Lions Club Shoe Drive Shatters Goal By Collecting Over 2,500 Pairs of Footwear

After a month-long campaign and 2,549 pairs of footwear later, the Peterborough Lions Club concluded a successful Shoe Drive that ended Friday.

MPP Dave Smith (left) with Gwen Sawyer, Lions Club membership director after tallying the final total of pairs of footwear collected. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Lions Club.

Present at the ceremony were Lions Club President Garth McQuaig, Lions service chair Judy Jenkins, MPP Dave Smith, Haily Whitelock from Bioped Footcare & Orthotics and other committee members to announce the completion of the shoe drive.

Gently-used to brand new footwear of all kinds were accepted at the drive from shoes, flip-flops, cleats, skates and more were taken in as part of the month-long campaign. Community members could drop off their donations at the club located on 347 Burnham St. or at Bioped Footcare at 655 The Queensway, Unit 6.

Judy Jenkins with the shoe drive sign with a minor correction after Smith’s final donation. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The donated footwear is repaired and restored by Bioped before being redistributed to needing families or individuals, prioritizing locally before donating them abroad.

The club’s goal was 1,000 pairs which was easily shattered which was a pleasant surprise from the committee members.

"I couldn't believe the overwhelming support of our community," said Jenkins. "We put out what our need was and the community just rallied around us and the shoes just kept coming and coming and coming."

Over 150 garbage bags filled with shoes were donated to the Shoe Drive. Photo Courtesy Of Peterborough Lions Club.

Shoes that go abroad will go to needing families in countries such as Haiti, South Africa, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. They can sell the footwear in order to help sustain a living.

“One pair of shoes pays for food for one week for a family of four. Twenty pairs of shoes abroad pay for one year of education for a student which every student has to pay for their education from grade 1 and up. Another 20 pairs pay for the residence in which the students live,” explained Jenkins.

Smith officially made the last donation, removing his pair of shoes for the cause.

“The Peterborough Lion’s Club has been a key community-oriented organization for decades. They are always working – donating their time and resources – to support those who need support,” he said.

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Ice Cream Parlour Serving Up Smiles for Children's Charity

Central Smith Ice Cream served charity ice cream cones for Five Counties Children’s Centre’s “Do It For The Kids” campaign on Saturday.

(Left to Right) Allison Zomer, Central Smith server; Jennifer Scates, Central Smith co-owner; Linsay Kampf, Five Counties communications coordinator and Olivia Stevenson. Central Smith server. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The creamery was selling $2.50 single-scoop vanilla ice cream cones with blue and green sprinkles — the Five Counties’ colours — where proceeds go towards the charity. They also sold $2 donation cards as another method to raise money.

The one-day event is a wrap-up of a campaign that the creamery runs monthly. The events were organized by the creamery staff including a cakewalk, bake sales, 50/50 draws and a “Do It for Dad” ice cream day.

“It’s really been a grassroots organization and it’s been driven by the staff,” said Jennifer Scates, Central Smith co-owner. “It’s been phenomenal.”

Central Smith has over 60 flavours of ice cream, sherbet or sorbet that are available in cones, cups or sundaes. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The ice cream parlour has raised roughly $1,800 towards their $5,000 goal to be donated on Halloween. Central Smith has unaccounted funds in the past month that has yet to be counted toward the total.

The staff chose Five Counties as their charity of choice back in September. The creamery runs a charity campaign every two years where Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Team55 and Terry Fox have been past recipients.

Central Smith began exclusive production of premium ice cream in 1952. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The store plans to run future campaigns until September such as charity walks, 50/50 draws and bake sales. Several of the events run have been organized and initiated by the staff.

“We’ve just been slowly building momentum through the year,” said Scates.

Central Smith was founded in 1896 and celebrates its 125th anniversary in mid-July.

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Community Care Peterborough Wins National Contest For $20,000

Non-profit charitable organization Community Care Peterborough (CCP) won $20,000 in the 2021 Great Canadian Giving Challenge held by CanadaHelps according to a press release on Wednesday.

Meals on Wheels deliver food from Monday to Friday between 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Photo Courtesy of Community Care Peterborough.

CCP — a charity providing services to senior citizens and adults with physical challenges — was selected from 16,611 other charities. A total of $26,218,918 to those charities were donated last month.

June is considered the month with the least amount of donations to CanadaHelps — a non-profit networking charity organization —as stated in the press release.

All last month, CanadaHelps asked Canadians for online donations to win $20,000 for their favourite charity.

