United Way Announces First-Ever Funding Recipients From Women United of Over $15,000

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United Way Peterborough & District’s inaugural Women United Fund has donated $15,800 split between Peterborough Child and Family Centres and Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre at the former’s main office announced on Wednesday morning.

(from left to right) Betsy Ferrar, United Way Manager of Community Impact; Nicola Lyle, Child & Family Centres CEO; Maryam Monsef, CEO and Founder of ONWARD; Brittany McMIllian, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre executive director and Kellie Walden, Peterborough Child and Family Centres director of administrative services. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Women United Fund was donated by Maryam Monsef, CEO and Founder of ONWARD, to help United Way offer a funding opportunity for one-time projects. United Way published a Request for Proposals this past June that sought initiatives supporting women, girls and gender-diverse people in the Peterborough community according to a press release.

“The Women United Fund embodies what is possible when community comes together to address a shared goal,” said Betsy Ferrar, United Way manager of community impact. “This grant was not only made possible through Maryam’s generous donation but also her drive and awareness of local issues as the founding chair of our local Women United group. In addition, we want to extend our gratitude to all of the applicants who brought forward creative and compassionate solutions to complex gender-based issues.”

Taking place between Sept. 1 and Aug. 31 next year, the inaugural Women United Fund recipients are:

Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, for their project titled Leading Ladies. There was $4,750 in Women United funding, contributing to leadership training for women in the local non-profit sector. Through weekly seminars, women will engage in training that spans topics related to leadership and advocacy as stated in a press release. Guest speakers from various professional backgrounds will participate in the training delivery. Women have traditionally made up a strong portion of employees within the non-profit sector, so providing leadership training tailored to the sector's unique intricacies will support their personal and professional growth as they advance into senior roles.

“KSAC is honoured to have received funds through the Women United Fund. With this funding, we will be able to provide leadership training and expertise to women in the non-profit sector,” said Brittany McMIllian, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre executive director. Our Leading Ladies Curriculum will create a safe community for women to support their growth as future leaders.”

Peterborough Child and Family Centres received $11,050 for their ‘Empowering Two Generations’ project. The funding will support young, parenting women through life skills programming according to United Way. This project will enhance their current programming to ensure their vulnerable clients can increase their skills and confidence in the areas of parenting, health and wellbeing, educational support, financial literacy, and personal development. Participants will also be supported through access to transportation, childcare, and a meal to reduce barriers to accessing the programs and services at PCFC.

“Peterborough Child and Family Centres has been providing support to vulnerable pregnant women, parents, and their young children for almost 30 years,” said Nicola Lyle, Child & Family Centres CEO. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our work with young parenting women, providing the tools they need to overcome barriers to employment and education, build resilience, and improve their families’ well-being.”

“Tough economic times are often toughest on women and women-led families. I applaud every agency working to support women and the most vulnerable in our community,” said Maryam Monsef, CEO and Founder of ONWARD. “Thanks to the team at United Way for working with me to establish the Women United Fund and for selecting two projects that offer professional and personal development opportunities for young moms and leaders in the non-profit sector. I look forward to building on this momentum with the Women United Steering Committee and our caring community.”

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Peterborough Senior Ladies Slo Pitch Season In Full Swing

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The 22nd season of the Peterborough Senior Ladies Slo Pitch League is underway as 104 women over the age of 50 were swinging for the fences at the George (Red) Sullivan East City Bowl.

Beth Zwir of Trentview (left) falls short of a step of beating out the throw as Trish Crossman of Crossman Excavating (right) is able to make the play for the out. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The women play every Wednesday and occasionally on Fridays if necessary on a 16-game schedule. The regular season runs from until Aug. 23 with a rainout date of Aug. 30. Playoffs run for three weeks starting on Sept. 6.

This is the second-straight year that the league has been able to operate with no COVID-19 restrictions. This led to not having temporary rules such as no tagging the runners and also saw more women sign up for the league due to the virus’s heightened impact on seniors.

“It's back to the way it was before Covid,” said Darlene Charlton, league president.“Covid affected everything so it's nice to see everything back to normal.”

The league also engages in several social events during and after the season. Events include a Euchre tournament, BBQ lunch, Toronto Blue Jays game, scramble golf tournament and a league banquet.

The following are the eight teams in this year’s league:

  • Crossman Excavating

  • The Wellness Chef

  • Crook & Coffer

  • Trentview

  • Archies

  • Southcrest Farms

  • Sparkies Electric

  • Kristine Laufer Century 21

“Everybody's just so happy to get out,” said Charlton. “Everybody just has so much fun. They're smiling, they're laughing so that's the kind of league it is.”

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The Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan’s Red Pashmina Walk Returns

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The Peterborough chapter of the Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan are bringing back their Red Pashmina Walk, fundraising for Afghan women and girls on April 30.

photo courtesy of canadian women for women in afghanistan.

The Red Pashmina Walk organized by the Peterborough chapter of Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan will also include a sale of red pashminas, natural stone jewellery and books.

