Hometown PTBO: Alzheimer Society's Jen Johnstone Discusses Alzheimer Awareness Month and a New Virtual Reality Experience With Dementia

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Jen Johnstone, executive director of the Alzheimer Society Peterborough Kawartha Lakes Northumberland Haliburton about staying in Peterborough following her Trent University tenure, Alzheimer Awareness Month and EDIE, a virtual reality simulation to experience the world with dementia.

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Crimestoppers Bring Human Trafficking Awareness With New Transport Truck Wrap

To bring human trafficking awareness to the city, Peterborough Northumberland Crime Stoppers has unveiled a new truck wrap at the Ontario Truck Training Academy on Wednesday afternoon.

The truck wrap stretches along 53 feet and is the same design on both sides. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Dave’s Towing & Recovery also sponsored it with Crimestoppers with the work by Big Rig Wraps. The truck is part of the Ontario Truck Training Academy.

From 2011 to 2021, Peterborough was the third-highest in the country, with 3.6 human trafficking incidents per 100,000 people. They trailed Thunder Bay and Halifax with 5.5 and 4.5, respectively, according to Statistics Canada.

Their data also showed that Peterborough jumped to 10.9 cases in 2021, only trailing Thunder Bay with 28.1.

“It is a problem that people aren't aware of and we wanted to make sure we're starting discussions,” said Alison Dyer, Intelligence-led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS) detective constable of human trafficking. “We need people to see the sign, ask the questions, talk to other people, educate themselves, educate their children, etc.”

The wrap is the 26th truck that Big Rig Wraps has done nationally regarding human trafficking awareness. Photo by David Tuan bui.

While anyone can be susceptible to human trafficking, those who are more vulnerable and aged 13-25 are more likely to be victimized, according to Dyer.

“You have human labour trafficking, you have immigrants coming in and they're being forced to work for less wages,” she explained. “Then there are those that can romance someone like they're grooming them and then the end result is you have a girl working in the sex trade, whether by force, coercion or exercising control over them.”

Dyer says that noticing the signs is key to being able to determine if your children are involved in trafficking.

“If all of a sudden, your child is coming home with all of these purses, new clothing or they're hanging out with new people, start asking questions and start having the conversation,” she said.

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Douro Boxer Cody Crowley and Kristi MacMillan Announced as Co-Recipients of CMHA's 'Champion of Mental Health Award'

Douro professional boxer Cody Crowley and Kristi MacMillan are co-recipients of the ‘Champion of Mental Health Award’ from the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) announced at the 2023 Annual Meeting that took place Wednesday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ESTHER LIN / SHOWTIME.

Crowley has actively advocated for mental health as launched a campaign in memory of his father. Irt raised close to $55,000 for Team 55 Tackles Suicide Awareness for youth mental health. CMHA HKPR says that his dedication to changing the narrative around mental health is exemplary and aligns with their mission of fostering knowledge, hope and belonging for mental health for all.

This year’s Annual Meeting at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club celebrated the organization's growth and success over the past year according to CMHA HKPR.

Other award winners include:

  • Kristi MacMillan, co-winner of the Champion of Mental Health Award

  • Wanda Findlay, recipient of the Exemplary Values through Direct Service Staff Award

  • Tracy Graham, honored with the Administrative Service Staff Award

  • Miles Leech, who received the Achievement Through Adversity Award

  • Sherryl and Matt Wyatt, winners of the Caregiver Champion Award for Family Members

  • Johnathan Hauser, presented with the Maurice Lovnes Volunteer Award

  • Impact Recovery and Century Theatre, recipients of the Naresh James Champion of Mental Health Award

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City Hall Recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day For Aug. 31 With Flag Raising Ceremony

In honour of recognizing those who lost their lives to drug use, a purple flag was raised at City Hall in honour of International Overdose Awareness Day held every August 31 on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

The City of Peterborough with Moms Stop The Harm, Peterborough Police and Peterborough Paramedics were in attendance for the event.

Family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one; healthcare workers and support services extending strength and compassion and first responders are also recognized on Aug. 31. The day also highlights the importance of eliminating the stigma and discrimination against anyone who uses drugs.

According to Peterborough Public Health, between Jan. 1 and July 31, Peterborough paramedics responded to 182 suspected opioid-related 911 calls and drugs were responsible for 232 emergency department visits. There have been 43 people suspected to have died from drug poisonings as stated in a press release.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

On Thursday, Moms Stop the Harm Peterborough is hosting a memorial event at Millennium Park from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. It features stories from family members who have lost loved ones, as well as information about substance use, overdose prevention, and harm reduction training. 

