Spare-A-Square #2: Porch Food Drive For Kawartha Food Share Takes Place October 24th

Following on the heels of a successful Spare-A-Square food-raiser earlier this year in March that collected 23,000 pounds of food, another vital citywide food drive to restock the dwindling shelves at Kawartha Food Share has begun.

On Saturday, October 24th by 9 a.m., anyone who is not ill or in self-isolation is being asked to leave a bag of non-perishable food items on your front porch to be picked up by volunteers. The porch food drive takes place across the city of Peterborough, and will help restock the empty shelves at Kawartha Food Share.

File photo

Starting at 9 am, volunteers will drive around the city and collect the items and deliver them to the Kawartha Food Share warehouse.

HELPFUL ITEMS THEY NEED INCLUDE:

-> Canned tuna
-> Pasta and pasta sauce
-> Alpha-getti, Kraft Dinner and Chef Boyardee, (things that are easy and that kids like)
-> Breakfast cereal 
-> Peanut Butter 
-> Any non-perishable fruit and vegetable items
-> Rice
-> Canned soup/stew
-> Feminine hygiene products
-> Baby formula
-> Diapers

Monetary Donations are also helpful. For every $1 donated, KFS can purchase up to $6 worth of food. Volunteers will be able to collect cheques or cash on October 24th. Or donations can be made online here.

File photo

All COVID-19 safety precautions are being taken. Organizers say there will be no face-to-face contact between those donating and those picking up. Volunteers will be in their own vehicles, and they will be wearing masks and will observe all necessary and suggested safety protocols.

If you are ill, do not leave a bag outside of your home. If you are self-isolating meaning you can’t make a food donation, you are asked to consider making a donation online here—every dollar counts in large amounts.

If you’re a business that wants to help, email organizer Megan Murphy here or call 416.459.8630.

For more information on the event, click here.

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The Beer Store's Local Community Fundraiser Raises $56,000 For PRHC Foundation

On Wednesday (October 14th), the staff at PRHC Foundation made a trip to The Beer Store—not to pick up beer but to pick up a big cheque due to community efforts.

Indeed, The Beer Store's local community fundraiser in support of Peterborough Regional Health Centre over the past six months at six locations in Peterborough, Lakefield and Bridgenorth raised a whopping $56,296.68 as customers donated the proceeds of their empties.

Photo via PRHC Foundation Facebook page

The funds will be used to support front line healthcare professionals in their delivery of world-class patient care at our hospital.

To learn more about the PRHC Foundation or donate, click here.

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Peterborough Humane Society Launches Commemorative Animals In War Pin Campaign

The Peterborough Humane Society alongside the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has launched its annual Animals in War pin campaign, leading up to Remembrance Day.

The commemorative Animals in War pins feature a dog and horse as symbols to honour the wartime contributions of animals. The pin is intended to be worn as a complement to the poppy in remembrance of our veterans and the animals who bravely served by their side.

Photo courtesy Peterborough Humane Society

Funds from the sale of these pins help provide care for animals in need, as well as support our veterans. Due to the global pandemic, the Peterborough Humane Society has increased its commitment to veterans in 2020 by donating $2.50 from each pin sold to Royal Canadian Legion branches across Ontario.

“We must always remember the sacrifice of the people and animals who have served our country,” says Shawn Morey, Executive Director at Peterborough Humane Society. “We will proudly wear a poppy and Animals in War pin this Remembrance Day as a visible reminder of the courage shown by our veterans and the animals that have always been by their side in times of conflict and times of peace.”

Photo courtesy Peterborough Humane Society

The animal on the pin symbolizes the wartime contributions of all animals. Mules carried artillery, horses transported troops and hauled field guns, pigeons delivered crucial messages, cats served as companions and kept ships free of vermin, and dogs have served as messengers, medical assistants, bomb detectors and search and rescue workers.

To get your pin, contact the Peterborough Humane Society at (705) 745-4722 to make an appointment to come into the office to purchase.

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Mackey Family Honours Son’s Memory, Raises Money For Hospice through Hike For Hospice Fundraiser

Patrick Mackey was a healthy and vibrant young Peterborough man known for his passion for social justice, his easygoing nature and his work at the YMCA as a beloved camp counsellor with the nickname ‘Toucan.’

After getting terrible headaches and quickly learning he had an aggressive brain cancer, Patrick continued studying at university, painting artwork for his family and being the type of friend who brought a smile to all who knew him.

Nearly two years later, Patrick lost his battle while spending his final days with his loving family at home in palliative care. He was only 20 years old.

Patrick Mackey (Photo courtesy Hospice Peterborough)

There’s no way to make sense of such a loss but his mother, Christine, says one of the most important ways the family was able to cope was by utilizing the services of Hospice Peterborough.

“After receiving counselling through Hospice, we came away feeling like we could move forward,” says Christine, a retired long-time teacher with the Catholic school board.

