Couture Candy PTBO Raises $16,700 For PRHC Foundation Cancer Care

Couture Candy PTBO’s community fundraiser supporting Cancer Care is Sweet raised $16,700 for cancer care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) announced Thursday.

PRHC Foundation staff Meghan Moloney (left) and Valerie Gagnon (left-middle) accept a cheque for $16,700 from Couture Candy PTBO owner Lisa Couture (right-middle). The cheque represents the proceeds of Couture Candy PTBO’s “Supporting Cancer is Sweet” fundraiser in support of cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Photo courtesy of PRHC.

Inspired by her many customers who come into Couture Candy PTBO looking to send a treat to someone impacted by the disease, owner Lisa Couture wanted to do something to give back to the community.

In June of 2022, she launched the Supporting Cancer Care is Sweet campaign, with a goal of $10,000. When it quickly became clear they would surpass their goal, Couture raised it to $15,000.

She says she’s blown away by the community’s response.

“We hoped we would hit our goal but to get so far past it has been absolutely amazing,” said Couture. “I am so grateful to my amazing team, the businesses who supported and the Peterborough community for believing in us and supporting this amazing ‘give back’ campaign.”

From mid-June until Oct. 3, Couture Candy PTBO donated a portion of the proceeds from over 10 of their most popular products to the campaign.

In September, Couture took Rob Conley, Lansdowne Place’s specialty leasing manager, up on their offer to donate a free month to the cause, opening a second “pop-up” location that helped drive her success.

They also collected donations, displaying names and messages from donors throughout the store and held ice cream fundraisers throughout the summer with Central Smith Creamery.

The community quickly rallied behind the cause, with friend Justin Armitage holding a haircut challenge and raising $2,125 and Whelan’s Flooring’s donation of $1,000.

Lesley Heighway, foundation president and CEO of the PHRC Foundation says they’ll help save lives by supporting state-of-the-art cancer care equipment and technology for PRHC.

“The number of patients from Peterborough and the surrounding region who rely on PRHC for cancer treatment continues to climb every year,” said Heighway. “Your donations are helping our hospital serve more cancer patients, support earlier cancer diagnosis, and provide safer, more effective treatments.”

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Bobcaygeon Brewery and McThirsty's Launch Community Brew, Blackberry Raspberry Gose; Proceeds Support Local Charities

Bobcaygeon Brewing Company and McThirsty’s Pint had the first official pour of their ‘Community Brew’ Blackberry Raspberry Gose beer to support local organizations within the Peterborough community launched on Friday.

(from left to right) Richard Wood, Bobcaygeon Brewing Company president, Christian Harvey, One City PTBO executive director, Katie Harting, McThirsty’s bartender and Matt Campbell, Bobcaygeon Brewing Company vice president of Sales enjoying the first-poured Blackberry Raspberry Gose from the tap. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

A dollar from every pint and 50 cents from each can sold is getting donated to select Peterborough charities

The first beer in the series, Blackberry Raspberry Gose is supporting One City Peterborough, an organization aiding those who have/are experiencing homelessness and/or criminalization.

The beer was brewed in collaboration with McThirsty’s bartender Katie Hartling. The drink boasts four times as much fruit as a traditional sour beer according to Bobcaygeon Brewery.

The Community Brew is available on tap at McThirsty’s Pint and the Bobcaygeon Brewing Company Taproom. Cans are available for purchase at both locations next week.

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Applications Being Accepted For Eligible Charities Local Realtor Organization for 2023

Peterborough and the Kawartha’s Association of REALTORS (PKAR) have opened applications for charities to be the recipient of their Giving Back campaign from Oct. 3 to 28.

Photo courtesy of PKAR.

“We are so fortunate to be in a position to support the incredible organizations in our community”, said Kate Kidd, PKAR President. “There are so many deserving charities in our area, and we are looking forward to reviewing this year’s applications and choosing our very deserving 2023 partner.”

PKAR is reviewing all applicants and will contact preliminary charities to move forward.

To submit an application, click here.

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United Way Aids Over 48,000 People Last Season; Launches Final Leg of Three-Year Campaign to Raise $5 Million

As United Way Peterborough & District kicks off the final season of its three-year fundraiser of $5 million, they reported 48,914 people aided in 2021-22 during a campaign launch at the Healthy Planet Arena on Wednesday.

Over 200 people attended the United Way’s campaign launch that was forced to go virtual the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The charity invested $1,819,022 into the community, supporting 230 local programs and initiatives during that stretch.

"Whether the reach of someone that gives a dollar a week or the reach is someone that gives us $10,000 once a year, that people really impact individual lives with their donations so that's really powerful and humbling quite frankly and encouraging," said Jim Russell, United Way CEO.

The campaign began in 2020. United Way’s goal was to raise $5 million in three years. Russell would not disclose how much money has been raised so far when asked until the campaign closes due to determining to budget and discussing the allocation of the funds.