This walk has been held in Peterborough since 2011, with a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and this year is the return of the walk.

Starting at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday April 30, participants can meet for registration at Emmanuel Church church hall (534 George St. N.) At 2 p.m., Afghan female activist Selay Ghaffar will speak.

The walk around East City starts at 3 p.m. and there will be a shorter walk for those who wish to partake.

Proceeds from the walk, pashminas, books, jewellery, etc. go to on-the-ground aid and educational support for women and girls in Afghanistan during this critical time in the country’s history. 

For information and to register ahead of time/get a pledge form, contact Daphne Ingram at 705-656-3820, or via email.

Those looking for further information can visit www.CW4Afghan.ca and/or www.redpashmina.org.

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Cabinetree Peterborough Presents $21,000 To Women in Trades and Technology Programs at Fleming College

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Cabinetree Peterborough presented a cheque for $21,000 to Fleming College’s Building Bridges for Women in Trades & Technology program April 6.

photo by felicia massey.

The Building Bridges program encompasses both financial support and mentoring for women wanting a career in male-dominated sectors. Designed to address the gender gap in skilled trades, the program is a part of Fleming’s goal to double the enrolment of women in the School of Trades and Technology.  

Carpentry & Renovation Technician Semester 4 students Zoe Hopewell and Julianna Bruni have each received the scholarship from Cabinetree.  

“This scholarship has enabled me to be focused on school and not worry about working. Building Bridges had opened a lot of new opportunities,” says recipient Zoe Hopewell. “It has given me the opportunity to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity every Friday, where I have gained new experiences and knowledge and is a great addition to my resume. Thank you for you support of women in trades.” 

Cabinetree, a custom cabinet making company in Peterborough, has funded two scholarships for Carpentry & Renovation Technician students who identify as female. Cabinetree also pledged a further $14,000 over the next two years toward the Building Bridges program.  

Cabinetree dedicated an employee, cabinet maker Jessica Downes, to mentor one of the successful scholars.

“This scholarship allowed me to be able to commit my time to school without the worry of not being able to pay for my education. Which in turn, has taken a load of stress off my shoulders and for that I am so grateful,” says recipient Julianna Bruni. “It has also made an impact on me as it has shown me that people want to see me succeed and believe in me. I am so thankful for your support.”

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100 Women Peterborough Raises $10,000 for Peterborough AIDS Resource Network at First Meeting of the Year

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The 100 Women Peterborough group came together for their first meeting of the year on March 21 to raise $10,000 for the Peterborough AIDS Resource Network (PARN).

photo courtesy of 100 women peterborough.

PARN was chosen by 100 Women Peterborough’s majority vote to receive the funds. The philanthropic group has supported local charities for five years, and donated over $164,000 to local community causes since its inception in 2018.

Peterborough AIDS Resource Network provides support and health promotion for people who are living with, affected by, or at-risk for HIV in the four counties of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton. They provide education and equipment for people at risk for HIV, hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.

PARN has been serving the community with both outreach and programming for LGBTQ+ youth and women who are living with, affected by or at-risk for HIV and continue to hold community capacity building projects, workshops and awareness to the broader community. They provide a variety of services including counselling, workshops and information on progression and treatment of the condition for those affected and their families. The organization also provides referrals to service providers, basic necessities to those in need and assistance with other health issues. 

“All donations received will be going to women actively involved with our organization by compensating their time and contribution toward continuously improving the services they want to receive,” said Dane Record, executive director of PARN. 

In PARN’s presentation to the members, Record stated the importance of working with volunteers in the community to fulfill their mission as an organization. 

“The Women’s Advisory and Women In Action committees are two of the most passionate, hardworking committees that show up frequently to lead our community work and continue our mission to prevent new HIV transmissions and promote HIV/AIDS awareness in Peterborough City and County,” said Record.

“Our philosophy at 100 Women Peterborough is to come together as a group to make a big impact. Through our giving group we not only empower women to engage in philanthropy in a meaningful way that is budget friendly, but we also provide a quick, easy and transparent way for the charities to access donors and funding,” says Rose Terry, one of the founding members of 100 Women Peterborough. “We are providing a space for the collective voice to be heard.”

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19th Annual YWCA Empty Bowls Raises Over $33,000 in support of YWCA Nourish Food Programs

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The 19th Annual YWCA Empty Bowls campaign raised $33,104 to support their Nourish Food Programs held at The Venue on Feb. 25, announced on Wednesday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF YWCA.

“Our hearts are so full,” said Kim Dolan, YWCA Executive Director. “When I pause to think about all the people and all the time that goes into making this event possible year after year, I’m overwhelmed by the good in our community.”

Ticket holders received a handcrafted ceramic or wooden bowl and a restaurant coupon card, entitling them to discounts from 12 participating local restaurants. These include Amandala’s, Baked 4U, Black Honey, Central Smith, Fresh Dreams, Naked Chocolate, Pastry Peddler, Sam’s Place, That’s a Wrap and The Cheesy Fromage. 