Every dollar donated in June through CanadaHelps or with an affiliated charity gave an entry for the grand prize.

“We are so thrilled to win the Great Canadian Giving Challenge,” said Alicia Vandine, CCP Donor Relations and Communications Lead. “We adapted our fundraising plans, operating virtual events and improving our online presence, to make it easier for people to support this work with their donations, improving our capacity and process to make online donations easy and secure using our Canada Helps charity account.”

Alicia Vandine (left) of Community Care Peterborough speaking with Nicole Danesi (right), CanadaHelps Manager in an online interview following the announcement of the contest winner. Screenshot.

$10,000 will be used towards the Give a Meal program which subsidies Meals on Wheels. The other $10,000 is for their Drive for Dialysis program which drives dialysis patients to medical appointments.

Without this support, many Ontarians living in rural communities are left to cover the transportation costs of these regular appointments that can add up to between $8,000 and $10,000 per patient according to the press release.

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The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough Kawartha Lakes Northumberland and Haliburton Announces New Executive Director

The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton has announced Andrea Cant as their new Executive Director on Monday.

Photo Courtesy Of The Alzheimer Society PKLNH.

As of May 31, Cant has taken over duties from retiring Leslie Parham, executive director.

Cant has been working in the non-profit sector for 16 years and previously worked for the Alzheimer Society.

She is eager to build on the legacy left by Parham and will be hard at work guiding the organization out of the pandemic which has taken a toll on both clients and their care partners.

“When the pandemic made in-person services impossible Leslie and her team pivoted the organization to include virtual education, activities and support programs,” says Cant. “Now we’re looking forward to getting back into the community in the fall and providing in-person services to community members who are disproportionately isolated and who depend on social engagement for support and to help slow the progression of the disease. They’ve had to endure a long pandemic largely on their own.”

Social connection, physical activity and barrier-free healthcare are essential for slowing the progress of dementia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many vital resources were unavailable to patients living with dementia. Cant hopes that as restrictions loosen, in-person services will resume.

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Two Local Girls Earn $10,000 Grants For Habitat for Humanity In Writing Contest

Elementary school students Olivia Grady and Emma Mattson were runner-ups in the “Meaning of Home” writing contest that earned a $10,000 grant each for Habitat for Humanity announced Monday.

Mattson (left) and Grady (right) were two of over 12,000 entrants across Canada that participated in the contest. Photo Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity.

The nationwide contest invited Canadian kids from grades 4-6 to submit a poem or essay explaining what home means to them.

A winner and three runner-ups are selected from each grade and are awarded $30,000 and $10,000 respectively towards their local habitat build. The earnings will go towards building homes for families in need of a safe and secure place to call home according to the press release.

Matson wrote her poem “Houses and Homes” which earned her a runner-up award, sharing the spot with two other girls representing Habitat Greater Ottawa.

“A house is made of wood and bricks.
A home is made of love and family.
Home is the heart of my family.
Home keeps us all together.

Home reminds us of those good times.
Home means love.
Home means family.
Home helps us make memories.

Our home is always there for us.

When I am in my home, I feel safe.
I feel comfortable in my home.
My home means so much to me.

My home is no ordinary house.
It’s a home.

Our home means more to us in these times.
Covid-19 made us spend more time in our houses than normal.
I now realize what my home really means.
It means family.

Home is wonderful.
When I think of home I think of my indigenous culture.
When I am home, I feel like me.
When I am in my home I think of my family, my culture and my background.

I don’t live in a house.
I live in a home.”

— Emma Mattson

Grady got runner-up with her entry, “What Does Home Mean to Me?” for the grade 6 category.

“Home can mean several things. To me, it doesn’t just resemble a building. Those 4 walls and a roof I’ve spent my whole life in means more than I can explain. The comfort, safety and love that comes from my home makes this place more than what you think.

I know I’m at home when I feel that single feeling of comfort the moment I walk through the door. My dog, greeting me with her kisses and happiness, mom and dad, giving me the hug that I have awaited all day for and my brother so joyous to see everyone together again. However, comfort isn’t just the hug you get when you walk into the house. It’s also helping each other, doing fun things together and knowing that you are loved.

An essential part of home to me is safety. Knowing that in the darkest conditions, I am always safe in my parent’s warm embrace. Safety is trusting that I can come home to escape my sorrow, bitter thoughts and just be myself. It also means to flee the cold rainstorm that I’ve been drenched in to a place that brings me a sense of security and safety. When I’m safe, that’s how I know that I’m at home.