The Mackey family honoured Patrick’s memory and raised pledges by participating in this year’s 18th annual Hike for Hospice fundraiser, which was held virtually last month due to the pandemic.

The Mackey family (Photo courtesy Hospice Peterborough)

The Hike exceeded its goal of $35,000 by raising $56,538, which supports the work of Hospice Peterborough and the 26 programs and services it offers including grief groups, day hospice, groups for children and teens and a 10-bed end-of-life residence.

For many people, like the Mackey family, the Hike is also a meaningful way to remember and honour their lost loved one. Participants shared memories and photos of their loved ones on the Hike for Hospice Facebook page.

The new Hospice Peterborough, located at 325 London Street, is a reflection of a 30-year history of their ongoing commitment to hospice palliative care.

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Tips From Peterborough Public Health On How To Plan A COVID-19 Safe Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving approaches, Peterborough Public Health is providing recommendations to help residents plan a safe and healthy holiday.

“With COVID-19 still present in our community and in other provincial hotspots, we strongly recommend celebrating Thanksgiving only with those in your household, and avoid travelling outside the region,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health, in a media release. “Connecting with others of course is what this holiday is all about, so for family and friends outside your household, we encourage you to do so virtually or outdoors.”

Photo by Evan Holt, PTBOCanada

Dr. Salvaterra noted it’s helpful to know which activities are lower or moderate risk, and advises the following for a lower risk Thanksgiving:

• Stay home.

• Stay local.

• Plan an indoor celebration with household contacts only.

• If planning to visit with family and friends, keep it outdoors, stay within gathering limits and stay at least 2 metres apart. Add face coverings when moving about, but remember, they are not an excuse to get close! Physical distancing and masks must work together to be effective.

• Connect with family and friends virtually.
  
  
  The following activities are considered moderate risk:

  • If your household will include any students or family members who are not usually part of your bubble, have them practice hand hygiene, wear a face covering indoors and keep at least 2 metres distance, especially while eating or drinking.

  • Ensure food is plated individually by someone who is symptom-free and knowledgeable in safe food handling. Do not share food and beverages buffet or family style.

  • Before anyone comes in your home, check to make sure they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms and have not been identified as a close contact of someone who has COVID-19.

  • Do not participate in social gatherings, including religious services, if you are sick, have recently travelled outside of Peterborough to an area with a high rate of transmission, are awaiting testing results, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19.

Dr. Salvaterra asks those who are travelling from Peterborough to a higher-risk area for Thanksgiving to limit contacts and take precautions including hand hygiene, physical distancing and ensuring face coverings are used indoors.

“When you return to Peterborough, self-monitor for symptoms and limit your number of contacts for 14 days by avoiding gatherings, staying home, and using curbside pickup for shopping. If you become ill, self-isolate immediately and seek testing,” she added.

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Reimagined Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run For The Cure This Year In Peterborough & Beyond

For almost 30 years, the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure has united a collective of Canadians who are a force-for-life in the face of breast cancer.

This year, being physically apart won’t stop them from coming together to make a difference. The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and CIBC are inviting local residents to join the reimagined CIBC Run for the Cure, taking place on Sunday, October 4. 

Every day, more than 75 Canadians are diagnosed with breast cancer. As a higher risk population, people living with cancer rely on the same healthcare system that is still responding to COVID-19 and its impacts. 

Photo from 2019 courtesy CIBC Run for the Cure Peterborough

“Now more than ever, the CIBC Run for the Cure needs your support to ensure that no Canadian has to face breast cancer alone,” says Nicole Kirton, Volunteer Run Director, Canadian Cancer Society. “Cancer doesn’t stop being a life-changing and life-threatening disease in the middle of a pandemic and that’s why we will never stop running to support people affected by breast cancer.” 

The 2020 CIBC Run for the Cure has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind experience with both physical and virtual components. Through their refreshed, easy-to-use mobile app and website, participants can create and customize their own virtual runner, fundraise to unlock rewards and track their activity. On Run Day, participants will join the online opening ceremonies before heading out to walk or run in their neighbourhood. 

Photo from 2019 courtesy CIBC Run for the Cure Peterborough

The opening ceremonies will be livestreamed on Canadian Cancer Society’s Facebook and YouTube channels at 11:30 a.m. EST and will be hosted by Jully Black, the award-winning singer-songwriter dubbed Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul. Viewers can also expect performances from Barenaked Ladies, Jess Moskaluke and Carolyn Dawn Johnson. 

The Run is the largest single-day, volunteer-led event in Canada in support of the breast cancer cause. Canadians can register for or donate to the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run For The Cure at cibcrunforthecure.com. 

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Peterborough’s Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Site Is Relocating From Northcrest Arena To Eastgate Memorial Park

In response to higher-than-usual testing volumes over the last week, Peterborough’s drive-through COVID-19 testing centre will relocate to Eastgate Memorial Park (2150 Ashburnham Drive) effective, Monday, September 21st. Operating hours for the testing site will remain Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The move to this new location will help to accommodate higher-than-normal testing volumes seen at the drive-through since Labour Day. On Tuesday, September 15th, more than 420 people were tested.

