Volunteer Peterborough Launched to Provide Matchmaking Service For Volunteers and Organizations In Peterborough Region

An online portal matchmaking service for volunteers and organizations in Volunteer Peterborough was launched during an announcement at a Volunteer Expo at Trent University on Wednesday morning.

Tuffin was inducted into the Pathway of Fame in last during its 25th annversary under the Cultural/Community Betterment category.Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Volunteer Peterborough has been in production for a year to create partnerships to create the portal and matchmaking service. There are 50 organizations already available with another 50 coming next week with 175 volunteers signed up according to founder Lois Tuffin.

“We could encourage more of the best of Peterborough,” she said. “We could give people and make it easy for them to fall into volunteering and then fall in love with volunteering. That would be a way for us to move our community better.”

The online portal works like a dating or employment site that matches skills and times with groups’ needs with the volunteers. As of Oct. 10, these services will be available in person after an arrangement with the Peterborough Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

“Volunteers drive the success of large events,” explained Tuffin. “They also step up in times of crisis. Most of all, volunteers welcome new members into the community and deep in social relationships between people who have lived here their entire lives and those human connections have enriched so many lives. 

Tuffin continues to explain that after the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for volunteers increased which helped spark the conception of Volunteer Peterborough.

People stopped volunteering and organizers shifted so they moved volunteer managers to other roles because they didn't have anything to do,” she explained. “Some of those roles haven't been filled so agencies no longer have as much capacity to manage their volunteers so we're just trying to help them so that they can rebuild that membership and get those teams back up and running.”

The portal has volunteers for both in-person and virtual positions.

More information can be found by emailing info@volunteerpeterborough.ca or calling 705-930-2613.

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Volunteers Sought For Cleanup of 30 Sleeping Cabins For the Unhoused at Former Peterborough Humane Society Site

Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) is seeking volunteers on five consecutive Saturdays to clean up the new site for 30 sleeping cabins for the unhoused, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of PATH.

The cleanup is at the former Peterborough Humane Society building on Lansdowne Street East. The first scheduled date is this Saturday with June 24 as the last day. Times have yet to be scheduled for the cleanup dates at this time.

The announcement of the cabins was made on April 25, as Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) has leased the property on a three-year deal to PATH to build the cabins.

The houses are meant to create a transitional living center for individuals in the community who are unhoused. 

The area requires The City of Peterborough to rezone the area as ‘temporary use’ in order to build the cabins. They are expected to be built by 2024.

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) TRISH CAMPBELL, PATH CHAIR; SUSAN ZAMBONI, HABITAT PKR CEO, KEITH DALTON, PATH LAND ACQUISITION WORKING GROUP LEAD AND JENN MACDONALD, HABITAT KPR COMMUNICATIONS AND DONOR SERVICES MANAGER. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The following are all the dates for cleanup:

• May 20

• June 3

• June 10

• June 17

• June 24

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Nominations Open for United Way Peterborough & District's Volunteer Award of Community Distinction

The United Way Peterborough & District is accepting nominations for the annual Scholfield Award of Community Distinction; recognizing a local volunteer who has enacted positive change in the community.

photo courtesy of united way, facebook.

Since 2004, United Way Peterborough & District has celebrated and recognized outstanding volunteer contributions to the City and County of Peterborough through the annual Scholfield Award of Community Distinction. The award was established to recognize an individual or organization who, through their excellent leadership or outstanding contribution has demonstrated the ability to mobilize positive change within our community. 

In 2004, Paul and Ina Scholfield were the first recipients of this award. The Scholfield’s have been long-time philanthropists and community builders– through their generosity and commitment, they lead by example, typifying the spirit of community building.

The 2022 recipients of this award, Jim and Katie Stewart, were chosen for their achievement, commitment and leadership in addressing community needs and issue, the impact of their efforts, their innovative approaches and success in mobilizing members of the community. They were put forth as candidates for this year’s award through an incredibly heartfelt nomination package, that was hand-delivered to the United Way Office by nominator Anne Marshall of Elmhirst’s Resort, containing 12 signed letters of support and further endorsements by 30 community leaders.

“Volunteers are a diverse group of people who create a ripple effect of inspiration and generosity. We are thrilled to honour those who go above and beyond in their contribution to building a strong, diverse and healthy community,” said Jim Russell, United Way Peterborough & District CEO.

The Scholfield Award is open to any resident or organization within the boundaries of the City and County of Peterborough. Nominees are evaluated based on their achievement, commitment and leadership in addressing community needs or issues; the impact of their efforts; their innovative, unique or exemplary approach; and their success in mobilizing members of our community.

Nominations close at 4 p.m. on June 8, and the award will be presented later in the year. Nomination forms can be found online.

For more information, visit the website.

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Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group Seeking Volunteers To Help Clean Up Armour Hill

The Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group is looking for volunteers to help clean up a winter of garbage buildup at Ashburnham Memorial Park (Armour Hill) on April 15.

photo courtesy of the Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group.

“Your efforts at the last clean-ups have made a big difference to the health, safety and beauty of the park and we really cherish your kindness in doing so,” said the Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group in a press release. “Your contribution to these events is very helpful in moving towards positive changes for Ashburnham Memorial Park, and these efforts demonstrate that the community cares about this Heritage Park.”

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, participants will meet at Rube Brady Park at the basketball court at the bottom of the toboggan hill (corner of Armour Road and Munroe Ave) rain or shine.

