Be Nice Campaign Launched in Peterborough

The ‘Be Nice’ Campaign was launched on Thursday by Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha and Terry Guiel, Executive Director of the Downtown Business Improvement.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Dave Smith.

The initiative encourages customers in businesses where enhanced vaccine certificates are required to be patient and kind as they patronize these locations.

“Our frontline workers have faced considerable uncertainty over the last 18 months; from lockdowns to challenging experiences working in customer service,” Smith said. “This campaign is to remind everyone to take an extra moment in consideration of the staff working in difficult circumstances; understanding they really are trying to do their best.”

"We really wanted to be proactive with getting the message out that regardless of where you land on the debate about vaccination proof, please don't take it out on the staff and restaurants," said Terry Guiel, Executive Director, DBIA. "The staff and restaurants are already dealing with immense stresses caused by the pandemic". "This sign we hope catches peoples attention before they enter the establishment to remind us all that these staff and business owners are your neighbors, friends and family so please be nice.”

“We have been on a crazy roller coaster ride and not a fun one thanks to this COVID pandemic,” said Warden J. Murray Jones. “Our local businesses are doing the best they can to pivot and adapt to the ever-changing rules. This is stressful for them, when all they want to do is open up and serve their community. Be Nice, just makes sense, it’s who we are as a full community, let’s not let this pandemic get the better of us.”

The current vaccine receipt without a QR code remains valid and will continue to be accepted. Ontarians will need to continue to show a piece of identification with their name and date of birth along with their proof of vaccination to enter businesses.

Businesses and organizations can now download the free Verify Ontario app from the Apple App and Google Play stores. The app has been designed to help businesses by making it quicker and easier to confirm if a person is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The app never stores personal information and only shows the minimum amount of information necessary to confirm vaccination.

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Hike for Hospice Peterborough On Their Way to Meet Fundraising Goal

Hospice Peterborough’s Hike For Hospice event already raised over $30,000 since it started on Saturday for its one-week campaign.

Image courtesy of Hospice Peterborough

Due to COVID-19 this year’s event is being held virtually and started with a live stream of the opening ceremonies. Participants are encouraged to walk, hike or bike at their convenience from Sept. 11-17.

Hike for Hospice 2021 wants to raise $40,000, 73 per cent of that goal has already been met.

Prize winners were announced for the early bird registration and the t-shirt decorating contest on Tuesday

Wednesday they will hold a day of remembrance and Thursday participants will be invited to share who they are hiking for.

The event will end on Friday with a closing ceremony.

Participants are encouraged to share their stories, photos, videos, and fundraising ideas on the Hike for Hospice Facebook page or send them to Aimée at aoreilly@hospicepeterborough.org.

To sponsor an individual or a team click here.

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Rachelle Levesque is Recognized as Peterborough Petes Frontline Worker of the Week

Rachelle Levesque, a Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) nurse is named this week’s Peterborough Petes Frontline Worker of the Week as part of their Drop the Puck program announced Wednesday.

Image courtesy of the Peterborough Petes

Levesque has been working at PRHC’s Emergency Medicine department during the pandemic. She switched from working in palliative care to the emergency department to assist her fellow nurses when COVID-19 cases increased in the region.

“Rachelle switched departments to assist her peers that needed the most help during the pandemic,” said Chris White, who nominated Levesque. “She had worked in emergency medicine before so she had the experience and abilities. She’s such an amazing, caring person and ultimately, she is my hero."

Each week, the Petes will recognize and celebrate one local frontline worker for the additional time and effort they have put in during the pandemic to ensure the health, safety, and happiness of those in their community.

The Petes home opener is on Thursday, Oct. 14 at 7:05 p.m.

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Peterborough Chamber Hosts All-Candidates Debate

The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce live-streamed an all-candidates debate at the Peterborough Curling Club on Wednesday.

Joy Lachica (NPD), Maryam Monsef (Liberal), Chanté White (Green), Michelle Ferreri (Conservative) speak at Wednesdays debate.

Federal candidates from The Liberal, Conservative, Green and New Democratic Party (NDP) participated.

All other candidates involved but were not in attendance were provided with an opportunity to submit a three-minute video.

Submitted videos are available to watch on Peterborough Chamber’s YouTube channel.

In their opening remarks, NDP candidate Joy Lachica shared that she was delighted to be sharing this platform with three other female candidates while Maryam Monsef, Peterborough’s Liberal incumbent, noted that she was not done giving back.

When touching on vaccine mandates, Michelle Ferreri of the Conservative Party believes in the vaccines but respects giving people a choice. She notes medical exceptions such as some of her friends and family that can not be vaccinated due to medical reasons like chemotherapy treatment.

Chanté White from the Green Party highlighted other public health guidelines like proper handwashing.

"We shouldn't be penalizing people who aren't able to get the vaccine,” she said.

A vaccine passport is "a coordinated, efficient, smart way to mitigate any confusion about vaccination,” said Lachica.

“We all need to get vaccinated and move on with life,” said Monsef.

Candidates also touched on the opioid crisis, Downtown Peterborough, small businesses, climate change and the housing crisis.

