Elementary School's Breakfast Club Gets Cooking After Donation of Two Ovens From Rotary Club of Peterborough

Prince of Wales’s Breakfast Club kicked off the school year on the right foot as they received two new ovens donated from the Rotary Club of Peterborough and unveiled on Tuesday morning.

Thea Chaput, Grade 6 (left); Camryn Chaput, Grade 5 (middle) and Sophie Bradley, Grade 7 (middle right) getting '“apple-loutely’ excited over the new overs with Colin Mackenzie, Rotary volunteer (Middle left) and Tommy Reburn of Leon’s Peterborough (right). Volunteers and Rotary Club members have been providing breakfast to the Prince of Wales students for nearly 30 years. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorated the ovens and the Rotary’s work during breakfast hours at the school.

The program feeds roughly over 500 children according to Brad Conlin, Prince of Wales principal.

“The School Nutrition Program has a major impact on the safety, well-being and belongingness of our students,” he said. “Many students use the breakfast program not only as a place to fill their tummies for the start of their day, but it is a place that students can use as a soft-start transition from home to school.”

At the end of the last school year, the ovens began to malfunction, making it difficult to prepare meals promptly and efficiently.

“Faces of trusted adults and the impact of our volunteers goes beyond the needs of just the healthy breakfasts and lunches that are provided,” said Conlin. “The staff and volunteers always have a lens of inclusivity which fosters an environment of food for some, food for all.”

Peterborough Rotarian of the Year and volunteer Catherine Hanrahan contacted her fellow Realtor colleague at Century 21 United, Tom Reburn, who also owns Leon’s. His company supplied, delivered, and installed them free of charge during the last week of August.

“Leon’s is well known as a great community supporter so I didn’t hesitate to reach out to my friend Tom to see if he could hook us up two new stoves and a microwave.” says Hanrahan.

One Prince of Wales student highlighted the club's importance and how having breakfast can positively impact a child’s learning experience.

“This year, as soon as I saw the first person go in the Breakfast Club doors, I went in as well. I was hungry and I didn’t have a chance to eat breakfast. At my old school we had plain oatmeal everyday. At POW we have a variety of foods. A couple of days ago we had eggs, hash browns, and cereal. If we have eggs three days in a row, they are always cooked differently. The program is really important to me because in the morning sometimes I can make myself a hot chocolate but most of the days I don’t have time. After I eat breakfast, it helps me to focus better at school. There are a lot of community volunteers and they are always treating us nicely and coming to our tables to ask us if we want more. I would love to volunteer because I love to cook. Today I helped a little girl make her yogurt more tasty by squeezing an orange into her yogurt like the adult volunteer showed us how to do. Another day I helped that girl’s little sister when she spilled her drink all over herself and the floor. Children from every grade can eat breakfast together, whether they can’t afford it, or they didn’t have time that day. That is why Breakfast Club is important to me and the rest of the school.”

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Five Counties Children’s Centre Asking Public to Share Its Memories For 50th Anniversary

Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is asking area residents to share their memories and moments of the Centre in the leadup to its 50th anniversary in 2025, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The Centre, which supports kids and families with physical, communication and developmental needs in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton-Minden, opened its doors in 1975.

To mark its golden anniversary, a year-long celebration is being planned in 2025. Ahead of its 50th festivities, Five Counties is launching its ‘Gimme 5: Your Story is Our Story’ appeal to encourage current and former clients, families, staff, volunteers, board members, donors and community supporters to share any recollections they have of the Centre.

“Five Counties is made up of much more than bricks and mortar. The Centre was truly built on the magical memories and moments of the thousands of children and youth and their families we’ve been able to assist over the years,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “The Five Counties story would be totally incomplete if we are unable to tell and share the many stories from members of our extended Five Counties family.”

To facilitate sharing, people can download and complete the Gimme 5 Story Package, which includes several questions to help prompt discussion and sharing. Anyone who has a story or memento to share can email 50@fivecounties.on.ca or call 1-888-779-9916, ext. 200. With approval, Five Counties will share some of the collected stories publicly during its 50th-anniversary celebrations.

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Local Realtors Support Sick Kids Foundation Through Third-Annual Lemonade Stand

Local realtors and brothers Dan and Dion Gemmiti took the classic lemonade stand to another level for the third year in a row to raise money for Sick Kids Hospital on Brealey Drive on Friday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The public was invited to the stand to enjoy food, snacks and lemonade while accepting donations for Sick Kids Hospital on a ‘pay what you want’ basis. Photos could also be taken before a large banner hanging on a trailer's side.

