YWCA 'Walk a Mile In Their Shoes' Fundraiser Returns to Peterborough On May 24

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s Walk A Mile In Their Shoes returns on May 24 to raise funds for YWCA programs and services helping women and children recover from gender-based violence.

Photo courtesy of YWCA Peterborough.

The YWCA is asking everyone to dig out your red shoes, grab your friends, family or colleagues and join them at Confederation Park for a walk around downtown Peterborough. Check-in for participants will open at 11 a.m. and the walk will begin at noon.

Participants can sign up as solo walkers or with a team. Local groups and businesses are encouraged to join and challenge others to a fundraising contest.

Registration for the event is $40 for a limited-time Early Bird rate. The fee includes lunch at the event, a custom water bottle and a t-shirt.

Proceeds support the YWCA's Journey of Care, which encompasses each of the signature programs and services offered to the women, children and gender-diverse people it serves.

Registrants can go online to create their personal fundraising page or sponsor someone with a donation.

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20 Nominations Open For United Way's Inaugural 'Women of Impact' Awards

United Way Peterborough & District has opened nominations for their inaugural ‘Women United’ awards to recognize 20 ladies who have gone above and beyond to make our community a better place.

File Photo.

The women nominated are those who create an impact in Peterborough City and County in politics, the arts and sciences, and several other fields.

“By sharing their stories, we can cement their place in history and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Together we are the impact and we shape the tapestry of and heart of Peterborough City and County,” according to a United Way Statement.

Nominees can be living or deceased. They can be inspired by neighbours, caregivers or volunteers who have:

• dedicated time towards a particular social cause or causes

• demonstrated impact in their profession, organization, or community

• advocated for the representation and empowerment of underrepresented groups

• distinguished themselves on the local/national/international stage

Nominations are open until April 14.

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The Ladies of Peterborough Had a Blast At The Tiffany Show International Women's Day Party

It was a party for the ladies of Peterborough during International Women’s Day as Tiffany Arcari, host of The Tiffany Show, held a celebration to inspire and uplift women from all walks of life on Friday.

(fROM LEFT TO RIGHT) cARISSA mCiNTYRE, jc hANNIGAN, sHEENA hOWARD, tIFFANY aRCARI, lISA cOUTURE AND aSHLEY lAMOTHE. aRCARI WAS THE HOST OF THE EVENT WHILE THE OTHER FIVE WOMEN WERE SPEAKERS, SHARING THEIR STORIES AT THE EVENT. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

Arcari’s event, ‘The Tiffany Show International Women's Day Party,’ had 150 women participate with swag bags, refreshments and treats given out. Women were lined up outside the Venue down George Street before doors opened.

The event showcased stories from five local women (Ashley Lamothe, Carissa McIntyre, Sheena Howard, JC Hannigan and Lisa Couture) sharing their experiences. A watch party of The Tiffany Show International Women’s Day Special highlighting the achievements and journeys of extraordinary women.

A photo booth and special furry guests, puppies from the Peterborough Humane Society, were other amenities to add to the entertainment.

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Photos: Peterborough International Women's Day March 2024

Kawartha World Issues Centre and Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre rallied and marched in Downtown Peterborough for International Women’s Day from Peterborough Square to City Hall on Friday afternoon.

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The two organizations and participating marchers acknowledge women's achievements and advocate for equality in the annual global celebration. This year's theme, ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ highlights the crucial need to foster a diverse and inclusive society, according to a press release.

Deputy Mayor and Councillor Joy Lachica gave a rousing speech to the 120+ marchers at City Hall, a significant increase from last year’s march which saw roughly 60 people participate. Roughly 10 per cent of this year’s attendees were men, another uptick from the prior event.

A poem reading from Peterborough's current Poet Laureate, Ziysah von Bieberstein, was also performed. Mayor Jeff Leal also spoke, proclamating March 8 as International Women’s Day in Peterborough.

