Over 1,500 Donations Made For Peterborough County's 'Blankets For People' Campaign

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The 2024 ‘Blankets for People’ campaign by Peterborough County-City Paramedics (PCCP) and Peterborough County yielded over 1,500 donations for those in need, announced on Monday.

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) KERRI KIGHTLEY, FOURCAST; CRAIG JONES, PETERBOROUGH COUNTY CITY PARAMEDICS COMMANDER OF OPERATIONS AND BRUCE THOMPSON, WINDSOR’S DRYCLEANInG CENTRE CO-OWNER WRAPPED IN A BLANKET TO KICK OFF THE INAUGURAL ‘BLANKETS FOR PEOPLE’ CAMPAIGN FROM LAST YEAR. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

Donors were asked to give blankets and sleeping bags to those in need during winter. They were dropped off at campaign partners One City Peterborough, Windsor’s Drycleaning Centre and various locations throughout the City of Peterborough.

The eight participating townships hosting 'pop-up' drop-off and pick-up locations were new to this year’s campaign.

Any residents with winter items to donate can bring them to Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes at 385 Lansdowne St. on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or by appointment by emailing pathrfh@gmail.com for their new ‘Ready for Home’ pilot program.

“In the harsh cold of winter, experiencing homelessness becomes an even more formidable challenge,” said Craig Jones, Peterborough Paramedics commander of operations. “Your contributions go beyond blankets; they provide solace, hope, and a tangible reminder that our community stands together in solidarity. Your generosity blankets those in need with more than just warmth – it offers kindness, understanding, and a shared commitment to making a difference.”

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Irish Heritage Week Kicked Off With Flag Raising at Peterborough City Hall

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Peterborough is getting in the green spirit as City Hall raised the flag of Ireland to kick off Irish Heritage Week on Monday morning.

Maureen Crowley, Peterborough Canadian Irish Club past president (left), Mayor Jeff Leal (middle) and Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden (right) joined members of the club prior to raising the Irish flaG at City Hall. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

Mayor Jeff Leal declared Irish Heritage Week for Peterborough from March 11 to 18.

“I think the last count, 62 per cent of the people here trace their heritage back to Ireland so it's a very important for the Peterborough community,” said Brendan Moher of the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club.

2024 marks the 199th year that politician Peter Robinson administered the passage and settlement of Irish Catholic families into Scott’s Plains, now known as Peterborough.

“We're doing the lead-up now to the 200th anniversary of the Peter Robinson immigration that came to Peterborough,” explained Moher.” (That’s) 2,000 men, women and children back in 1825. We're leading into that for next year so this is an important year.”

Sunday is the 21st annual St. Patrick's Day Parade at 2 p.m., starting at City Hall and running through George Street until the Peterborough Memorial Centre. This year's parade grand marshall is Neil Sanderson, Three Days Grace drummer.

More than 90 entries have been entered into the 21st parade. A 5k run to raise money for Right to Heal, which helps those with mental health and addictions, has been cancelled. All are invited to attend the parade regardless of race and background.

“There's a big tradition here in Peterborough that on St. Patrick's Day, everybody is Irish,” said Moher. “All you have to do is put on a little bit of green and you can certainly join in on all the festivities that will be happening.”

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38th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim Takes the Plunge For Easter Seals and Rotary Projects

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The 38th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim plunged into the YMCA Central East Ontario pool to fundraise their goal of $50,000 for Easter Seals Ontario and Rotary Club of Peterborough on Friday morning.

Vanessa Oake Hogan (left) with her sister Renée Oake shortly after the latter did 146 laps in the swimming lane. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This event has fundraised over $1.4 million for Easter Seals and Rotary Projects. Other recipients of the proceeds are literacy programs, various shelters (Brock Mission, Yes Shelter and more) Breakfast for Kids, Camp Kawartha, Rotary Trail and more.

Roughly $5,300 of the $50,000 goal was already raised online at the publication of this article but more funds have yet to be accounted for with a final tally.