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Nicole Howden is Recognized as the Petes Frontline Worker of the Week

Nicole Howden, a personal support worker and medical technician has been named as the winner of this week's Frontline Worker Drop the Puck program.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes

Howden has been a PSW and medical technician at Empress Gardens Retirement Residence for the past 14 years and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

She has been through lockdown twice while working at Empress Gardens and always looks out for the best interest and health of residents, sanitizing and cleaning constantly, on top of her daily duties. At home, she was tasked with becoming a part-time teacher for her two kids during the province-wide shutdown.

“Nicole doesn’t get enough thanks for going above and beyond at her job,” says Justin Crapp who nominated Howden. “It takes a special person to do what they do and it’s amazing she stepped up and went over and beyond with her job while having to wear a gown, goggles, a shield, and gloves all day long.”

The Petes are celebrating frontline workers who have gone above and beyond for their community during these unprecedented times.

Each week they recognize and celebrate one local frontline worker for the additional time and effort they have put in during the pandemic to ensure the health, safety, and happiness of those in their community.

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First Responders Roll Up Their Sleeves for Sirens For Life Blood Drive

The Sirens For Life campaign encourages Police, Fire and Medical services to donate blood during the summer months, which is often when blood is in high demand.

Sirens For Life invites Police Officers, Paramedics, Firefighters and any first responder to donate blood.

Inspector John Lyons has been with the Peterborough Police Department for 35 years, and has been donating blood since then.

“As a first responder I have seen up close and personal the need for blood products arise from the traumatic events that are often seen in policing, EMS or Fire services,” said Lyons.

Lyons says that his experience as a first responder has provided him with knowledge of what donating blood can accomplish and how important it is.

“One thing I can say for sure is donating blood doesn’t hurt you,” Lyons said. “I’ve never donated blood and felt that I’d lost anything.”

Typically, from the May 24 weekend to the August long weekend, first responders are called to more accidents requiring blood, according to Lyons. This can be because of the influx of people outside, on the road and at their cottages, though he notes the need for blood is year round.

“There’s a lot worse things than donating blood, you could be the one in a trauma center needing it, but here we are with the ability to donate it.”

For more information on how you can donate blood click here.

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Local Family Hikes for Hospice to Honour Late Mother

After Lenore Shiels was admitted to end-of-life care at Hospice Peterborough, her children say they had no idea that what they had thought would be a very difficult time would end up creating so many beautiful memories.

Photo courtesy of the Shiels family.

From having the ability to be with her family, to candlelit baths and homemade quiche, to singing songs, laughing and sharing stories, the 92-year-old Peterborough woman was at peace, in comfort and surrounded by love and expert professional care.

After her death, the family was profoundly touched that staff had gotten to know the mother-of-five so well that they placed in her hands a single yellow rose – her favourite flower and one that was symbolic of her deceased son.

“I honestly cannot think of a single thing that would have made her time there any more special,” says her daughter Sheila Crook. “We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful hospice in Peterborough.”

In a nod to Mrs. Shiels’ favourite slot machine, the family created the ‘Lenore’s Blazing 7s’ team and is supporting this year’s 19th annual Hike for Hospice fundraising event from September 11-17, 2021.

The event is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser and supports 26 programs and services. It is a way to connect families, friends, neighbours and co-workers to support and recognize this community’s palliative and bereavement struggles.

Last year’s Hike brought in $56,538 to keep the programs and services running throughout COVID-19 and at no cost to the recipients. One hundred per cent of the proceeds stay in the community.

“We are so thankful to Lenore Shiels’ family, and all of our supporters, for continuing to generously support us throughout yet another unique and challenging year due to the pandemic,” says executive director Hajni Hős. “Our programs and services are all offered free of charge and we depend on the generosity of the community, and events like Hike for Hospice, to help us continue to do so.”

Registration is open for this year’s Hike. Those wanting to donate can find a form here.

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PSW Amy Bursey Recognized as the Petes Frontline Worker of the Week

Amy Bursey, personal support worker (PSW), has been named the winner of this week's Frontline Worker Drop the Puck program.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes

Bursey has been working as a PSW at Springdale Country Manor throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

She has dedicated time and effort to help her community through the pandemic while simultaneously being enrolled in the BScN program at Trent University where she is working towards becoming a registered nurse.

“This young lady worked through the pandemic, often short-staffed, double shifts or overtime, to help the residents have a great day of care,” said Sandra Eberhardt who nominated Bursey. “She always went to work with a smile under her mask and took time to go the extra mile to ensure the residents were happy. She would do things like brush a senior's hair, paint their nails, shave a resident's face, or just sit and listen to a story or two.”

Each week, the Petes will recognize and celebrate one local frontline worker for the additional time and effort they have put in during the pandemic to ensure the health, safety, and happiness of those in their community.

The Petes welcome all members of the community to nominate deserving frontline workers by filling out an online form.

The frontline workers chosen will be invited to participate in the ceremonial puck drop at the Petes home opener which will take place on October 14 at 7:05 p.m against the Sudbury Wolves.