During the march, signs were held up with statements such as, “Where there is a woman, there is magic,” “We are the voice of those who are no longer here,” “It’s a beautiful day to smash the patriarchy,” and “The future is female.”

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Local Host Uplifting Ladies With International Women's Day Party This Friday at The Venue

In honour of International Women's Day, Tiffany Arcari, host of The Tiffany Show is hosting a celebration to inspire and uplift women from all walks of life at The Venue on Friday.

Photo courtesy of Tiffany Arcari.

The Tiffany Show International Women's Day Party is featuring the following:

• Stories from five local women (Ashley Lamothe, Carissa McIntyre, Sheena Howard, JC Hannigan and Lisa Couture) sharing engaging stories, providing a platform for shared experiences and inspiration

• Watch Party of The Tiffany Show IWD Special highlighting the achievements and journeys of extraordinary women

• Talk Show-style prizes and giveaways

• Fifty swag bags to the first 50 ladies

• Photo booth, cash bar and refreshments

• Special Visitors: Puppies from The Humane Society

“We are thrilled to invite everyone to join us in celebrating the essence of International Women's Day,” said Arcari. “This event is a testament to the strength, resilience, and kindness of women in our community and beyond.”

The full episode of The Tiffany Show International Women's Day special will air live at the party on Friday and will be broadcasted on Yourtv Peterborough-Lindsay and Arcari’s social media channels.

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United Way to Increase Menstrual Product Accessibility With 'Tampon Tuesday' Throughout March

As an essential call out to improve accessibility for menstrual products United Way District & Peterborough and partners are holding the eight-annual Tampon Tuesday during March.

Photo courtesy of United Way.

“With the cost of living on the rise the priority of food, housing or bills overtakes that of menstrual products,” as stated in a United Way press release” In fact, menstrual hygiene products are one of the most requested, yet least donated items at food banks. Understandably, low-income individuals find it difficult to budget for this monthly expense. Many simply cannot afford them.”

Tampon Tuesday collects menstrual hygiene products. Everything collected will be distributed to local food banks in Peterborough County by Kawartha Food Share.

“Holding a collection at your business, social club or even among your groups of friends or neighbours is a fun and rewarding way to help those in need,” said Anne Ondercin, United Way director of philanthropy. “We are also excepting monetary donations to purchase additional menstrual products which will also be distributed through Kawartha Food Share to individuals who need them most.”

Last year, United Way’s Tampon Tuesday drive collected 20,030 pads, tampons, liners, cups and personal care items in just three hours, a more than 100 per cent increase from the previous year. The goal is to surpass that intake.

Several community drop-off locations will be accepting menstrual product donations in Peterborough during March including:

• United Way Peterborough & District - 277 Stewart St.

• Bell Media Office - 59 George St.

• Alternatives Community Program Services - 270 Braidwood Ave.

• Sullivan’s IDA - 71 Hunter St.

• Westmount Pharmacy - 1293 Clonsilla Ave.

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YWCA's Empty Bowls Fundraiser Raises Nearly $20,000 For Its Nourish Food Program

The 20th annual YWCA Empty Bowls event has raised just under $20,000 in support of our Nourish Food Program that ran at The Venue on Friday.

The Nourish program offers monthly food boxes, community gardening, and a weekly market at Curve Lake First Nation, bringing high quality produce from local farms to the community at affordable prices. Thanks to the support of the community, we distribute about 260 food boxes each month to individuals and families around the Peterborough area. Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The Empty Bowls event has raised over $210,000 for the YWCA. All proceeds support the YWCA’s Nourish Food Program which provides fresh food at affordable costs to families experiencing hunger.

Close to 200 guests attended the event with a wide variety of food options available provided by 15 local restaurants. The handcrafted ceramic and wooden bowls created and donated by community artisans were a big hit with participants, many of whom purchased extra bowls to take home.

