Peterborough Blogs
“This is an opportunity to create new learning opportunities to attract and retain talent in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, as the Centre will attract leaders in veterinary care and animal medicine research to the region,” Morey adds.
Trent University Raises Record-Breaking $132,000 For United Way Of Peterborough
/Trent University’s faculty, staff and retirees came together to exceed the University’s previous records for both fundraising goal and total funds raised for the annual United Way campaign, raising a whopping $132,028 for those in need locally.
“This year, the Trent United Way committee set an ambitious fundraising goal of $125,000—our largest yet by far,” says Alison Scholl, manager, Community Relations and United Way campaign coordinator. “I’m overjoyed by the Trent community’s response to our campaign. I’m always impressed by the commitment our retirees, faculty and staff show to the Peterborough region, and I’m proud of the role Trent plays in supporting our community.”
Photo via United Way of Peterborough Facebook page.
Trent’s campaign launched in October with a kick-off BBQ, and was supported by many employee-led special events—including a chili cook-off, white elephant tables, and a gift basket raffle before the holidays.
These special events were paired with donations from retirees and employees, the Trent University Faculty Union, CUPE 3908 and OPSEU Local 365.
“Trent set an inspiring goal this year and that they blew past it is amazing,” says Jim Russell, CEO, United Way of Peterborough & District. “We are thrilled with the dedication and leadership provided by the employees at Trent. We are so grateful to the Trent University community.”
Trent’s campaign committee is made up of Linda Smith, retiree co-chair, Dr. Susan Wurtele and Marcus Harvey, faculty co-chairs, Adele Devlin and Debbie Lietz, staff co-chairs.
Marcus Harvey, executive director of the Trent University Faculty Association, also served as the United Way campaign cabinet’s Labour representative.
Photo via United Way of Peterborough Facebook page.
Trent University has been a long-time supporter of the United Way dating back to 1965, has raised more than $2 million for the organization, and is currently the largest corporate sponsor in the region.
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Peterborough Police Receive 9-1-1 Call From Person Reporting End Of Their Driveway Needs To Be Cleared Of Snow
/Peterborough Police Service reports that their communications centre just received a 9-1-1 call from a person reporting that the end of their driveway needs to be cleared after a snowplow went by.
Snow at the end of your driveway is a pain in the butt but not an emergency (PTBOCanada file photo)
Police remind the public to keep their calls to 9-1-1 for emergencies only.
So for example, snow at the end of your driveway doesn’t qualify as an emergency. It sucks but it’s not an emergency. Hashtag #WhenNotToCall911.
“These types of calls tie up the emergency lines. For snowplow issues kindly, contact The City of Peterborough,” the police say.
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Peterborough Transit Drivers Kept More Than 3,000 Customers Safe On Roads On New Year’s Eve
/Peterborough Transit drivers kept over 3,000 customers safe on the road this New Year’s Eve, as free transit was provided for a fifth consecutive year thanks to the sponsorship of Wolfe Lawyers.
"Peterborough Transit is a safe, reliable way to get to where you’re going and then back home, which is why it’s such a great service on New Year’s Eve,” says Councillor Don Vassiliadis, Co-chair of Transportation. “I would like to thank the transit drivers, staff and transit riders for helping to make the transit service so successful.”
File photo
“It’s exciting to see people out enjoying the city on New Year’s Eve, knowing that they don’t have to worry about arranging for a ride thanks to the free transit service,” adds Councillor Kemi Akapo, Co-chair of Transportation. “We appreciate the ongoing sponsorship from Wolfe Lawyers to make it possible.”
Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area and its member businesses partnered with the City this year to help promote the service, increasing awareness of the transit option for residents on New Year’s Eve.
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Lakefield-Based Instagram Sensation Owen The Griff Raises $20,660 For Our Pet Project Campaign
/Lakefield-based Instagram sensation, Owen the Griff, has raised $20,660 for Our Pet Project, the campaign to build the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre, through a recent crowdfunding campaign.
Owen and his parents, Lisa Besseling and Marlon Hazlewood, have been longtime supporters of the Peterborough Humane Society, and particularly the Our Pet Project campaign. Owen launched his crowdfunding campaign late in October and encouraged his nearly 110,000 Instagram followers to help him raise $10,000 for his Owen’s Pet Project campaign.
Photo courtesy Peterborough Humane Society
On American Thanksgiving, one of Owen’s American friends, Omar, inspired an anonymous donor to match all donations 3:1. This encouraged several other animal lovers to donate, including Cathy Mann & Associates' Fundraising Lab, who pledged to match all December donations up to $2,500.
With Owen’s fundraising campaign having such a snowball effect, Lisa and Marlon raised his fundraising goal to $20,000 and pledged to donate 100 percent of his Holiday Cameo proceeds towards his efforts. The Cameo app lets fans book a personalised video shout-out from their favourite celebrities, which is then emailed directly to a friend or family member. Well-known Canadian singer-songwriter Jann Arden is a huge animal lover and one of Owen’s loyal fans and was inspired to also donate $1,000 of her Holiday Cameo proceeds towards Owen’s Pet Project.
Photo courtesy Peterborough Humane Society
Lisa and Marlon are particularly excited about the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre, which will be part of the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre.
The Dog Rehab Centre will be a Canadian first and will mainly focus on behavioural rehabilitation for dogs who have suffered abuse, neglect or who need extra care before being ready for adoption. Physiotherapy will also be offered to animals that need it in the pool and aqua treadmill.