Up to roughly 70 people came to the event at a time to support the cause, a significantly higher number than last year’s.

“We are lucky to be in this community and everybody knows Peterborough is one of the most special places on Earth,” explained Dan. “If we can live here, work here and share, that's exactly what we do.”

The brothers have a close family member who has used Sick Kids Hospital’s services but they know several people who have benefitted from it.

“The greatest thing we've been able to do is hear people's Sick Kids stories in this great city,” said Dion. “We're very lucky that people share it and we're very lucky for what that hospital does for our community.”

Dion Gemmiti (left), Taso Hatzianastasiou, owner of Taso's Restaurant and Pizzeria (middle) and Dan Gemmiti (right) sharing ice-cold lemonade and pizza with the hundreds of guests that came in and out of the event. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

New to this year’s stand was wood-fired pizza made by Taso’s, who wanted to jump in on the action.

“I came to the lemonade stand last year and I said, 'Listen, I want to jump in. How can I help?' explained Taso Hatzianastasiou, owner of Taso's Restaurant and Pizzeria. “It was for Sick Kids and I was all on board because have friends and family that gone there and I'll do it gladly for as much as we can.

The brothers aim to continue the lemonade stand annually for as long as possible.

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United Way and Cogeco Provide Over 450 'Backpacks for Success' For Back To School

To help kids get a head start in the classroom, the United Way Peterborough & District teamed with Cogeco on Tuesday to supply over 450 bags for their ‘Backpacks for Success’ for children at the Calvary Church.

Since 2003, United Way has provided more than 13,000 backpacks containing grade-appropriate school supplies to local students attending Kindergarten through Grade 12. Photo by Pete Dalliday.

“We're proud to continue our partnership with United Way Peterborough & District for the Backpacks for Success Program. said David Feeler, Cogeco manager. “This initiative is vital for our community, helping families and the next generation by providing the essential school supplies every student needs to kick off the school year ready to succeed."

Two local school boards, Kawartha Pine Ridge and PVNCC, and local service agencies requested the backpacks. According to United Way, the cost to deliver the program for the 2024-25 academic year is almost $14,000. Cogeco Peterborough’s investment of $5,000 provides a huge boost to UWP’s fundraising initiative.

“This program fills such an important gap in service locally and we are proud to have been able to provide it for the past 21 years” said Sara Mountenay, United Way development and communications officer. “We rely solely on the generous support of our community to prepare our students for academic success as this fundraising initiative falls outside of the United Way Community Campaign that is used to support our 20 Partner Agencies.”

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'Fore the Kids' Golf Tournament Returns For Rotary Club of Peterborough On Sept. 26

The Rotary Club of Peterborough has brought back the ‘Fore the Kids Golf Tournament’ at Bellmere Winds Golf Course for Sept. 26 to support local children.

Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

One example of a child being supported is Jude, who is three years old and has a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy and a Global Development Delay. He has been accessing Five Counties programs like physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy since he was four months old.

“Thank you to everyone who supports this event. It shows the families at Five Counties that they have an entire community behind them, cheering them on.” said Julie, Jude’s mother.

The shotgun start begins at 1 p.m. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for individuals and businesses.

Golfers of all skill levels are invited to register for the event at a fee of $150 per person for $600 for a foursome. The price includes a round of golf, a cart for convenience, lunch and the chance to win prizes.

A one-year lease of a Honda from Trent Valley Honda for a hole-in-one is up for grabs.

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Third Year of Gauvreau CPA's 'Gear Up For Good' Initiative Sends 208 Backpacks to Kids For Back-To-School Head Start

There were 208 fully-stocked backpacks given by Gauvreau CPA’s ‘Gear Up for Good’ initiative to kids to get a head start on back to school at the accounting firm on Friday.

(From left to right) Carrie Truman, Kawartha Haliburton Children's Foundation executive director; Tammy Thompson, Case Worker at Peterborough Bigs; Ava McQuade, 9, Little Sister and Robert Gauvreau of Gauvreau CPA. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The children receiving the backpacks are affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough (Peterborough Bigs) and Kawartha Haliburton Children's Foundation.