“This year, more than ever, I’m encouraged and humbled by the number of people who support Empty Bowls with their generosity. The time devoted to making this event a success holds true this year more than ever,” said Kim Dolan, YWCA executive director. “20 years is a remarkable milestone, especially given the challenges in recent years. It is a testament to the dedication of our community members who fired up their kilns, sharpened their chisels, showed up, donated, sponsored, volunteered, and continued the legacy of Empty Bowls in Peterborough.”

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Empty Bowls Fundraiser Returns With In-Person Event in Five Years For YWCA

For the first time in five years, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is bringing back its renowned fundraiser, Empty Bowls, for an in-person seated lunch event, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The event is on Feb. 23 at The Venue. It raises funds to support the Nourish food program operated by the YWCA which provides fresh food at affordable costs to families experiencing hunger.

“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of this wonderful event, we are thrilled to be able to return to sharing food together with our community,” says Kim Dolan, YWCA executive director. “Food insecurity is a critical health issue and a core barrier for women experiencing gender-based violence. The majority of our food box recipients are single mothers, and we’re so grateful to our partners, sponsors and everyone who joins us for Empty Bowls to help women feed their families and live their lives with dignity.”

The Nourish program offers food box deliveries, educational workshops, food preparation skill-building, and community gardening. With community support, roughly 260 food boxes each month to individuals and families around the Peterborough area according to a press release. Nourish also runs a weekly market at Curve Lake First Nation, bringing produce from local farms to the community at affordable prices.

Tickets are available online or by calling the YWCA at 705-743-3526.

Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. for Early Bird VIP ticket holders ($75), for the best selection of lunch options and bowls and noon for General Admission ticket holders ($60).

The ticket price includes one lunch meal to enjoy on-site and a one-of-a-kind ceramic or wooden bowl, hand-crafted and generously donated by local artisans.

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Women's Business Network to Host Holiday Gala In Support of YWCA and Gender-Based Violence

The Women’s Business Network (WBN) of Peterborough is hosting its annual Holiday Gala and Auction to support YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s programs, supporting women experiencing gender-based violence on Dec. 6 at the Peterborough Holiday Inn.

Photo courtesy of Women's Business Network of Peterborough.

The online auction runs from Nov. 23 to Dec. 7 using the Nonprofit Bidding platform.

Their $15,000 goal is to help women and children in the community who are escaping abuse and violence. By 2012, the WBN had raised over $220,000 for the YWCA and to date, the WBN has raised over $340,000 in support of this imperative cause, according to a press release.

The WBN is asking the community for donations for its auction, such as gift certificates, tickets, memberships or items valued at $25 or more. Donors will have their company name/logo appear with the donated item and will receive extensive exposure through the reach of the Nonprofit Bidding platform, as stated in a press release. In addition, the donor logo will be displayed on our social media platforms and during the event. 

Anyone willing to support this can complete the Online Auction Donation Form by Nov. 15 and include their logo.

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Kawartha Lacrosse Hosting Exhibition Game With Team Kenya; Donations Sought For Visiting Team

Kawartha Lacrosse is hosting special visitors as their U19 team is playing an exhibition game against the Kenya Women’s U19 team at Fleming College on Wednesday night.

Team Kenya during the 2019 World Lacrosse Women's U19 World Championship at Justin Chiu Stadium at Trent University. Photo courtesy of Kawartha Lacrosse.

The game is running from 8 - 9 p.m.

Kawartha Lacrosse is asking for the following items to be donated to Team Kenya:

• Sticks (new or used)

• Goggles (used)

• Sports Bras

• Any lacrosse apparel (shirts from tournaments, shorts, pennies, etc.)

• Personal care/feminine hygiene products

• Running shoes

• Any old lacrosse or hockey equipment bags to carry the donations

• Money

Those not attending but who want to donate can bring them to the Immaculate Conception School office on 76 Robinson St. between 8 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. daily until gameday.

Kenya competed in the 2019 World Lacrosse Women's U19 World Championship in Peterborough as the first African team to compete internationally. The team had received an education, health benefits and an opportunity that other females in their country would not experience according to Kawartha Lacrosse.

The Kenyan team arrived in Canada on Tuesday night.

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