Women's Business Network Raises $20,000 For YWCA Crossroads Shelter's Nutritional Well-being Program

The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) has announced a $20,064.84 donation to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, thanks to the outstanding success of the 2017 WBN Holiday Gala held in December. 

For more than 30 years, The Women’s Business Network has committed to supporting The YWCA Crossroads Shelter—an essential community resource for women and children fleeing violence, through their annual fundraising event.

Photo courtesy WBN

The donation made will support the YWCA Crossroads Shelter's Nutritional Well-Being program to support local women and children in crisis.

"We feel it’s vital to support and give back to our community, especially to the women and children who utilize Crossroads Shelter and its Nutritional Well-being program," says Lori McKee, WBN's Program Director.

"I got to witness first-hand the high energy and generous contributions handed out by members, donors and volunteers from the day we started planning right up to the night of the Gala," adds McKee. "To our members, guests, donors and volunteers, thank you for all your donations, hard work and support so we could reach our fundraising goal."

Photo from YWCA website

Jen Cureton, YWCA director of philanthropy and communications, had this to say about the donation: “At the YWCA, we invest in both safety and nourishment to help women and children feel welcome and protected. The Women’s Business Network has been a vital partner in helping women and children escape violence and build new lives. We’re so grateful to work with WBN each year through their Holiday Gala to drive our vision to see all women and children thriving.”

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Dude, Where's My Car: Snow Clearing Operations Monday Night In Peterborough

Due to current weather conditions, all vehicles must be removed from City of Peterborough streets Monday night (January 8th) to facilitate snow clearing operations.
 
Snow clearing operations will commence between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. Tuesday, according to a City of Peterborough media release. The fine for failing to remove vehicles from the street is $80 and the vehicle will be towed. All vehicles north of Parkhill Road will be towed to Milroy Park located at 242 Milroy Drive, with all other vehicles being towed to Morrow Park located at 171 Lansdowne Street West.

Throwback image, downtown Peterborough

All vehicles towed must be claimed by Tuesday (January 9th). After 24 hours, all unclaimed vehicles will be towed to an impound yard at the owner’s expense.
 
Vehicles must be off all streets, including streets in the downtown. Free overnight parking is permitted at all municipal parking lots, King Street Parkade and Simcoe Parking Garage. Vehicles parked overnight at either parking garage can obtain a gate arm ticket upon entry to the garage to be used for a free transit trip home.

Throwback image, Hunter Street

For more information, contact the City's Parking Division at 705.742.7777, ext. 2802.

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Public Health Declares Community-Wide Influenza Outbreak for Local Area

On Thursday (January 4th), Medical Officer of Health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra declared a community-wide influenza outbreak in Peterborough due to a recent increase in the number of confirmed local cases.

“We now have influenza outbreaks at four long term care homes in our area, and have seen an increased number of patients presenting at the PRHC Emergency Department with influenza-like illness,” says Dr. Salvaterra. “We have been seeing an increase in influenza cases ever since the Christmas holiday began and now we have enough evidence to believe there is widespread transmission occurring.”

“There is no reason to believe that this year’s vaccine is not a strong match with circulating strains,” she adds.

Dr. Salvaterra notes that all of the long-term care homes in outbreak have instructed staff who did not get the flu shot to take antiviral medication:

“Antivirals can be effective as a second line treatment to prevent influenza spread when outbreaks occur or to treat an influenza infection, if used early," she says. "Hopefully, most caregivers have been immunized but if not, antivirals, masks and good hand washing can help protect those who are vulnerable.”

Most healthy individuals are able to weather the virus and will not require a visit to the doctor. For those who are feeling unwell, Dr. Salvaterra recommends that you stay home to avoid spreading the virus.

PEOPLE WHO ARE AT GREATER RISK

People with compromised immune systems, other chronic diseases, or even a healthy woman in her last trimester of pregnancy are at greater risk of hospitalization and death from influenza.

Anyone who has symptoms of influenza and risk factors for severe illness or complications should seek medical care as soon as possible.

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One Roof Community Centre Extending Hours During This Extreme Cold Warning Issued For Area

Environment Canada has released an extreme cold warning for the Peterborough area from January 4th through January 6th, with forecasted nightly wind chill values of -39°C expected.
 
Due to the extreme cold warning and Peterborough Public Health extending its frostbite alert, the One Roof Community Centre (99 Brock Street) will extend its hours of service of operation from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. until Saturday, January 6th.

As always, emergency shelters are open and available to those who require emergency overnight shelter. Here they are...

-> Brock Mission Men's Shelter: 120 Murray Street, 705-748-4766
-> Cameron House Women's Shelter: 739 Chemong Road, 705-748-4766
-> YES Shelter Youth and Families: 196 Brock Street, 705-748-3851
-> Warming Room Safe Overnight Space: 175 Murray Street, 705-868-9276
 
Emergency After Hours Services related to emergency shelter are available through Social Services by calling 705-740-6222.