The initiative is in its third year and has more than doubled its output from last year, with 101 and 73 in the inaugural event.

Seven businesses helped chip in by supplying products for the backpacks:

• Domino's Pizza (200+ pizza dinners donated)

• Ricart Branded Apparel and Promo (200 water bottles and 25 backpacks donated)

• Quaker (800+ snacks donated)

• Eco Chalet Homes (150 Lunchboxes donated)

• Mirror Mirror Beauty Salon (40 Haircuts donated)

• Angela's Hair Co. (10+ Haircuts donated)

• Hair Studio One (10+ Haircuts donated)

Children and parents picked up the supplies throughout the day and selected their knapsacks on a first-come, first-served basis. Kawartha Haliburton Children's Foundation took 75 of the backpacks to be picked up at their facility.

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Gauvreau GPA Hosting Third Annual 'Gear Up for Good' Campaign Give 200 Local Kids a Head Start For School Supplies

200 local kids are getting a head start for back to school supplies as is Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory is hosting its third annual ‘Gear Up for Good’ campaign.

Savannah Thompson has her pick of the litter of 101 backpacks in the Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory 'Gears Up for Good' initiative from last year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The initiative provides backpacks and supplies to under-served children in Peterborough from Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Children's Aid Society for the upcoming school year.

This year, the company is increasing its goal from 101 to 200 backpacks from prior years. In addition to the supplies, Gauvreau CPA is providing complimentary haircuts as a way to boost students' confidence as they start the school year according to a press release.

Ricart Branded Apparel and Promo have donated water bottles while Domino's has offered a free pizza to each participating family as part of the campaign.

“Every child deserves the chance to excel in their education,” said Robert Gauvreau of Gauvreau CPA. “We are grateful for the incredible support from our community and partners, and we are determined to make this year's 'Gear Up for Good' campaign the most impactful yet.”

Gauvreau CPA is calling on the public’s assistance to help with the initiative, seeing additional support that includes providing haircuts, backpacks and supplies. Potential assistance can help by visiting Gauvreau’s Amazon Wishlist or drop off donations at their facility located at 150 King St., Suite 100 W by Aug. 16. Backpacks will be distributed on Aug. 23rd.

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Five Counties Holding Ready for School Events to Help Kids With Disabilities or Exceptionalities Adjust to Class

With back-to-school just over a month away, Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) wants to support families with children with disabilities or exceptionalities who are starting class for the first time, announced on Thursday morning.

Hayley Hodges helping FCCC host Ready for School events in August to help with the transition for families who have kids with disabilities or exceptionalities starting class for the first time. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The Centre is hosting Ready for School Family Info Fairs at its sites in Peterborough (Aug. 20), Cobourg (Aug. 21) and Lindsay (Aug. 22). The aim is to ease the transition to school for kids starting JK, SK or Grade 1, making it less worrisome for families whose children may face greater challenges due to physical, developmental or communication needs according to event organizer Hayley Hodges, FCCC client and family engagement lead.

“Any time a child starts school is a big deal for families, but it can be even more nerve-wracking for parents and caregivers whose child has a disability or exceptionality,” she said. “We want to help reduce that anxiety for kids and parents by inviting families to attend our Ready for School events.”

Each event runs from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Advance registration is required and child care will be available.

Attendees will be able to:

• Gain knowledge and experience about going to school for the first time.

• Hear from other parents whose kids with disabilities or exceptionalities have successfully made the transition to school.

• Ask questions of Five Counties clinicians and other professionals who support students.

• Learn how to advocate for their child, while learning about school-based resources to support them.

• Access resources, including the 6F’s of Child Development that can help introduce a child with unique needs to their new school setting.

• Get on board a school bus to see what the ride entails.

• Enjoy snack and welcome packages, including tools, toys and tips.

The Ready for School events organized by Five Counties are not meant to duplicate other school-preparation events said Hodges.

“Our focus at Five Counties is to help kids and youth with disabilities and exceptionalities build their abilities for life,” she said. “One of the biggest life-changing events a child goes through is starting school, so it makes sense for Five Counties to be there for families who may need extra help and reassurance at this time.”

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Peterborough AAA Hockey Council Honours Audrey Runnalls With Memorial Fund

To tribute a beloved community member, the Peterborough AAA Hockey Council honours the Audrey Runnalls Memorial Fund.