The group advises participants to dress for the weather, and to expect mud throughout the park (rain boots are strongly recommended.) Bring a reusable coffee mug, water bottle, work gloves (optional) and garbage grabbers (optional). and appropriate attire for the weather. Supplies are provided.

For more information visit the website.

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One City Peterborough Needing Volunteers For StopGap Drop-In Centre

One City Peterborough is seeking volunteers for donation sorting and food preparation among other job positions.

photo courtesy of Peterborough dbia.

One City says they could use help at the StopGap Drop-In Centre and at the new home they are currently renovating (mudding, painting and performing minor renovations to the second half of the new duplex).

Those interested in helping with the new home can contact One City via email here.

Jobs include receiving food and survival gear donations, preparing and organizing snacks and sandwiches, preparing hot food and coffee/hot chocolate urns, collecting and transporting donated food, maintaining/cleaning the kitchen and storage as needed.

Their goal is to get a crew to be able to receive and sort donations as well as prepare food during the shifts between 1 to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Those who are interested, or know someone who might be, can email program coordinator Erin.

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New Canadians Centre Seeking Volunteer Board Members

The New Canadians Centre is looking for board directors to support newcomers and refugees by joining the governance team that shapes and advises the organization’s priorities.

photo by david tuan bui.

Since 1979, when a dedicated group of volunteers committed to supporting refugees fleeing Vietnam, the New Canadians Centre has grown to provide a wide range of programs and services that support the empowerment and inclusion of people who are new to Canada.

The NCC also takes an active role in community development and is one of the founding organizations of the Peterborough Immigration Partnership which mobilizes the community to implement a 5-year community immigrant integration strategy.

They serve more than 1,000 newcomer clients annually, who can access a variety of programs and services such as settlement counselling, employment counselling, language assessment, transitional support, workshops (taxes, citizenship), English conversation groups, women’s group, skills training, youth programming/activities and recreational outings.

The NCC encourages community members with diverse backgrounds to apply; those who are able and willing to give 5 to 10 hours per month of their time for this valuable work. They are also looking for volunteers with experience relevant to NCC’s programs and services, and with an interest in governance and leadership.

If you are interested in this opportunity, visit the website to access the information package and application form. Applications to join the board will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Feb. 26.

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Community Care Peterborough Celebrates International Volunteer Day on Dec. 5

Community Care Peterborough (CCP) is celebrating the impact its volunteers have in the lives of community members through International Volunteer Day (IVD) for Monday.

Selwyn Volunteer Driver Bill Sova goes the extra mile, decorating his vehicle for the holidays to bring extra joy to transportation clients. Photo courtesy of Community Care Peterborough.

Volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels, drop off groceries, drive clients to appointments, call and visit with them, provide well-being check-ins and more. Most rides take place locally and to neighbouring communities, but transportation to medical appointments outside of the County of Peterborough can be arranged.

With volunteer support, clients are able to live independently at home and out of hospitals and long-term care facilities.

“I am continually amazed and impressed by all that they do, and I know that volunteer contributions have huge impacts on the lives of so many,” said Darci Maude, CCP’s volunteer development coordinator. “We thank our volunteers for their continued support.”

Each day, the efforts of over 650 volunteers make it possible for over 6,200 seniors and adults with physical challenges to receive a wide variety of programs and services.

CCP’s clients say that transportation services help them remain independent and connected with the community.

“The transportation services provided are critical to my ability to lead a fairly normal life. Also, I’ve gained new friendships and have been given opportunities to expand my social connections. Transportation services have been so crucial for my psychological health, too,” said a client who receives drives through CCP’s Transportation Program.

To learn more about CCP’s IVD efforts or to get involved, visit the website.

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City Releases Video of 2021 Peterborough Civic Awards Ceremony

A video of the 2021 City of Peterborough Civic Awards presentation that recognized local volunteers and their contributions to the community was released on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Nominations for the annual civic awards were received this year for achievements in 2021.

“Congratulations to the citizens being recognized for their outstanding contributions to Peterborough in 2021. While we wish we could be together to celebrate the recipients of the Civic Awards, this video tribute is meant to show our appreciation for all that they have done to make Peterborough a special place,” said Mayor Diane Therrien. "The tireless work and dedication of this year’s award winners continue to make our community proud."

The winners were announced via video presentation to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The 2021 Civic Awards recognize the following nine award recipients:

Community Betterment:

• East Peterborough Lions Club

• Mapleridge Recreation Centre volunteers

  • Helen Falls

  • Liz Roberts

  • Carol Grant

  • Jane Northey

  • Jane Owles

  • Dennis Healey (posthumous)

Volunteer of the Year:

• Suzanne McMillan

Lifetime Achievement:

• Dr. Ramesh Makhija

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Down Syndrome Association Looking For Volunteers At Annual Kawartha Tri Sport Tournament

The seventh annual Kawartha Tri Sport Tournament to benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough is looking for volunteers for Sept. 10 from 12 - 8 p.m.

Photo from Kawartha Tri Sport.

Kawartha Tri-Sport is a three day, three sport tournament that challenges teams with golf, three-pitch and ball hockey.

There is a division for men and women.

Since it’s inception, Kawartha Tri Sport has raised over $115,000 for local charities.

Proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough, Five Counties Children’s Centre and the Alzheimer’s Society of Peterborough.

Representatives from the Down Syndrome Association will be on site on Saturday and are looking for volunteers to run 50/50, umpire ball games, offer support as needed and to cheer for athletes.

Those interested should email info@downsyndromepeterborough.ca.

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