Campaigns included supplying menstrual hygiene products and personal care kits, stuffing and distributing backpacks, providing warm clothing for the winter season and more.

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Photos: The 42nd Annual Terry Fox Run Raised Over $25,000 For Cancer Research

The 42nd Annual Terry Fox Run returned with an in-person event after two years of going virtual and raised over $25,000 for cancer research at Nicholls Oval Park on Sunday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

All photos courtesy of the Terry Fox Run.

Despite heavy rain, runners, walkers and cyclists could venture the one-kilometre, 10-kilometre or custom route with no limit on time or distance. This year’s theme was ‘I'm no quitter.’ Anyone dressed in red during the event were cancer survivors.

Pledges were collected in person and online. The online donation page had a goal of $20,000.

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Smile Cookie Campaign To Benefit Community Care Peterborough

Community Care Peterborough (CCP) has been selected by local Tim Hortons restaurant owners to receive proceeds from this year’s Smile Cookie Campaign at their Peterborough, Lakefield, Bridgenorth, and Curve Lake locations.

File Photo.

This year, the annual Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign runs from Sept. 19-25 in participating restaurants across Canada. 

Locally, when customers purchase a chocolate chunk Smile Cookie for $1 plus applicable taxes, the local Tim Hortons Restaurant Owner will donate the full $1 to Community Care Peterborough’s Give A Meal, Give A Drive initiative.

“Although we have many clients who do not struggle – we have an increasing number who do. Many more seniors and adults with disabilities are making difficult choices about cutting food costs or missing medical appointments to reduce travel costs in order to remain in their home,” said Alicia Vandine – Donor Relations and Communications Lead.  “To assist these clients, we created the Give A Meal and Give A Drive subsidy programs. These subsidy programs allow seniors and adults with disabilities to access these services for free or at a reduced rate depending on their financial circumstance. It also allows us to help us subsidize the costs related to these programs so that we also have affordable options for those clients who can pay for them on their own.”

The Smile Cookie campaign began in 1996 as a way to help raise funds for the Hamilton Children’s Hospital in Ontario, and has grown to become a major fundraising event at Tim Hortons Restaurants.    Last year, Tim Hortons sold a record-breaking number of cookies across Canada over $12 million and locally almost $70,000.

“We are so honoured to be selected this year.  We are encouraging the public to visit their local Tim Hortons during the campaign week to purchase a Smile Cookie to help support us,” said Danielle Belair - Executive Director of CCP.  “This is such an amazing opportunity for us to help raise awareness about our other programs and services too.” 

Members of the public can also pre-order cookies.  Visit CCP’s website, www.commcareptbo.org/smilecookies2022 to download a pre-order form that can be dropped off at local Tim Hortons restaurant or to order a box of 12, the public can use CCP’s online ordering form at pick them up at local locations too.

“We would also like to extend our thanks to all our local owners for selecting us as this year’s recipient.  Our staff and volunteer team will be working closely with members of their teams to set a Smile Cookie sales record in the City and County of Peterborough because all those $1 purchases add up quickly.”

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Y Drive Kicks Off New Charitable Foundation With Dunk Tank On Saturday

Y Drive launched the Y Drive Foundation by hosting a dunk tank in Peterborough Square on Saturday.

Colin Streeter (Right) throws a ball towards the target in hopes of sending David Bui (left) into the water. Photo by Luke best

“The foundation was created in memory of Dani Sinacori who passed away in August. As a mother of 3 and teacher to many, her life was sports, teaching and family,” said Y Drive in a Facebook post. “The foundation will be geared towards school breakfast programs, youth sports and helping our neighbours when they need it.”

Participants had the chance to dunk the likes of:

• Adam Brown (Chemong Lodge)

• David Bui (PTBO Canada)

• Diane Therrien (Mayor of Peterborough)

• Jessie Primeau (Bowes & Cocks)

• Rob & Erica (Y Drive)

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According to Erica Young of Y Drive, $1160 was raised from the event and additional donations.

@ptbo_canada @Y Drive hosted a dunk tank on Saturday in memory of Dani Sinacori. All of the money raised will be used to help the community! #ptbo #ptbocanada #downtownptbo #dunktank ♬ Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash

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The Capital PTBO To Hold Inaugural Charity Home Run Derby For Local Sports Initiatives

Sports apparel store The Capital PTBO has announced its inaugural Home Run Derby to be held on Oct. 1 at the Kinsmen Arena ball diamond in support of local sports organizations.

Mark Million (pictured) opened The Capital PTBO in late January this year with his brother Justin. Photo by Luke Best.

The store is accepting registrations through social media private messages or by email at captain@thecapitalptbo.ca. The derby registration fee is $25 and requires participants to bring their own pitcher to throw the ball, slo-pitch style.

The all-ages event is capped at 40 batters each getting 10 pitches where the most home runs hit is declared the winner.