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Local Man Andrew Parnell Is On a Mission To End Nation Wide Hunger With Panda Feeds Canada

Peterborough local, Andrew Parnell, has his sights set on ending nation wide hunger - and he is going to do it on Instagram.

Photo courtesy of Panda Feeds Canada.

In early March of 2021 Parnell started the Instagram page PandaFeedsCanada.

The name comes from the nickname ‘Panda Parnell’ given to him in elementary school.

The goal is to gain enough followers to have the ability to present advertisements and sponsorships via the social media platform. Once he is able to do so 100 percent of revenue generated on Instagram will be donated to food shares across the country, he says.

Before he started on this journey a close friend of his passed away and he was laid off from his construction job for the winter.

“I just decided ‘you know what, I need to do something more productive with my time,” Parnell said. “ I figured this was the best way I could possibly make an impact of my community, follow in my parents footsteps and be a hardworking volunteer.”

Parnells parents, Don and Lesley Parnell, spend much of their time volunteering around the community. Lesley represents the Otonabee Ward on City Council and plays a major role in the Festival of Lights. She is a recipient of a Peterborough Volunteer of the Year Award.

Don is a recent inductee into the Peterborough Pathway of Fame having played a major role in the staging of the annual Victoria Day fireworks presentation over Little Lake and serving as a full-time member of the Pedal For Hope support team.

Amanda Shaw from Real Canadian Superstore, Ashlee Aitkins from Kawartha Foodshare and Andrew Parnell from Panda Feeds Canada. Parnell often stands outside of grocery stores accepting monetary and food donations for Kawartha Food Share. Pictures is Aitkins accepting a $1000 donation to Kawartha Food Share on June 10, 2021. Photo courtesy of Panda Feeds Canada.

“Most donations to this point have been my close friends and family really wanting to help out and launch the name Panda Feeds Canada,” said Parnell.

Panda Feeds Canada does not currently accept donations, but Parnell directs those interested in donating to Kawartha Food Share and will celebrate the donor on his Instagram page.

“If a small business wants to make a donation to the Food Share, I can do a little write up and post their business on my page,” he said. “I’m starting small but I’d love to get some bigger companies on board when I gain more followers.”

Panda Feeds Canada also hosts giveaways and raffles on Instagram with any monetary proceeds going directly to the Kawartha Foodshare.

In June Parnell hosted the first annual Panda Feeds Canada Golf Tournament at Keystone Links Golf and Country Club and donated $6100 to Kawartha Food Share.

Parnell presents the Kawartha Food Share with $6100 raised at the first annual Panda Feeds Canada Golf Tournament. Photo courtesy of Panda Feeds Canada.

“I’d love for people to put some energy into this, and encourage their friends to follow us on Instagram,” said Parnell.

While Parnell’s main goal right now is building his following on Instagram to help launch his idea, he hopes if anything he is able to inspire others to pursue their own aspirations.

“Try and make a difference. You might put some hard hours into it but you’ll feel good about what you’ve done, even if you only make a minor change and help one person it’s worth it,” said Parnell. “There’s too much negativity in this world right now so any kindness and compassion that we can put out into the universe is only going to help everyone in the long run.”

To donate to Kawatha Food Share click here. To be featured on Panada Feeds Canada send a screenshot of your donation via direct message.

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Local Campaign for Mental Health and Fitness Explodes Overnight

What was supposed a neighbourhood project to get growing children to be active for mental health has turned into a city-wide campaign with sponsors and prizes on Monday.

PTBOCanada has become one of many sponsors to be a part of the free t-shirt giveaway and the campaign. Photo Courtesy of Mark Westlake.

Founded by Mark Westlake and stepdaughter Lili McAnerin, “Stay Strong and Be Positive” encourages youth from ages 10-16 to go outside and be active though anyone is encouraged to participate. The campaign will last until May 20, the date the Ontario shutdown will allegedly end.

Physical activity helps against the rising cases of declining mental health in that age group especially when the pandemic has limited outdoor play says Westlake.

“We’re looking for 10 to 16-year-olds to be outside and be active and limit more of their screen time where all the negativity is right now,” he said. “There’s so much negativity in the world, we wanted to create something more positive and see what influence we can do.”

Westlake’s children cycling atop Faryon Bridge at Trent University. Photo Courtesy of Mark Westlake.

The campaign originally had 500 free t-shirts made up for kids but with help of sponsors like Suzuki Canada, Cameron Cycle and Powell Powersports, the number has doubled to 1,000.

Westlake has got numerous amounts of calls from sponsors who want to be a part of the campaign. Daily prizes will be given for the kids aged 10-16 including a grand prize of a BMX bike and kayak both valued at $750 apiece given on the final day.

A fundraiser will be set up to raise money for youth charities says Westlake.

The shirts are given to families who have at least one participating child and come in the colours pink, red, orange and yellow.

“Maybe this is the something community needed to get the kids to get a little bit of encouragement to boost the morale in a positive way,” said Westlake. “You need that outlet, young or old.”

To participate, you can visit the Facebook page for more details as shirts are limited to the first 1,000 participants.

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