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A Frostbite Alert Has Been Issued For Remainder Of Week

It's going to be extremely cold out for the rest of this week. Indeed, Peterborough Public Health has issued the second Frostbite Alert of the season because of forecasted nightly wind chill values of -27 or lower from December 26th to 29th.

Extreme cold events are a potentially significant health risk and can have a severe impact on the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, people with circulatory problems, and the marginally housed.

Local social service agencies rely on Peterborough Public Health frostbite alerts to determine if services should be extended or enhanced.

In order to protect the health of people in Peterborough County and City and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, Peterborough Public Health advises local residents to take the following precautions:

-> Check face and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite. Exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 to 30 minutes.
-> Consider re-scheduling outdoor recreational activities, especially during the evening. There is a serious risk of hypothermia and frostbite if outdoors for long periods.
-> Use caution when shoveling snow, especially for those that have heart, respiratory (breathing) problems or other medical conditions. Snow shoveling is strenuous and can cause an onset of heart or respiratory problems.
-> Check on the elderly or people with disabilities living alone.

Temperatures are expected to rise above Frostbite Alert criteria during the late evening of Friday, December 29th.

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Police Confirm Deadly Carfentanil Is Now In Peterborough, Issue Warning To Public

The Peterborough Police Service has issued a warning after receiving confirmation that a substance seized during a recent traffic stop was carfentanil—a drug that is *10,000 times* more potent than morphine.
 
On October 24th at approximately 10:30 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Parkhill Road West and Monaghan Road. As a result of the traffic stop, marijuana was located inside the vehicle along with a dark powdered substance.
 
That unknown substance was submitted to Health Canada for testing. Results received from Health Canada on the evening of December 20th have confirmed that the substance was carfentanil—marking the first confirmed carfentanil seizure in the City of Peterborough.

Examples of the small amount of drugs that can potentially be fatal.

To give you an idea of how potent this drug is, carfentanil is commonly used by veterinarians as a tranquilizer for larger animals such as elephants. The amount of carfentanil seized during the October traffic stop was .7 grams.
 
“Exposure to a very small amount of this drug, about the size of a grain of salt or 20 micrograms, could be fatal though inhalation and ingestion," says Peterborough Police Deputy Chief Tim Farquharson. "There is also concern due to the fact that it can be absorbed through the skin."

The substance next to the image of the coin is carfentanil. 

“We are warning recreational drug users that this potentially fatal drug is now in our City," adds Deputy Chief Farquharson. "Fentanyl is an additive or cutting agent in virtually all street drugs. The potential for carfentanil to also be present in common street drugs is very much a real threat."
 
“We are not surprised that this drug is now in our community given the opiod crisis sweeping across Canada and is a reminder that every community is susceptible. Police services are working collaboratively and with a multi-disciplinary approach to deal with the many challenges that the opiod crisis is presenting.”

The Peterborough Police Service has notified its partners of the results, including Peterborough Public Health and the Peterborough Drug Strategy.

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Help Peterborough Police Find Person Who Has Destroyed Pride Flag At Elementary School

The Peterborough Police Service and Crime Stoppers needs your help with an ongoing Investigation into a Hate Bias/Mischief Incident at an elementary school. A pride flag flown outside King George Public school was destroyed twice in the past two weeks.

Sometime between November 11th and November 13th, 2017, the pride flag flown outside King George at the corner of Armour Road and Hunter Street East was taken down and cut into several strips. The flag was replaced, but was again taken down and cut into several strips between November 25th and November 27th. 

Photo courtesy Peterborough Police

The incidents were reported to police and are being actively investigated. The incidents have been classified as a hate/bias offence. (A hate/bias offence is that which is committed against persons or property and are motivated by the victim’s race, sexual orientation, religion, national or ethnic origin or other factors.)
 
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to call the Peterborough Police Service at 705.876.1122. Tips and information can also be made anonymously to the Peterborough Northumberland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or stopcrimehere.ca.

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United Way Youth Ambassador Faith Dickinson Presents Cuddle Blankets To Women At New Canadians Centre

Faith Dickinson believes gratitude can transcend language and cultural barriers.

She would know.

At just 15 years of age, the Lakefield, Ont., teen has been heralded throughout the world for providing warmth and care to cancer patients with her hand-made “Cuddles for Cancer” blankets.

Faith Dickinson with her plaid fleece cuddle blankets at NCC

Just a few months ago, the Grade 10 Thomas A. Stewart student was presented the inaugural Diana Award at St. James Palace in London by both Princes Harry and William. Faith was among 20 youth to receive the prestigious award founded on the late Princess Diana’s belief that young people have the power to change the world.