"This is an idea brought to us by Pete Dalliday which was an interaction brought to him by Colin Teskey and Jordan Mercier of Extra 90.5 Radio,” said Mark Million, Capital PTBO co-owner.

Prize structure, food vendors and charity proceed recipients will be announced at a later date. Million has confirmed monetary prizing and custom-made trophies for the winners. They also get their name on the store’s “Wall of Honour,” a banner hung from the store’s roof.

The event could be separated into age divisions however it is not confirmed what they are yet.

@ptbo_canada Need a place to hang out and do all things sports? The Capital PTBO invites you to relax, hang out and maybe shop while you are there! #PTBOCanada ♬ Smokin Out The Window - Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak & Silk Sonic

Million had remarked that he opened his store as a sports hub for Peterborough and was community-oriented in a prior interview with PTBOCanada. He is seeking volunteers for the event as is confident they will help make it a success.

“We need a lot of help,” he explained. “One thing we have known in the last six months is that when we have put a call to action out, whether to build our lending library or people with their own sports mantles that they want to put on display, we've had people to volunteer to help us out. That's the Peterborough way.”

This event is only the beginning of a series of events Million’s store wants to do for the local community.

“The Home Run Derby is the tip of the iceberg,” he explained. “We'd love to run a street hockey tournament, we'd love to do a three-point contest; all these sorts of things where we can integrate in public spaces and not-for-profit, that's the key. Everything goes back into supporting youth sports and youth initiatives.”

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Canada's Dinosaur Park Creates GoFundMe For New Habitat Building After Alleged Contractor Issues

Non-profit reptile zoo Canada’s Dinosaur Park has set up a GoFundMe for their new habitat building on Wednesday after its contractor Total Construction Management Services Inc. (TCM) allegedly abandoned the construction.

File photo.

The fundraiser is set for $200,000 to complete the new building, cover legal costs to file a lawsuit against TCM and pay the sub-contractors and workers according to the GoFundMe page.

Sharper Construction LTD, Steel Con Contracting, Peterborough Crane Rentals and Zenner Concrete Pumping were the supposed unpaid subcontractors.

TCM was hired in September last year to complete the building for the next month and was given $300,000 as stated by the Dinosaur Park staff.

The park claims TCM abandoned construction in December and never returned to the job site since. The contracting company embezzled the money without paying workers and disappeared according to park director Byr Loyst.

“It’s sad that someone would do that to the animals and to a charity, he said. “I can’t believe someone is that awful a person.”

TCM owner James Gillingham has been contacted several times and by PTBOCanada by the park but did not respond. The director claims that TCM’s lawyer said the park would be reimbursed by Gillingham but was delayed by several months.

According to Loyst, he received a phone call from the TCM’s lawyer on Wednesday and the latter allegedly was lied to by Gillingham and did not have his retainer paid. The call left the park to create the GoFundMe.

If the fundraiser’s goal has been achieved, the park’s intention to take legal action would be in question. The decision would be decided by their board of directors said Loyst. He claims that the law firm he spoke with requires roughly $50,000 to pursue legal action.

Ultimately, the park’s director just wants the building finished for the reptiles and the workers to be properly compensated for their work. The incomplete building prevents admission income to maintain the park to be open to the public.

“I’m more concerned about the animals than anything else,” said Loyst. “The tortoises are stuck inside, not able to go in and out as they please and we have not been able to open.”

Donations for the GoFundMe or CanadaHelps for Canada’s Dinosaur Park can be made online.

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Over $4,500 Raised For Special Olympic Athletes In Charity Lacrosse Game

Over $4,500 was raised at the Cradle for Special Olympics in a friendly lacrosse game between Team Educator/Boro Boys and the Peterborough Lakers at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Wednesday.

(From left to right) Kristy Wasson, Bill Chapman and Robert Hope in the ceremonial faceoff before the game between the Team Educator/Boro Boys and Peterborough Lakers. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Teachers, the Boro Boys and members of the 1967 undefeated Peterborough PCOs took on the Peterborough Lakers (both past and present) to a 16-16 draw.

Raffles, admission fees and donation boxes contributed to the fundraiser for the one-day event. All proceeds benefit Special Olympic athletes in a variety of ways.

"The money can fund a lot of things,” said Ernie Ellement, Boro Boys founder. “It could be as something as simple as sports equipment to helping some families with registrations."

The annual game was on hold for the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic so having the fundraiser was refreshing for Bill Chapman, Special Olympics coordinator.

"The turnout was fantastic," he said. "It was a fundraiser that I've been to like no other. Peterborough is always a community to go to bat for every organization we have.”

The intermission featured shootouts with the Lakers broadcast crew, Peterborough PCO members and Special Olympic athletes.

Players wore special red socks in honour of the Peterborough Red Stockings as they played the first lacrosse game in town in 1872.

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