Carl Oake started this event 38 years ago. He says he was inspired by the work the Easter Seals did because of his relatives. His mother’s twin sister contracted polio in the 1950s while a cousin of his was born with spina bifida - both physically debilitating diseases.

Carl’s daughter, Vanessa Oake Hogan, succeeded in the role of organizing the event in 2017 after the former was satisfied that the event had so much community support over the years. She and her sister, Renée Oake, were proud to carry on their father’s legacy.

“He built so much momentum with this event over the year and it's gained a lot of support with the community so it was a natural for us to carry it on,” said Vanessa. “It's definitely important for us to carry on dad's tradition.”

”I'm just proud to carry on the torch for my father for such a good cause,” said Renée.

Teams and groups could swim in lanes to participate in the fundraising event.

New to this year’s swim was the ‘Cannonball’ and ‘Floating Catwalk’ Challenge. They were alternative activities for those who cannot swim or could not get a team to help raise money while participating in the event.

“It was a great addition,” said Vanessa. “I think it's definitely something we would want to continue.”

The online fundraising page remains open for donations until March 15.

“It's always a lot of work leading up to it but it's the day of the event you say, 'Okay, it's all worth it,' and I'm really happy to have all the support and the volunteers,” said Vanessa.

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Deadline For Peterborough County 2024 Community Recognition Awards Nominations Extended to March 8

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Nominations for the Peterborough 2024 Community Recognition Awards have been extended from March 1 to the 8, announced by Peterborough County on Monday Morning.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

The awards are for any resident or group in the County of Peterborough who has raised the profile or made an extraordinary contribution to the community.

“Peterborough County is an exceptional place, with extraordinary people and an outstanding business community,” said Bonnie Clark, County Warden. “Every two years we showcase models of true excellence among us through our Peterborough County awards ceremony. I encourage you to nominate a deserving friend, neighbour or business for the Community Recognition Awards.”

The County notes that any nominee cannot receive a County of Peterborough Recognition Award for a similar category within the last fifteen years.

Unless otherwise indicated, there shall be one award for each Township in each category noted below.

  • Accessibility Recognition: A group, individual or business who has contributed to accessibility improvements within the County of Peterborough. (One County-wide award.)

  • Acts of Heroism: An individual who has displayed bravery in the face of personal risk, injury or death at an incident that took place either in the County of Peterborough or was to the benefit of a Peterborough County resident and which action did not occur while the individual was acting in his/her professional capacity while on duty. (Unlimited nominations.)

  • Agricultural Leadership: Any individual or farm enterprise is eligible to be nominated in this category. Factors that will be used to assess the nomination will include such items as innovations, agricultural promotion and the recognition brought to the County through its operation. It may include involvement in agricultural organizations. Leadership in the agricultural community will also be considered

  • Business Leadership: Any new and successful initiatives of both new and established businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the County, including tourism promotion. (One County-wide award.)

  • Community Volunteer of the Year: Any group or individual who has demonstrated community involvement or volunteerism within the County.

  • Environmental/Sustainability Recognition: Nominees will have demonstrated innovation and/or leadership in environmental conservation, stewardship and sustainability by having:

    • Developed innovative green technologies or

    • Started businesses to support and encourage sustainable living, or

    • Donated conservation lands or easements or

    • Undertaken ecosystem restoration or research or

    • Educated others about the importance of protecting the environment or

    • Achieved the overall vision for sustainability through one of the identified theme areas set out in the Sustainable Peterborough Plan: Agriculture and Local Food; Climate Change; Cultural Assets; Economic Development and Employment; Healthy Communities; Land Use Planning; Natural Assets; Energy; Transportation; Waste; and Water. (One County-wide award.)

  • Heritage Preservation: An individual or group who has promoted heritage and preserves the history of Peterborough County. This could include, but is not limited to, Fair boards, Women’s Institutes, historical societies, etc. A community, public or private organization which has reached a significant milestone such as the 100th anniversary of the organization is also eligible for this award. (Please note: Birthdays and anniversaries are recognized on an on-going basis as requested.) (One County-wide award.)