Having sewn more than 3,500 fleece blankets that have been sent all across Canada, the United States, France, England and Australia, Faith has also created a signature blanket for soldiers overseas and those suffering from injuries or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Many of these blankets have been sent to Afghanistan and Kuwait.

Left to right: Hend Altech, United Way Youth Ambassador Faith Dickinson, United Way Chair Neil Morton, Malaka Tonbakj, Abir Al Hattab and Sabah Alhamwi

Extending warmth and comfort to newcomer women from Syria, Cuddles for Cancer and United Way Youth Ambassador Faith Dickinson demonstrates the power of community

Faith—who is Youth Ambassador (a newly-created role) for the 76th Annual United Way of Peterborough Campaign—recently presented four of her cuddle blankets to clients of the New Canadians Centre (NCC).

“I’m a bit nervous meeting these women,” Faith explains, unfolding the blankets—two of which were made of plaid fleece. “My mom and I thought it would be fun to highlight the campaign theme which is anything and everything plaid.”

Abir Al Hattab receives a fleece "cuddle" blanket from United Way Youth Ambassador, Faith Dickinson

Initiated by Campaign Chair Neil Morton (co-founder of PTBOCanada.com), the plaid thread is running throughout the United Way of Peterborough campaign, including the launch on Tuesday, September 19th where most of the capacity crowd dressed in the fabric at the Evinrude Centre.

A partner agency that receives funding from the United Way, the NCC is a federally-designated welcome centre for Syrian refugees. To date, close to 350 Syrians have arrived in Peterborough, more than half of this number being children.

Faith and Hend Altech share a hug.

 “I don’t speak Arabic,” Faith explains quietly, smiling at the four women who have gathered in the main space at the NCC. In addition to having fled their war-torn homeland, these four women—Hend Altech, Malaka Tonbakj, Abir Al Hattab and Sabah Alhamwi—face their own personal struggles with cancer, scleroderma, disability as well as the loneliness and feelings of despair associated with starting over in a new country where you don’t know anyone, or speak the language.

“I want these women to feel comfort and support and welcomed by myself and our community," says Faith. "I want them to know we understand what a struggle it’s been to get here to build a life for themselves and their families. I hope by presenting them with the blankets, it will convey what I want to say.”

Faith presents plaid cuddle blanket to Malaka Tonbakj.

And it did. Despite language barriers, Faith’s welcoming message of love and support was received—loud and clear. “When I handed them their blankets, they put their hands over their hearts as if to say thank you,” she says. A powerful expression of gratitude transcending language and cultural barriers, the warmth and comfort extended to these women was felt by everyone present.

“It was very moving both for myself and my Mom and Dad,” adds Faith. “One of the women, Hend, wanted to have her picture taken with me to send to her family who are still living in Syria. She kept nodding and smiling at me. And then she called me habibti (an Arabic term of affection) and we all started laughing and calling one another habibti. It was a lot of fun. I won’t forget it.”

—guest post by Carol Lawless

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City Of Peterborough Reminds People Not To Put Used Needles & Broken Glass In Blue Box

In recent weeks, the City of Peterborough says there has been an increase in the number of used syringes found in City blue boxes. Workers have been jabbed with exposed needles, causing great concern about their well-being.
 
The city reminds the public it is not permitted to place used needles into your blue box or garbage. They pose an extreme health and safety risk, both to the workers who must handle them, as well as to children who may inadvertently come into contact with them.

Used needles are to be taken to your neighbourhood pharmacy for free, safe disposal. They will also be accepted at the City’s Household Hazardous Waste Depot. Take them in a puncture-proof container.
 
Broken glass is another item that injures many waste collectors each year. If you have broken glass, wrap it in several layers of paper or cloth and secure it with tape before placing it in the garbage. Never put broken glass into your blue box.

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Peterborough Police Have Homeguard Inspection Program

Peterborough Police's Homeguard Inspection Program is a community-based crime prevention initiative of the force's Auxiliary officers. This program allows community members to take an active role in making their homes less susceptible to criminal activity.

HOW IT WORKS

-> A Homeguard Inspection is free.
-> Residents can request an appointment for an inspection online by completing the online form or by calling the Peterborough Police Service Victim Services Unit at 705-876-1122, ext 268.
-> An appointment will be set for the Inspection to be conducted.
-> Members of the Auxiliary Unit attend and conduct a home security audit. They inspect windows, doors, and the exterior of the home. A written report is provided to the home owner detailing potential improvements for maximum safety.

Officers often recommend Homeguard Inspections to victims of break and enter, or domestic violence, but anyone can request an inspection.

Homeguard is meant to help residents improve home security and prevent break-ins and thefts at their home.

For more information on the program, click here.

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