Prior to the event, community partners will be hosting flag raisings and harm reduction and naloxone distribution pop-ups throughout the City of Peterborough.

These pop-ups can be found at the following locations:

  • Flag Raising – Peterborough City Hall
    Aug. 24 @ 10:00 a.m.

  • Peterborough Public Library
    Aug. 25, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    Aug. 29, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

  • Peterborough Square
    Aug. 28, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

  • Peterborough Public Health, 185 King Street
    Aug. 30 @ 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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Video: Cody Crowley Hosting Inaugural Team55 Tackles Suicide Golf Tournament Fundraiser For July 8

As part of Cody Crowley’s pledge to raise at least $55,000 for Team 55 Tackles Suicide initiative, he is hosting his inaugural charity golf tournament at Keystone Links Golf on July 8.

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Elizabeth Fry Society's Anti-Stigma Day Raising Awareness and Education On Substance Use

Creating a dialogue and education on substance users was the mission for the Elizabeth Fry Society's Anti-Stigma Day that was held at Millennium Park on Monday afternoon.

Alana Parisien, EFry housing manager (LEFT) and Chelsey McGowan, EFry peer services manager (RIGHT) with "Stigma Ain't It, Bestie," and "You Matter" buttons for their 2023 Anti-Stigma Day for those who use substances. This is the third annual event by the Society that began back in 2021 and runs every June 26. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

The event is always held on June 26 and runs alongside the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.’ It supports the war on drugs and helps destigmatize those who are struggling while using substances.

Anti-Stigma Day is one way of creating awareness and dialogue to help bring an understanding of those dealing with substances according to Alana Parisien, Elizabeth Fry Society housing manager.

“They're combatting the stigma that's been perpetuated from the war on drugs which is kind of the historical day,” she explained. “Historically, it supports the war on drugs which we know is failing our community and perpetuating stigma.”

John Howard Society, Canadian Mental Health Association, Peterborough AIDS Resource Network and Peterborough Public Health among several other organizations were present with tents and kiosks at the event. They range from free giveaways, educational activities, a free listening session, games and information sessions.

One of the stigmas that those dealing with substances are the words and negative connotations behind them according to Parisien.

“I think a lot of stigma that we see, just typically in our community could be around the language that folks use,” explained Parisien. “Saying stigmatizing words like ‘junkie’ or narratives that are ‘why can't they get jobs?’ or ‘why can't they get well?’ or commenting like that, maybe just maybe a lack of understanding.

Rather than raising judgment, opening a dialogue with compassion for those suffering is the proper way to approach the stigmatized said Parisien.

Treat everybody like you would treat your own brother,” she explained. “If it's something you don't understand necessarily, maybe take some time to talk to someone as you would your neighbour to understand what they're going through each day.”

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Peterborough Butterfly Run Has Record Breaking In-Person Return

Although the morning was overcast and threatening rain, spirits were high and Millennium Park was full of energy as over 1,000 people came out to the Peterborough Butterfly Run on Sunday April 30.

photo courtesy of the peterborough butterfly run.

Attendees came out and participated in the 1KM Kids Fun Run, 1KM Memorial Walk or the 5KM Run/Walk. Every one of those 1,000 participants, supporters and volunteers also came to show their support for friends, family, co-workers, and even people they’ve never met, who have experienced a loss during pregnancy, the loss of a child, or are unable to conceive.

This was the first in-person Peterborough Butterfly Run since 2019, having moved virtual for 2021 and 2022. The support for the return to a live event was much greater than the organizers could have ever wished for.

On top of having a massive crowd in Millennium Park, a record total of funds was raised leading up to and during the event. Although donations are still coming in and being counted, the event raised over $100,000, making it the highest grossing Peterborough Butterfly Run since its inception in 2017.

“What an amazing return to the in-person format,” said Vince Bierworth, executive director for the GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation, Event Organizers. “It was much more than we, the Peterborough Butterfly Run committee and Partners in Pregnancy Clinic, could have ever imagined. It was great to fell the fellowship, support, and comradery of the crowd, which is what the event has always been about. No matter what format the event has taken, there are so many that support its mission. For that we are very grateful.”

The top three fundraising teams were Team Benjamin Moffatt, Team Orangetheory Fitness and Team Jessica Dalliday. The top 3 individual fundraisers were Cody Welton, Danielle Mac Lean and Lauren McDonald. Event speaker Mike Dalliday shared with everyone the story of the loss of his wife Jessica and daughter Angeline, and how he, along with his 4-year-old daughter Rachel, have been managing since their devastating loss.