Finally, the heart of my home is love. You don’t have to spell “love” to feel it. The simplest things my family does shows me that they love me whether it’s watching movies together, playing games or just giving each other our time. When someone says “home” I immediately think of love for it is the true key to a happily ever after.

I hope that one day, everyone will have a home to experience the things that I believe home means.”

— Olivia Grady

Sarah Budd, Humanity CEO, expressed her gratitude for the girls’ efforts in earning $22,890 for the habitat build. Each student entry also earns a $10 donation for their local Habitat.

“I’d like to congratulate both Olivia and Emma for their participation and incredible efforts in supporting affordable housing in their community,” she said. “Because of their hard work, these $10,000 grants mean that we can help more local families and individuals have access to safe and affordable homeownership.”

This year’s Meaning of Home contest raised a record of $300,000 for local Habitat for Humanity organizations across Canada.

Full contest results can be found on the contest’s official website.

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PTBOCanada Donates Sign Wars Funds to Children's Foundation

The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation (KHCF) received a cheque of $6,360 from PTBOCanada on Thursday morning.

Deb Aben (left) recieves the cheque of $6,360 from PTBOCanada owner Kirtus Evoy (middle) and Pete Dalliday (right). Photo by David Tuan Bui

The funds came from the Peterborough Sign Wars campaign PTBOCanada ran in late April, selling “Meet me in Aisle 15” t-shirts.

The PTBOCanada team including owner Kirtus Evoy, Fresh Radio 100.5’s Pete Dalliday and editor David Tuan Bui arrived at the charity to donate the proceeds.

Fresh Radio and The Wolf were one of several businesses that were highly active in the #PTBOSignWars. File Photo.

Deb Aben, Executive Producer of KHCF was there to accept the money on behalf of the charity and could not be happier to receive the donation.

“When the call came through was just so thrilled that it’s going towards helping kids who are in need of our community,” said “It’s going to make a huge difference this summer.”

“It was amazing to see the community come together over a quick period handing out thousands of smiles through the sign wars and raise money for a great cause,” said Evoy. “I’m proud to be part of an amazing community.”

KHCF sends kinds either for one or two weeks of summer camp every year with the exception of last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The money will go towards sending kids to summer camp and their “Soaking Up Summer” program. Developed last year, the program purchased athletic equipment, toys or anything designed for kids to play outside and be active. The campaign was created as an alternative to sending kids to day camp due to the pandemic.

“I felt I’d won the lottery,” said Aben. “How lucky these kids are to be the beneficiaries of something that engaged the community and made us smile, laugh and made us feel like a kid again.”

KHCF supports children in activities that are not government funded, provides money for families newly caring for extended family members, post-secondary bursaries and gift cards for youth transitioning to independent living who were formerly in youth care.

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Hometown PTBO: Ashlee Aitken Discusses Moving to Peterborough, Volunteer Work With Food Drives, Kenya and Their Lacrosse Culture

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with Ashlee Aitken from Kawartha Food Share about her decision to move to Peterborough, her work with charities and food banks and how she fell in love with Kenya and their lacrosse culture.

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Provincial Charity Awards Peterborough Commerce President Prestigious Award

With over 43 years of service for Easter Seals Canada, Stu Harrison has been given the National Volunteer Award for Ontario on Wednesday.

PTBOCanada releases StoosNews and his Business Beat every week. File Photo.

The award celebrates outstanding volunteers from across Canada according to the press release. Harrison is one of eight recognized volunteers who has dedicated their time and skills to help make Canada a more inclusive society for people of all abilities.

Harrison is the president and CEO of Peterborough Chamber of Commerce who features his weekly Business Beat called StoosNews — which you can find here on PTBOCanada — has helped the Easter Seals Telethon since 1978.

The longtime dedication to the charity has been considered an honour on both sides says Harrison.

“While I really enjoy the committee work leading up to the annual Telethon,” he said. “I see my role as getting to know the families and telling their story in a way that they are comfortable with. The icing on the cake is watching the kids grow up and find their way in life.”

Harrison has been president of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce for over 16 years. File Photo.

The press release praises Harrison for his hard work, dedication and developing a real connection with all the kids who benefit from the charity.

“Stu is also very much loved by Easter Seals kids - their faces light up with huge smiles when they see that Stu is there! The kids and families also enjoy catching up with Stu as he is a familiar face each year,” according to the release. “Stu has watched many of the kids grow into amazing young adults. You can clearly see the connections and relationships that have been forged over the years and the mutual admiration on set each year.”