Photo at Northcrest Arena courtesy PRHC

Lines at testing centres in communities across Ontario have grown longer in recent days, and testing capacity is limited in many areas. People should first seek testing options within the area where they live, work, or attend school.

Peterborough’s drive-through testing centre is intended for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, contact PRHC’s Assessment Centre directly by phone at 705-876-5086 to determine whether an appointment is required. If you have been advised to be tested due to an exposure, seek testing and follow public health recommendations to self-isolate or self-monitor. 

Photo courtesy PRHC

The final day of operations at Northcrest Arena will be Friday, September 18th.

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Peterborough District Masons Donate $17,253.25 To YWCA Crossroads Shelter For Women And Children

Right Worshipful Brother Tom Mortlock, District Deputy Grand Master of Peterborough District, on behalf of the Masons of Peterborough District, presented a cheque in the amount of $17,253.25 to YWCA’s Ria Nicholson in support of the YWCA Crossroads Shelter for women and children.

“The leadership of caring men in our community who understand that responding to the impact of violence against women and their children is a responsibility we all share is especially important in these uncertain times,” says Kim Dolan, Executive Director of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton.

Right Worshipful Brother Mortlock was accompanied by Brother Danny McLaughlin, District Fundraising Project Chairman (left) and Worshipful Brother Philip Lake, Peterborough District Secretary (right).

Mortlock, together with his family and the MortWalk Construction Team, have been actively involved in the YWCA’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraising event for many years, believing that support services for women and children fleeing abusive relationships are very much needed in our community.

“The essential service provided by the caring YWCA Family is a resource that the Masons of Peterborough District were very proud to support this year,” says Mortlock.

Members of the community who wish to add their support for YWCA crisis and support services are encouraged to visit the website or contact the office at 705-743-3526. 

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48th Easter Seals Telethon Takes Place Sunday, September 13th

The 2020 Easter Seals Telethon will look a little different (with all Covid-19 precautions in place), but the same mission is at hand organizers say.

Easter Seals families need help more now then ever, as kids have been kept from their normal programming and therapy, families have realized that their homes are ill equipped for mobility equipment, and accessibility in their homes is limited. Easter Seals has experienced an increase in funding requests for equipment and want to answer that call during the telethon, which takes place Sunday, September 13th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on YourTV and Global Peterborough.

Easter Seals ambassador, Ryerson Beardmore, on his 10th birthday accomplishing his “Covid goal” of being able to swing on his own for the first time ever! (Photo courtesy Easter Seals Telethon)

You can still count on seeing familiar faces and telethon celebrity hosts including Stu Harrison, Graham Hart, Teresa Kaszuba, Mike Melnik and Catherine Hanrahan. Also, Easter Seals is utilizing Zoom this year with Caley Bedore, where you will get to visit with plenty of Easter Seals Kids and their families.

In addition, Easter Seals is excited to introduce their returning 2020 Easter Seals Ambassador Ryerson Beardmore (pictured). He is excited to chat with people about his summer and join in celebrating a milestone with him for his 10th birthday!

The annual Easter Seals Telethon celebrates success stories, showcases Easter Seals kids and their families, recognizes donors and sponsors, and raises funds for children and youth with physical disabilities.

Supporters can donate online here and local residents are encouraged to select the Peterborough webpage.

For the past 97 years, Easter Seals has played an important role in providing support for children and youth with physical disabilities from all ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Thanks to its generous donors, Easter Seals continues to offer programs to enable kids to experience freedom, independence and a sense of accomplishment. For more information or to donate, click here.

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Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Relocating To Northcrest Arena From Kinsmen Civic Centre On September 8

Peterborough Paramedics, Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and Peterborough Public Health have announced that the drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic will relocate to Northcrest Arena (100 Marina Drive) effective Tuesday, September 8th. Operating hours will remain 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

The final day of operations at the Kinsmen Civic Centre will be Friday, September 4th, and there will be no drive-through clinic operating on September 7th due to the Labour Day holiday.

At Northcrest Arena, testing will continue to be provided for those without COVID-19 symptoms on a first-come, first- served basis. This clinic will be regularly evaluated and may adjust operations based on demand. Currently, they are testing more than 250 people daily. Please check back often to peterboroughpublichealth.ca and click on the Testing link for updates.

Those wishing to be tested on the weekend (with or without symptoms) can call the COVID-19 Assessment Centre at PRHC at 705-876-5086 to book an appointment. The PRHC Assessment Centre runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, seven days a week, by appointment only.

The drive-through testing clinics are led by Peterborough Paramedics with support from PRHC, the City of Peterborough, and Peterborough Public Health. Remember to bring your Ontario Health Card and driver’s license with you. You can access your testing results using your Ontario Health Card number on the provincial online portal here.

For more information about COVID-19, visit peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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