(From Left to Right) Mike Hennesey, grandson; Rick Runnalls, son; Bill Juby and Wayne Clark of the AAA Council. Photo courtesy of Wayne Clark.

It was established by Bill Juby and aims to assist players in financial need and ensure that every child can participate in the sport they love.

The $12,500 is drawn from the proceeds of the longstanding PrimeSite Midget Hockey Tournament, now called the Century 21 Tournament of Champions. The tournament has been in the Peterborough hockey community for over two decades.

Organized by Juby, the tournament consistently provided annual bursaries to support young athletes. The efforts continue under the Audrey Runnalls Memorial Fund. Juby had coached Midget teams for over two decades.

Juby dedicated a significant portion of his life to local hockey and fastball. He expressed his desire to honour the memory of Runnalls through this fund according to a press release. She was known for her unwavering support, positive spirit and volunteerism within the hockey community.

“Audrey was an incredible individual whose dedication to the sport and our community was unmatched,” said Juby. “By establishing this fund in her name, we hope to continue her legacy of support and inclusivity in Peterborough hockey.”

Audrey’s sons, Karl and Rick, played in the system.

“Both Rick and I are very proud that our mother’s legacy continues to benefit the Peterborough hockey community and the players in need,” said Karl. She was truly Peterborough’s ‘Hockey Mom,’ not just for us but for all the Petes minor hockey players.”

Chad Cavanagh, Peterborough AAA President was a former player in Bill Juby’s program.

“The Audrey Runnalls Memorial Fund provides financial assistance to families who might otherwise struggle to afford the costs associated with AAA hockey,” he said. “This initiative ensures that all aspiring players have the chance to develop their skills and enjoy the camaraderie and life lessons that come with being part of a team.  This is also a great opportunity to share the legacy of a wonderful hockey parent who brought an infectious positive energy and attitude to minor hockey.”

In recognizing Audrey Runnalls through this memorial fund, the Peterborough AAA Hockey Council says it wants to honour her memory and reaffirm its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all players.

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Little Lakers Night Raises Over $15,000 For High-Demand Treatment In Children

The home team won on and off the lacrosse field after Little Lakers Night in Peterborough, raising $15,287 for local kids’ treatment services on July 11.

Brothers Bo and Oak had a ball at Little Lakers Night as the Five Counties kids also got to participate in the pre-game ball drop during the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers home game. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The money raised was more than double the $6,784 raised at the first-ever Little Lakers Night last year for Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC).

“The Peterborough Lakers were amazing hosts and partners for Little Lakers Night, and we’re extremely grateful to the team as well as everyone who attended, participated, donated, sponsored and volunteered,” said Linsey Kampf, FCCC annual giving coordinator. “If you measure the success of the event, it’s not only in dollars raised but also in the many smiles on the faces of our kids and families that were evident throughout the game.”

Little Lakers Night featured many highlights, including:

• Five Counties kids and families took part in a behind-the-scenes experience. Kids met Lakers players during their pre-game warmup, took part in the pre-game ball drop, and assisted in the PA booth during the first period.

• Facepainting, Little Lakers Night T-shirt sales, giant Lego and a silent auction organized by Five Counties volunteers and staff took place before and during the game.

• Members of the Junior A and Junior C Lakers volunteered to do pass the bucket through the crowd, which raised $4,000 alone for Five Counties kids.

• Prior to the game, two St. Teresa kindergarten students, Bailey and Raelynn, were honoured for having their design chosen for the special jerseys worn by Lakers players during their pre-game warm-up. The girls’ teacher, Jocelyn Lemay, had encouraged her St. Teresa’s class to enter the jersey design contest. Bailey and Raelynn’s design for the warm-up jerseys -- a red-green-blue, stylized-crayon creation featuring rainbows and hearts – was ultimately transformed into reality thanks to the generosity of Merrett Home Hardware. After the game, the warm-up jerseys were sold in an online auction.

“Five Counties has played a big role throughout the years in our family, and we’re grateful to have this incredible Centre serving families in our community,” said Len Powers, FCCC ambassador and Peterborough Lakers’ board member.

The $15,287 raised from Little Lakers Night supports Five Counties’ Building Abilities for Life campaign. It goes directly to fund high-demand treatment services like speech therapy and occupational therapy.

The end result is that more kids and youth in the region can access life-changing treatment services that they need when they need it.

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