  • Leadership in Arts and Culture: A group or individual who has demonstrated excellence in the arts, bringing recognition to the County.

  • Sporting Excellence: Any team or individual who has won a provincial, national or international sporting event. (One County-wide award.)

  • Youth: A person aged 25 years or younger who has contributed to the betterment of the community and/or school environment.

Nomination forms are available throughout the County at the County of Peterborough office located at 470 Water St., Peterborough, from any Local Municipal Office, Township Fire Chiefs, local Police Service Boards, schools, libraries throughout the County, area Chambers of Commerce and Community Care organizations. They can also be completed online.

Completed and signed nomination forms with supporting documents provided to the County Clerk up to and including March 8 are requested.

The Peterborough County Awards and Bursaries Committee will review the Nominations and make recommendations to County Council and will select and announce the recipients in April.

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Nominations Open For Community Care Peterborough's 'Grandparent of the Year' to Children

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City and County of Peterborough children in grades 1-6 can honour their elders through Community Care Peterborough’s 36th ‘Grandparent of the Year’ contest.

Photo courtesy of Community Care Peterborough.

Children are asked to submit a hand-drawn picture and a piece of writing that addresses what is important about their relationship with their grandparent, elder or special older person and why they think their nominee should win the award.

“Teachers in the City and County of Peterborough have a wonderful opportunity to use this contest as an inspiring writing assignment for their students,” said Danielle Belair, Community Care executive director. “We also recognize that not all teachers may know about this opportunity so we have applications available on our website. If your child is in grades one to six and not participating in their class, they are encouraged to take part.”

Grade 1 students are new to this year’s edition of the annual contest.

“Each year we are fascinated by the variety of heartwarming stories we receive,” said Belair. “Many of the honorees are indeed grandparents or great grandparents of the students however there have been a number of entries that highlight a special senior friend, elder or great Aunt or Uncle as well.”

Applications are available and are being accepted at the Peterborough Public Library, with a writing workshop planned for any students including those whose school are not participating.

The awards ceremony will take place at the Library in early June at the ‘Smiles All Around’ event. The winners and honourable mentions will have an opportunity to introduce and present the award to their Grandparent, Elder, or special older person, with photos taken by a local photographer.

A committee will select one winner and one honourable mention from each group of grades; primary and junior in both English and French categories. Primary is Grades 1, 2 and 3 and junior is Grades 4, 5 and 6.

Community Care has suggested several questions for children to think about when describing their nominee:

  • What is important about their relationship with their Grandparent, Elder or special older person?

  • What kinds of activities are done together?

  • What kind of knowledge have they shared with the child?

  • Describe a happy occasion the child and their nominee shared.

  • How does their nominee make them feel when they are together?

  • Why they are proud of their nominee?

  • Why the child thinks their nominee should win the award?

All entries must be received by May 7. Entries may be submitted by mail to:

Community Care
185 Hunter St. E.
Peterborough, Ont.
K9H 0H1

They can also be submitted by email to Pamela Beauchamp at pbeauchamp@commcareptbo.org or online in English or French.

Winners will be announced in early June at an in-person event at the Library.

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Successful Surrogate Pregnancy Gives Chance For Local High School Sweethearts to Start a Family

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The Gills are growing after three years of finding a surrogate and six failed embryo transfers, the seventh one proved to be the lucky one for high school sweethearts Brianna and Josh Gill, who had a successful pregnancy at 13-and-a-half weeks in.

Josh (left), Brianna (middle) and Jenn (right) with the former two holding lemons, indicating the rough size of the baby at 13 weeks of pregnancy. Photo courtesy of Brianna Gill.

Brianna was diagnosed with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome, a condition that affects women to have underdeveloped uteri and vaginas, causing them to be unable to reproduce. Brianna was born without a uterus though she does have ovaries when she was diagnosed at 16.