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Photos: Peterborough International Women's Day March

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For International Women’s Day, a rally organized by Kawartha World Issues Centre and Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre had roughly 60 people march from Peterborough Square to City Hall on Wednesday.

During the march, signs were held up with statements such as, “Trans women are women,” “On Wednesday, we smash the patriarchy,” and “Feminism = Equity.”

City Councillor Joy Lachica read Jeff Leal’s proclamation of International Women’s Day announced earlier in the day and roused the crowd to celebrate the fight for equity.

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Mayor Jeff Leal Makes Proclamation In Honour of International Women's Day

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In honour of recognizing International Women’s Day, Mayor Jeff Leal issued a proclamation on Wednesday morning.

File Photo.

The statement is as follows:

Whereas, in 1977, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling on member states to proclaim a day for women’s rights and international peace;

Whereas, each year International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 to mark the economic, political, cultural and social achievements of women;

Whereas, the Global theme for the 2023 International Women’s Day campaign is “Embrace Equity”, calling on each of us to help create a gender-equal world; 

Whereas, the City of Peterborough proudly recognizes the values that guide the International Women’s Day movement; Justice; Dignity; Hope; Equality; Collaboration; Tenacity; Appreciation; Respect; Empathy; and Forgiveness;

Therefore, be it resolved that I, Jeff Leal, Mayor of the City of Peterborough do hereby proclaim Wednesday, March 8, 2023 to be International Women’s Day in the City of Peterborough.  I encourage all citizens to celebrate all the women and girls who inspire us by demonstrating leadership in the choices they make in their day to day lives to contribute to the social, economic, cultural and political spheres. 

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Embrace Equity in Nogojiwanong/Peterborough With Free International Women's Day Community Events

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The Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC) and the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC) are hosting two free International Women’s Day (IWD) community events celebrating the theme Embrace Equity in Nogojiwanong/Peterborough.

photo courtesy of Kawartha World Issues Centre.

The first event is a community march/rally on March 8 from noon to 1 p.m., and the second event will explore Diverse Youth Voices in Leadership with guest speaker Cheyenne Sundance on March 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Every year on March 8, International Women’s Day is recognized worldwide to acknowledge the historical and ongoing work towards women’s equality and social justice. The day was created by the United Nations in 1977 to increase awareness on the vital role of women in peace efforts and development, with aims to end discrimination and achieve women’s full and equal contribution to the world.

The daytime rally and march on will be hosted in-person, starting downtown at Peterborough Square Courtyard and traveling North along the sidewalks of George Street to Confederation Park, across from City Hall. Once reaching City Hall Town Ward City Councillor Joy Lachica will speak, and local poet Emily Cleary will do a short reading.

The second, evening event will be hosted in a hybrid format with community members having the opportunity to join online via Zoom or in person at the Lion’s Community Centre (347 Burnham St.) The event will be hosted by CRRC Coordinator Czarina Garcia, and will feature an opening drum from Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle and an opening welcome by Anne Taylor of Curve Lake First Nation. Peterborough's First Poet Laureate Sarah Lewis will also be performing an original piece written for this event.

The majority of the event will be guest speaker Cheyenne Sundance. Sundance, the 25 year-old executive director of Sundance Harvest and full-time farmer of a three-location farm in south western Ontario, will speak on Diverse Youth Voices in Leadership. Following the presentation, there will be a 20-minute open space discussion period and the evening will wrap up with a closing prayer.

Registration is required through Eventbrite.

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INSPIRE Announces First Annual International Women’s Day Event in Peterborough

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INSPIRE is hosting their first annual International Women’s Day event on March 8 at the Waterfront Holiday Inn in Peterborough; seeking to inspire local women through the theme of equity.  

The six workshops at this event will be facilitated by inspiring female community leaders Angie Ross, Anne Taylor, Erica Richmond, Rose Terry, Rebecca Turland and Lindsay Dixon. An Artisan’s Market, featuring the works of 25 local makers, will be set up to give participants the opportunity to connect with local artisans. Megan Murphy; talented Peterborough Actor, Filmmaker, Author and Comedian will have the reins as the Emcee and Host for the day. 

The event features talks by Ashley Lamothe; winner of the PKCC 2022 President’s Award and CEO of Creative Kwe, Keynote Speaker Susan Aglukark, O.C., LL.B, Award Winning Inuk singer-songwriter and will be Emcee/Hosted by Peterborough actor, filmmaker, author and comedian Megan Murphy.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2023 of ‘equity’ is one of INSPIRE’s core values. Building on this theme, INSPIRE has created a unique and purposeful event which encourages participants to celebrate themselves and the strong women, young girls and nonbinary individuals in our communities.

INSPIRE says that tickets have been shared with local community partners, ensuring that all who wish to join have the opportunity to participate. Tickets can be purchased online at an Early Bird Price of $60 until Feb. 18.  

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