“As Owen gets older, it is good to know that there is a facility that can help senior animals like him live life to the fullest,” says Lisa. “The new Centre will be game-changer for animal welfare in Ontario and will put Peterborough and the Kawarthas on the map through the services it will offer, and we are excited to be a part of that.”
Owen posted on his Instagram channel thanks to his fans…
Owen and his parents are particularly excited about the potential of the regional Dog Rehab Centre at the new PHS, which will be a Canadian first.
Our Pet Project has built momentum over the last year, with just over 66 percent of the $10 million fundraising target raised. The new Centre, designed by local firm, Lett Architects, will be located on Technology Drive and is shovel-ready.
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Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign Raises Some Serious Dough For PRHC Foundation
/PRHC Foundation has announced on their Facebook page that the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre-Compass Canada location raised $2,341 from the sale of their deliciously happy cookies this year.
Photo via PRHC Foundation Facebook page
PRHC Foundation thanks Tim Hortons, Compass Canada and all the cookie lovers who supported this initiative and through it, the equipment and technology that form the backbone of patient care at the hospital.
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Innovative Pet Licensing Solution Brings New Value To Mandatory Pet Tag Program
/Peterborough’s pet licensing season is officially upon us, with renewals due by January 31st. Peterborough Humane Society is reminding the community that this year the licensing process is much easier thanks to its partnership with DocuPet, a social enterprise and the country’s leading provider of pet tag, lost pet recovery, and pet licensing services.
“Peterborough residents no longer have to visit the Humane Society to purchase their pet licences, as the whole process can now be done online by simply visiting peterborough.docupet.com or by calling 1-855-249-1370,” says Shawn Morey, Executive Director at Peterborough Humane Society.
Photo courtesy Peterborough Humane Society
Licensing dogs and cats is mandatory in the City of Peterborough. When licensing, pet owners can choose a standard city tag or, for an additional fee, they can select from any of more than 25 designer tag options. They can also choose to add their pet’s name and their phone number to each tag.
The fee for an annual pet licence varies, depending on whether the animal is a dog or cat, and intact or altered, as well as time of year the license was purchased. Senior discounts are also available for residents over the age of 60. Licences are valid until January 31st of the following year.
Photo courtesy Peterborough Humane Society
“Pet licences are really important for the provision of animal welfare and public safety here in Peterborough,” adds Morey. “Properly identified animals are five times more likely to be returned home safely, reducing the number of stray animals that enter our shelter and keeping families together.”
Photo courtesy Peterborough Humane Society
Peterborough pet owners can license their dog or cat online at peterborough.docupet.com, or by calling 1-855-249-1370 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday to Friday.
They may also visit to purchase a license in person. DocuPet will mail tags and an information package to pet owners within two business days, regardless of how the licence is purchased.
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100 Women Peterborough Raised $10,000+ In Under One Hour For Lakefield Animal Welfare Society
/On Tuesday (December 17th), the 100 Women Peterborough group raised $10,000+ in under one hour for Lakefield Animal Welfare Society at their meeting held at the Venture North Building lobby in downtown Peterborough.
“I am speechless, overwhelmed, humbled and thankful to be recognized by 100 Women Peterborough,” says Janet Evans, Manager at Lakefield Animal Welfare Society.
Photo Courtesy 100 Women Peterborough
The Lakefield Animal Welfare Society is a non-profit organization which was established in 1992 by a group of women with a goal of rescuing stray, injured and abused animals in the area. They work hard to find homes for even the most difficult to place animals.
The Lakefield Animal Welfare Society is able to help hundreds of animals a year through their programs, and rely entirely on private donations to operate their organization.
Photo courtesy 100 Women Peterborough
“The organizers are so excited to wrap up another incredible year," says one of the founding members of 100 Women Peterborough, Wendy Hill. “We are very lucky to have an incredible community of women come together to support organizations such as the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society—we are making a difference."
One hundred percent of the funds raised by the membership are donated to four non-profit organizations determined by the membership throughout the year. Women that are interested in joining the group are encouraged to reach out via the website here.
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Instagram Celebrity Dog Owen The Griff Will Be On Hand At Humane Society Night Petes Game
/The CHL-ranked Peterborough Petes are excited to welcome the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) as the game’s charity partner for their game against Oshawa this Thursday (December 19th).
They’ll be hosting a silent auction in the north lobby of the PMC with items up for grabs including two dog hampers and a cat hamper which are all filled with treats for furry friends. Owen the Griff, a celebrity dog from Lakefield that has nearly 110,000 followers on Instagram, will be on hand for photo opportunities in the north lobby during the first intermission, as well as making a pre-game appearance.
Photo of Owen The Griff by Chloe Morton
Fans are encouraged to bring in canned cat and dog food, which will be donated back to the Peterborough Humane Society. PHS will also host a chuck-a-puck, with the winning fan taking home a team autographed Petes jersey.
Pre-game, the Petes will welcome and celebrate the Jones family who have recently adopted a dog from the Humane Society. After losing their beloved dog earlier this year, the family was excited to bring Mocha into their home.
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Peterborough Firefighters Annual Toy Drive Donating $2,000
/The Peterborough Professional Firefighters are donating $2,000 to purchase toys from The Toy Shop (176 Hunter Street West) in downtown Peterborough for the annual Salvation Army Toy Drive.
The Toy Shop owner Jean Grant uses the donation to leverage deals for more than $6,000 in toys from her suppliers, who help with the initiative. The firefighters will arrive on Saturday, December 14th at 9:30 a.m., with their firetruck and a crew of firefighters to pick up the toys and deliver them to the Salvation Army.
Photo courtesy DBIA