Funds raised at the event have been used to provide ongoing specialized education in Perinatal Bereavement Care to healthcare providers across Peterborough City and County, establish more than 10 lending libraries for individuals and their families located across Peterborough City and County, as well as the development of bereavement kits for families and individuals who experience early and later pregnancy loss and infant loss. Since 2018, more than 500 bereavement kits have been provided to families and individuals by health care providers in the community and at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).  

Those who would like to donate to support the Peterborough Butterfly Run can at any time by visiting the website, clicking donate and selecting Peterborough Butterfly Run.

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The Peterborough Butterfly Run Returns To a Live In-Person Race For It’s 7 Year Anniversary

The Peterborough Butterfly Run is returning to an in-person run for the first time in four years at Millennium Park on April 30.

photo courtesy of the peterborough butterfly run.

GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation, in partnership with the Peterborough Butterfly Run executive committee and the Partners In Pregnancy Clinic (PiPC) are bringing back the annual 5 kilometre run/walk with the same route as previous years. Registration will open at 9 a.m., the 1K Memorial Walk and 1K Kids Fun Run at 10 a.m., opening ceremonies at 10:30 a.m., and the 5K chip timed run/walk starting by 11 a.m.

The Memorial Walk is free, with 1 kilometre Kids Fun Run registration costing $5 and the 5K run is $45. This includes a race shirt, medal and various other items in the race kit.

The 2023 Peterborough Butterfly Run Executive Committee includes Kelly Ross, Jennie Vanier, Alessandra Friesen, Kori Mahon and Ashley Hickson and the event is also supported by a number of other dedicated volunteers.

Mike Dalliday will be speaking at the run, sharing his story with participants.

“The Butterfly Run has always been very special to my wife Jess and I. Even before our own battle, we had many friends and family members who had been affected by infertility, miscarriage and infant loss and the event felt like a way we could connect with and support those families,” said Dalliday. “In 2016 after we were married, we began our own infertility journey. But after almost 2 years of tests, appointments, 2 surgeries, close monitoring, and medications we were miraculously able to conceive our now 4-year-old daughter Rachel.”

“We were lucky enough to conceive our second child in 2020. However, after a rare complication of childbirth, both Jess and our newborn daughter Angeline tragically passed away in April of 2021. Through that experience and beyond, the Butterfly Run and the support and services it makes possible have been an integral part of our grief and healing journey. My family and I will be forever grateful for the Butterfly Run and the community of support it has brought into our lives when we needed it most,” Dalliday continued.

Funds raised at the event have been used to provide ongoing specialized education in Perinatal Bereavement Care to healthcare providers across Peterborough City and County, establish more than 10 lending libraries for individuals and their families located across Peterborough City and County, as well as the development of bereavement kits for families and individuals who experience early and later pregnancy loss and infant loss.

Since 2018, more than 500 bereavement kits have been provided to families and individuals by health care providers. Money raised at the race is also invested back into the race day itself as keeping costs affordable for participants, continuing to offer the free 1 kilometre Memorial Walk/Run, providing memorial bibs to all runners to write a personalized name or message and the display of memorial banners are all important aspects to creating the sense of community that the Peterborough Butterfly Run has become known for.

“GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation has been involved in the Peterborough Butterfly Run from its inception in 2017. We are excited to take a more lead role in organizing the event this year, under the watchful guidance of the Butterfly Run race committee” said Vince Bierworth, executive director for the GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation. “It’s great to be able to return to a live event this year as the last time we had a live event was in 2019. However, for those unable to attend on April 30th, or don’t feel comfortable doing so, we are also offering a virtual run option to build upon the success of the past two virtual runs and be as inclusive as possible.”

Registration is available online or in-person at Runner’s Life 174 Charlotte St., Peterborough.

Those who would like to find out more about sponsorship opportunities can email Vince@GPHSF.ca or PTBOButterflyRun@gmail.com.

For those who are unable to join on April 30, but would still like to support, a virtual option is also available. 

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Minor AAA Petes Fundraising For Breast Cancer Research Through Hockey Battles Cancer

The AAA minor Petes’ teams will be supporting the U12 team’s fundraiser honouring Melissa Hinze; hitting the ice in their pink jerseys to raise awareness for Metastatic Breast Cancer from Jan. 27 to 29.

Photo courtesy of AAA Minor Petes.

The cause is near and dear to the hearts of many in the local hockey community, who believe specialized research into metastatic cancer is so needed.  

This fundraiser is in memory of Melissa Hinze, who lost her battle of stage four Metastatic Breast Cancer in the spring of 2022.

It was Melissa who began this fundraiser through the AAA minor Petes’ last year in hopes that more funds would be raised for cancer research through the Canadian Cancer Society. Her son’s U11 team raised just over $3,000 in this first fundraising event.

