is definitely something to celebrate.

“We really challenged our faculty, staff and retirees by setting a $100,000 goal for the 2018 campaign—our highest ever,” adds Julie Davis, vice-president, External Relations & Advancement. “Trent University’s annual campaign is the largest corporate campaign in the community and it’s an important way for us to give back and support the Peterborough region.”

Photo courtesy United Way

“Trent University is setting the standard for leadership and employee engagement in the annual Campaign,” adds United Way CEO Jim Russell. “Not only have they raised the most money this year, they maintain their unofficial title of best damn burgers during campaign.”

United Way Peterborough will be celebrating its 2018 campaign wrap-up on Wednesday, March 27th from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Showplace Performance Centre.

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United Way Of Peterborough's 6th Annual Paint The Town Red Raises More Than $16,000

On Wednesday, July 18th, hundreds of people dined out at 32 participating local restaurants for Paint The Town Red. They donated 25 percent of their daily sales to support the work of United Way Peterborough & District. 

On Thursday (August 30th), the United Way announced a record breaking tally from the event, saying it raised over $16,000! This is a six percent increase from last year, bringing the grand total to more than $75,000 raised since the event was launched in 2013.

Left to right: Paint the Town Red ambassadors Ashley Vititoe and Laura Crann, DBIA Executive Director Terry Guiel, and 2018 United Way Campaign Chair Megan Murphy

There were some new participating locations this year and the event even featured a special charity ride from Full Tilt Cycle where riders were encouraged to Ride Then Dine. In addition, the infamous Red Spoon introduced last year toured the vicinity throughout the day and folks were clamouring for a spoon spotting, or even better, a spoon selfie!

“Our restaurants and food are second to none in the province," says 2018 Campaign Chair Megan Murphy. "Once again, we thank the entrepreneurial spirit of our restauranteurs and their commitment to building local economy while at the same time giving back to community.”

The Big Red Spoon was a hit again this year

The dollars raised from Paint The Town Red will be going right back into this community to support UW's partner agencies, innovation projects and neighbourhood grants in their work building a strong and healthy Peterborough & District for everyone.

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Peterborough Police Just Took A Pet Named Bear On A Ride Before He Was Put Down

Whether you're a pet lover or not, this is one of the best acts of kindness ever.

Peterborough Police received a request to take Millbrook resident John McKelvey's old and sick dog Bear on one last car ride in a police car before needing to be put down. Bear wasn't a police dog, he was just a pet that was dearly loved and wanted a ride in a police vehicle.

And Peterborough Police in an amazing and kind act of generosity did just that: In this beautiful moment for Bear that they posted about on their Facebook page, they gave him one last ride before going to heaven...

Peterborough Police also tweeted about it here...

We couldn't turn down the request from Millbrook's John McKelvey to take his old & sick dog Bear for one last car ride. #restwellbear -LG pic.twitter.com/bTxpdCd7hu

— Peterborough Police (@PtboPolice) August 2, 2017

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United Way Peterborough Launches Text To Give, One of First UW Organizations In Canada To Do So

Just in time for Paint the Town Red on Wednesday, July 19th, United Way Peterborough & District has launched mobile giving as part of its 2017 campaign. Local Foodies who can’t join in at Paint the Town Red (or even if they can) can now donate $20 to United Way Peterborough at any time via text message by texting UWPTBO to 20222.

"I am excited that UW Peterborough is innovating like this, and using technology to make it easy for people to donate on demand," says United Way 2017 Chair/PTBOCanada Co-Founder Neil Morton. "UW Peterborough is one of the first United Way organizations in Canada to implement mobile giving, and the smallest city to do so."

“The United Way Peterborough team will be making a strong push on social media and at local events to get the word out about our new text to donate program and we hope our community partners will spread the word as well," says Lisa Smith, Director of Philanthropic Impact, at UPW Ptbo.

HOW "TEXT TO GIVE" WORKS

-> Diners can make a $20 donation to United Way of Peterborough & District by texting UWPTBO to 20222.

-> Text to donate will be available to use throughout the campaign, so mobile users can text to donate at any time.

-> No portion of any amount donated is held by participating wireless providers.

-> United Way Peterborough receives 100% of each donation made by text message.

-> All mobile users can obtain a tax receipt for their donations made via text message by visiting the Mobile Giving Foundation Canada website.

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Alumnus Stephen Stohn Donates $1 Million To New Student Centre At Trent U

The new Trent Student Centre has received a huge boost with the announcement that Stephen Stohn—one of its most distinguished alumni—has donated $1 million to it.

Picture via @stephenstohn

Stohn ('66), the executive producer of Degrassi: Next Class (available worldwide on Netflix), made the generous $1 million gift announcement at an event Tuesday (October 13th) at the site of the new Student Centre—to be built at Trent University's Symons Campus between the Bata Library and Athletic Centre.

“It is an honour to be able to contribute to an institution that reflects the elements of the Trent experience that have meant so much to my life, and could mean so much to the lives of Trent students in the future,” says Stohn, also president of Epitome Productions and a Canadian entertainment lawyer.
 
The highly-anticipated new Student Centre is envisioned as an opportunity to enhance Trent’s well-known outstanding student experience, offering new places and opportunities for students to socialize, learn, study and engage in life on campus.
 
Construction of the new Student Centre begins in January 2016 with completion slated for September 2017.

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Community Foundation Hosting 5th Annual Philanthropy Forum November 13th

The Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough is the hosting their 5th annual Philanthropy Forum on Thursday, November 13th at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club. The Philanthropy Forum is a day-long conference that provides professional development opportunities for the non-profit sector while celebrating and encouraging the spirit of philanthropy in our community.

NETWORKING & WORKSHOPS

The Philanthropy Forum will include opportunities for networking and workshops on topics such as volunteer engagement, strategic planning, and partnerships with the business sector.

Speakers include James Raffan, a writer and geographer who is currently Director of Development at the Canadian Canoe Museum; David Love, a donor and fundraiser with 44 years of experience; and Freddy King, a hip hop and spoken word artist from Toronto who was recognized by the Michaëlle Jean Foundation in 2013 for his community work.

The conference will also include a special focus on the arts and culture sector, with workshop sessions exploring impact assessment and trends in policy and funding.

“Philanthropy contributes so much to our community, and the Forum is one way that we can recognize, strengthen and support it,” says Janice Green, Board Chair at CFGP. “We’re excited to be going into our fifth anniversary of the event with such strong support from the community and such positive momentum from previous years.”

Learn more here about this special day.

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