The Gills have gone through two surrogates with the first being a family friend in 2022. They had two unsuccessful embryo transfers and eventually put a call for another candidate later that year.

“There have been numerous times where I’ve wanted to walk away,” said Brianna. “It’s just been so hard emotionally, financially and you start to think to yourself, ‘Why am I putting myself through all of this?’”

A woman named Jenn (who saw our first article of the story on Facebook) reached out to be their surrogate in the summer of 2022. She underwent four unsuccessful embryo transfers before the fifth one hit the mark and was eventually revealed to be a baby girl.

“(It was) Complete disbelief, to be honest,” said Brianna. “We actually got together with Jenn and her family, we were waiting for blood work results to come back but got impatient.”

Jenn suggested a pregnancy test since she had a ‘good feeling.’

“Josh looked at it first; the pregnant line was clearly darker than the other, and I just went into complete shock,” explained Brianna. “I couldn’t believe it.”

Brianna said Jenn was a driving factor in continuing to pursue the dream despite the past failed attempts.

“We had originally agreed — which is pretty standard — you’ll try three times and after that, if things don’t work, you’ll break a match and look for a new surrogate,” she said. “Jenn is so determined. She wanted this so badly for us.”

While the Gills had stopped after two failed transfers from their first surrogate, Jenn’s will was unphased in helping them reach their goal.

“She kept saying after each failed transfer, ‘I’m willing to try again if you guys are but I totally understand if you’d rather go in a different direction,’ but I think having her be so determined is what helped us want to continue.”

It also helped that the embryos were expensive to create so stopping could have cost a lot of money for the Gills with no results.

The Gills recently held a gender reveal party earlier in the week and tracked their entire journey on Instagram with over 2,800 followers.

Even 13-and-a-half weeks into the pregnancy, Brianna's thought of having a baby was still surreal.

“We got our first bump picture around the 10-week mark and that really helped make me feel that this was real,” she explained. “It’s hard to let go of the trauma of going through of the negatives and I finally feel like I am able to focus on the future and enjoy where we are.”

With a successful pregnancy and a baby girl on the way, Brianna says that this is the motivation for perhaps a second one to come in the future.

“This journey was a lot harder than we ever thought it would be which definitely played a factor at one point on whether or not we could mentally go through this again,” she explained. “Finally, now that we've had success too and we can start to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I think it will motivate us to try to do this again someday for sure.” 

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David Tuan Bui


2023 Civic Awards Open For Nominations

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Nominations for the City of Peterborough 2023 Civic Awards are now open that recognize and honour local volunteers and achievers in sports, arts and culture who had outstanding achievements last year.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

“It’s the people of Peterborough that make our City special,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “If you know someone who had outstanding accomplishments in 2023 through sport or volunteerism in community, culture or environmental stewardship, let’s make sure they get recognized. Nominate them for a City of Peterborough Civic Award.”

Nominations are being accepted for the following categories:

  • Community Betterment

  • Cultural Betterment

  • Environmental Stewardship

  • Holnbeck Award

  • Adult Athlete of the Year

  • Athletic Award of Merit

  • Junior Athlete of the Year

  • Senior Athlete of the Year

  • Mayor's Youth Award

  • Volunteer of the Year

  • Youth Volunteer of the Year

  • Lifetime Achievement Award

Nomination packages can be submitted using the interactive form online or paper copies can be obtained at City Hall, 500 George St. N. 

Nominations will be open until April 5 at 4:30 p.m. Awards will be presented publicly in June.

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New Canadians Centre Release "Our Neighbourhood" Video Series Highlighting New Immigrant Stories

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The New Canadians Centre is introducing stories of six newcomers who have made Nogojiwanong-Peterborough their home with its ‘Our Neighbourhood’ video series launched on Monday.

The videos delve into newcomers' unique stories and journeys.