While in palliative care she mentioned one of her wishes was for this event to continue. Her husband Chris Hinze, along with their son Blake (11) and daughter Jasmine (13) were determined to see it through for another year.

Melissa passed away on May 11, 2022 after her six-year battle with cancer.

“It was very sudden, she went in for a day procedure and never came back out,” recalls Chris. “She had a great six years when she was battling it, she was an absolute trooper.”

Chris reached out to head coach of the U12 team Wayne Clark, and they began the efforts to celebrate Melissa’s life and raise money for cancer research through the second annual event.

He says 100 per cent of the money raised from this fundraiser, including toque sales and silent auction donations, will go towards cancer research.

“Our goal is to raise awareness. If women are feeling a sensation, or feeling a lump, don’t wait. Go in and get things looked after sooner rather than later,” says Chris, who hopes these earlier cancer measures and precautionary steps can ensure women don’t reach the stage four phase.

The U12 AAA Petes are being joined by the U10, U13, U14 and U15 teams repping their bright pink jerseys at their upcoming games. Chris says this is the first year having this many teams on board.

Schedule for the upcoming Hockey Battles Cancer Minor Petes Games.

The main event, taking place Sunday at 4:15 p.m. will have the U12 Petes facing Kingston at the Healthy Planet Arena. The event is free admission and is set to feature speeches and a ceremonial puck drop with Neave Alderson.

Alderson, a 15-year-old Ewing sarcoma survivor, handed the boys their pink fundraiser jerseys at the Kinsmen Civic Centre on Wednesday.

“My son handed her the jersey and she handed the hockey players their jerseys,” says Chris. “We tried to make it a really special thing, we want to make sure these boys know the importance of what it is they’re doing.”

At the time of this article, the fundraiser currently sits at $2,785 raised of their $4,000 goal.

“We really want to get the research out there, and to help doctors and scientists to figure out how to deal (passed) stage 1, and what happens when these women are at stage four,” says Chris. “Stage four should not be a death sentence. My wife lived six years via cancer (clinical) trials, research dedicated to just stage four cancer. You can’t put a price on that.”

To donate to Hockey Battles Cancer and support Metastatic Breast Cancer research, visit the link.

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Beloved Man Doug “Dougie” Johnson Has Passed Away; Candlelight Vigil Being Held Honouring Lives Lost to Homelessness This Wednesday

Peterborough is mourning one of the most beloved homeless people of the city as Doug “Dougie” Johnson has passed away and is being honoured as one of several people at a candlelight vigil at City Hall at 5 p.m. this Wednesday.

Facebook Photo.

The vigil is to show solidarity and support to anyone who lost their life or is at risk during the winter season due to homelessness and lack of affordable housing according to the Facebook event.

It was created by Courtney Elizabeth Fisher on Dec. 14. The event is asking anyone to send along photos of anyone lost from homelessness to be honoured and show City Councillors its magnitude and influence.

Johnson with his daughter Dana. HIs daughter and most of the maternal family moved out to Western Canada for a living. Facebook Photo.

Known to frequent downtown, Johnson was described as ‘respectful, kind and caring’ according to his daughter, Dana Johnson in a prior interview with PTBOCanada. She tells her dad’s story from her point of view two years ago.

Doug had suffered from schizophrenia and addiction that impacted his mental health.

He has worked at a slaughterhouse as a contractor and at the General Motors truck plant. Johnson' also worked for his father his entire life at the farm. Prior to his diagnosis, he got married and started a family.

“Taking care of our needs and mental stability is so important,” said Dana in a prior interview. “I’ve learnt that it’s okay to not feel ashamed to ask for help, not to hide, or stuff all the feelings way down deep. Because when it blows up, it could be life-changing.”

A Facebook page called ‘Surviving.PTBO’ reported his loss on Wednesday night but details have not been released regarding his death. Comments were pouring in sending condolences and sharing good memories of Doug.

“I will miss being blessed by this man every time I saw him. He would always hold the door for me and yet he never once asked for money,” said Scotty Wood in a Facebook comment. “The city won’t feel the same without Dougie. Heaven gained an angel and so did all of us here in Peterborough. This man will be watching over us all just like we watched over him.”

“Dougie, we will miss you. You were always courteous, pleasant and giving,” said Deborah Wittekoek on Facebook. “I remember way back when City Lights were still open, the owner would give him free food at closing and he would come to my cab and offer me some. I never saw anything but kindness from him. He helped me find my son one time when he went missing. He will be sadly missed but also happily remembered.”

“I will never forget you coming to my daughter’s celebration of life and you stopped in the parking lot to look in a truck mirror to check your hair,” said Gail Perry on a social media post. “You looked so nice, such a caring and thoughtful person.”

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