This year’s Easter Seals Telethon will be broadcasted live on June 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Local Pregnancy Service Receives Generous Donation from Women's Organization

Peterborough Pregnancy Support Services received $4,800 from 100 Women Peterborough as their first donor of 2021 on Friday.

Sharon LeBoubon (left) PPSS staff member receiving donations from Pastor Scott Wheeler of Kawartha Community Church. Several churches donate and support PPSS with fundraisers as part of their community involvement. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Pregnancy Support Services

The donation was made on Mar. 26 and came from a majority vote by the volunteers of 100 Women Peterborough after their first virtual meeting of 2021.

“We are proud that we can continue to support organizations in need during this difficult time,” says Wendy Hill of 100 Women Peterborough. “Fundraising has become more difficult for these organizations during the pandemic so our group has never been more important.”

All supplies for clients are donated from local organizations and individuals. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Pregnancy Support Services

“We’re grateful for the 100 Women,” Said Helen DeLuna, Executive Director of PPSS. “They recognize that we’re helping the community.”

The money will be used to renovate the building, replacing the carpet with new hard floors to aid in the cleanliness and sterility of the facility.

The renovations are expected to begin late this month. The clinic has already finished painting and acquired new furniture according to DeLuna.

A donor of a single mother gave the pictured diapers and clothes for PPCC according to DeLuna. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Pregnancy Support Services

PPSS offers pregnancy resources such as parenting classes and a baby boutique supplied by donors. Clients can redeem rewards from taking the educational courses for diapers, toys, clothing and other material resources.

They offer medical-grade pregnancy tests, sexually transmitted infection tests and treatments that are free and confidential.

Every client receives a specialized gift bag during the Christmas season that includes gift cards with the essentials. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Pregnancy Support Services.

100 Women Peterborough is an all-volunteer organization where 100 women meet quarterly, donate $100 each for every meeting totalling $10,000 and give it to charity.

PPSS is located at 473 Aylmer St N. in Peterborough and can call (705) 742-4015 to book an appointment or speak with a nurse.

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"Porch Pirates for Good" Community Food Drive to Benefit Kawartha Food Share

Hoist the mainsails because the porch pirates are coming to get your treasure for Kawartha Food Share.

(from left to right) Susan Dunkley, Lois Tuffin, Ashlee Aitken and Megan Murphy taking the “Porch Pirates for Food” gimmick to another level. Every $1 donation gets $6 of food purchasing power for the food drive. Photo Courtesy of Megan Murphy.

“Porch Pirates for Food” volunteers will collect non-perishable foods and/or money left in front of houses for Kawartha Food Share as a food drive campaign on Saturday, Apr. 10.

The event is a twist on the infamous “porch pirate” term where thieves steal delivered items from your doorstep but applying a positive spin.

Beginning at 9:00 a.m., residents are encouraged to leave their donated items in a bag outside their homes either on their porch, driveway or steps in a visible manner for volunteers to pick up.

Any donating businesses will be collected on Friday and can e-mail Susan Dunkley at susan@suzihomemaker.ca to participate. Pickups will run from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The business goal is to collect 20,000 pounds of food said Dunkley in the press release.

Kawartha Food Share warehouse volunteers have been reduced from 50 to 10 to comply with the COVID-19 pandemic. All food is sorted and inspected before being redistributed to the public. Photo courtesy of Megan Murphy.

This is the third food drive campaign run since the COVID-19 pandemic last March. The Spare-A-Square food-raiser drives — in reference to last year’s toilet paper shortage — collected 41,267 pounds of food and over $5,000 in monetary donations according to a press release.

“The need for food has increased by 20 per cent since the pandemic,” says Megan Murphy, event organizer. “I am so excited and so grateful for all of our volunteers and our drives and every community member who was able to leave stuff outside. It’s been a horrible year but this is a way to stay safe and connected.”

Despite no official goal for the community food drive, Murphy would like to see roughly 9,000 pounds in food donations to a grand total of 50,000 pounds from prior collections.

Money can be donated with the goods or online at Kawartha Food Share’s website. Photo Courtesy of Megan Murphy.

On average, 8,700 people are using food banks every month in the City and County of Peterborough with 35 per cent of local food bank users under the age of 18.

If you would like to make an online monetary contribution, you can go online to Kawartha Food Share’s donation page.

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