“We’re also addressing the challenges and barriers that exist in our society,” said Mauricio Interiano, NCC community engagement officer. “We are diving deeper, confronting and shedding light on discrimination and racism. We can’t ignore these issues. We have to work together to make our neighbourhood a better place for all".”

The six participants of the video series share experiences of discrimination, micro-aggressions and systemic challenges that serve as barriers in their settlement journey and how they have navigated these challenges according to NCC.

After watching the videos, NCC asks viewers to reflect on what it means to be a good neighbour, welcome people who are new to Canada, and build a more diverse and just society for everyone.

The participants in this video series include:

Tim Nguyen, a high school student from Vietnam, a musician, and a young leader who explores the challenges of starting over in a new country with an accent.

Tashvi Menghi, a teenager from India who settled in Canada one year ago. An artist and youth activist, they want to be a support for others struggling in their settlement.

Miguel Hernandez, a Venezuelan artist who has called Canada home for nearly 10 years, and who says that art was the bright light through the challenges of immigration and settlement.

Fatma Al Ahmed, a high-school student from Syria who explores the challenges and barriers that exist for young Muslim hijabi girls like herself.

Bhisham K. Ramoutar, a newcomer from Trinidad & Tobago who highlights the value of representation in traditionally-marginalized fields and spaces.

Samantha Banton, a Jamaican poet and entrepreneur who wants to see more diverse spaces and representation, and who has taken steps to fill those gaps.

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Trent University Seeking Nominations For 2024 Alumni Association Awards

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Trent University is seeking nominations for their 2024 Alumni Association Awards for any graduate making a difference in their communities.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The following are the categories available for nominations:

  • Distinguished Alumni Award - presented based on a person's achievement and leadership in business, industry, a profession or in public life.

  • Spirit of Trent Award - presented to an alum who has made a difference, through contribution to the university, or their community.

  • Young Leader Award - presented to young alumni who have shown outstanding leadership throughout their first 10 years of alumni status either in their professional career and/or community, public or humanitarian service and are 35 years of age or younger.

  • Paul Delaney Award for Outstanding Young Philanthropist - presented to a student or a recent alum whose work sowing seeds of friendship and a spirit of philanthropy makes them an outstanding model for Trent students to emulate.

    The David Glassco Prize - recognizes a student who has demonstrated outstanding generosity of spirit in a range of activities outside the classroom, including music, athletics, or theatre, in the Trent and Peterborough communities.

  • The Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize for Excellence in Student Governance -recognizes an outstanding student leader and underscores the Alumni Association’s high regard for student leadership contribution to the overall mission of Trent University. 

The following are the nomination forms:

Nomination deadlines end at 11 p.m. on March 7.

Nominees must be Trent University alumni with self-nominations are not accepted. Any Alumni currently sitting in political office are not eligible while in that role.

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Doors Open Peterborough Invites Community For Site Submissions

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Annual event Doors Open Peterborough is introducing a new approach this year by inviting the Peterborough community to ‘submit a site’ to have their property be considered for inclusion in this year’s Doors Open Peterborough program announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

This annual event provides free access to many city heritage and cultural landmarks that are not usually open to the public to be held on Sept. 14.

Stewart Hamilton, Chair of the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee and Chair of the Doors Open Peterborough organizing committee, hopes this new approach will generate new energy and excitement to the program and foster a sense of inclusivity and accessibility.

“To elaborate on our ongoing theme ‘Every Door Has a Story’, we’re hoping to receive submissions of sites not previously featured on Doors Open Peterborough,” he said. “We’re pleased to be offering this opportunity to showcase Peterborough’s many community stories through new places, tours and events not seen before.”

To learn more about Doors Open Peterborough 2024 and access the “Submit a Site” online form everyone can visit peterborough.ca/DoorsOpen2024.

Doors Open Peterborough is funded by the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee and is part of Doors Open Ontario which is coordinated by the Ontario Heritage Trust.

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