PKAR Selects CMHA HKPR as Charity of Choice For Fundraising Efforts

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of REALTORS (PKAR) has chosen the Canadian Mental Health Association of Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) as their 2023 Realtors Care Charity of Choice, announced on Wednesday.

File Photo.

Each year REALTOR members of PKAR donate funds to Realtors Care which is presented to a local charity that supports housing in the community. In 2022, PKAR raised $25,919 to support the YES Shelter Peterborough as the charity of choice.

This means that in 2023 all PKAR fundraising efforts will support CMHA HKPR.

The CMHA HKPR is working hard to address homelessness and mental well-being through community-based mental health and addictions services and programs and the development of their Garden Homes Project. The goal of this program is to reduce homelessness in Peterborough City and County by providing affordable, small homes to those who are most vulnerable.

“Much of our community has been challenged with access to affordable housing. This generous donation from PKAR lends itself to creative ways to finding a solution to a highly complex problem,” says Mark Graham, chief executive officer at the CMHA HKPR. “With low vacancy rates and many people facing homelessness, this initiative is needed now more than ever.”

PKAR says they are ‘proud to support this incredible initiative which will act as a valuable ‘demonstration project’ for other tiny homes, hopefully paving the way for more affordable housing and improved health for all.’

“Unfortunately, homelessness is an ongoing struggle for some of the most vulnerable people in our community, and across the province”, says Kate Kidd, PKAR president. “Housing is a priority for our REALTOR members, and the CMHA HKPR initiative will serve to directly support this issue and give those in need a chance at a brighter future.”

For more information, visit the PKAR website.

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Lakefield Collaboration Creates Gift Boxes To Support Local Businesses and Charity

Online marketplace FriendLilySHOP has teamed up with small businesses to support Lakefield Youth Unlimited (LYU) and local retailers by selling gift boxes of locally-sourced items announced on Wednesday.

Chris Jones, Lakefield Youth Unlimited (left) with Jim Riches, FriendLilySHOP (right) with the gift boxes to support Lakefield Youth Unlimited with items from several local businesses. Photo courtesy of LYU.

The gift boxes contain items from The English Potter, Angle Iron Kitchen, The Nutty Bean Cafe, Reclaimed Garden Co. and Kyoto Coffee. The boxes are available beginning on Saturday at the aforementioned retailers or online.

A portion of the proceeds is donated to LYU to aid and support Youth Unlimited programs that build community within the village and provide key opportunities for the personal and spiritual development of our youth according to a press release.

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Bobcaygeon Brewery and McThirsty's Launch Community Brew, Blackberry Raspberry Gose; Proceeds Support Local Charities

Bobcaygeon Brewing Company and McThirsty’s Pint had the first official pour of their ‘Community Brew’ Blackberry Raspberry Gose beer to support local organizations within the Peterborough community launched on Friday.

(from left to right) Richard Wood, Bobcaygeon Brewing Company president, Christian Harvey, One City PTBO executive director, Katie Harting, McThirsty’s bartender and Matt Campbell, Bobcaygeon Brewing Company vice president of Sales enjoying the first-poured Blackberry Raspberry Gose from the tap. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

A dollar from every pint and 50 cents from each can sold is getting donated to select Peterborough charities

The first beer in the series, Blackberry Raspberry Gose is supporting One City Peterborough, an organization aiding those who have/are experiencing homelessness and/or criminalization.

The beer was brewed in collaboration with McThirsty’s bartender Katie Hartling. The drink boasts four times as much fruit as a traditional sour beer according to Bobcaygeon Brewery.

The Community Brew is available on tap at McThirsty’s Pint and the Bobcaygeon Brewing Company Taproom. Cans are available for purchase at both locations next week.

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Applications Being Accepted For Eligible Charities Local Realtor Organization for 2023

Peterborough and the Kawartha’s Association of REALTORS (PKAR) have opened applications for charities to be the recipient of their Giving Back campaign from Oct. 3 to 28.

Photo courtesy of PKAR.

“We are so fortunate to be in a position to support the incredible organizations in our community”, said Kate Kidd, PKAR President. “There are so many deserving charities in our area, and we are looking forward to reviewing this year’s applications and choosing our very deserving 2023 partner.”

PKAR is reviewing all applicants and will contact preliminary charities to move forward.

To submit an application, click here.

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Y Drive Kicks Off New Charitable Foundation With Dunk Tank On Saturday

Y Drive launched the Y Drive Foundation by hosting a dunk tank in Peterborough Square on Saturday.

Colin Streeter (Right) throws a ball towards the target in hopes of sending David Bui (left) into the water. Photo by Luke best

“The foundation was created in memory of Dani Sinacori who passed away in August. As a mother of 3 and teacher to many, her life was sports, teaching and family,” said Y Drive in a Facebook post. “The foundation will be geared towards school breakfast programs, youth sports and helping our neighbours when they need it.”

Participants had the chance to dunk the likes of:

• Adam Brown (Chemong Lodge)

• David Bui (PTBO Canada)

• Diane Therrien (Mayor of Peterborough)

• Jessie Primeau (Bowes & Cocks)

• Rob & Erica (Y Drive)

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According to Erica Young of Y Drive, $1160 was raised from the event and additional donations.

@ptbo_canada @Y Drive hosted a dunk tank on Saturday in memory of Dani Sinacori. All of the money raised will be used to help the community! #ptbo #ptbocanada #downtownptbo #dunktank ♬ Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash

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Over $4,500 Raised For Special Olympic Athletes In Charity Lacrosse Game

Over $4,500 was raised at the Cradle for Special Olympics in a friendly lacrosse game between Team Educator/Boro Boys and the Peterborough Lakers at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Wednesday.

(From left to right) Kristy Wasson, Bill Chapman and Robert Hope in the ceremonial faceoff before the game between the Team Educator/Boro Boys and Peterborough Lakers. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Teachers, the Boro Boys and members of the 1967 undefeated Peterborough PCOs took on the Peterborough Lakers (both past and present) to a 16-16 draw.

Raffles, admission fees and donation boxes contributed to the fundraiser for the one-day event. All proceeds benefit Special Olympic athletes in a variety of ways.

"The money can fund a lot of things,” said Ernie Ellement, Boro Boys founder. “It could be as something as simple as sports equipment to helping some families with registrations."

The annual game was on hold for the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic so having the fundraiser was refreshing for Bill Chapman, Special Olympics coordinator.

"The turnout was fantastic," he said. "It was a fundraiser that I've been to like no other. Peterborough is always a community to go to bat for every organization we have.”

The intermission featured shootouts with the Lakers broadcast crew, Peterborough PCO members and Special Olympic athletes.

Players wore special red socks in honour of the Peterborough Red Stockings as they played the first lacrosse game in town in 1872.

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Local Country Star's Sixth Annual Charity Golf Tournament For Youth Mental Health a Go

Country star Tebey is back with his sixth annual Tebey Golf Classic in support of youth mental health announced on Tuesday.

Last year’s event was on June 24 at the Black Diamond Golf Club. Photo courtesy of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation.

Over $125,000 has been raised over the past five years towards youth mental health that includes: 

• Covid-19 Response Drop In Centre - YES Youth Emergency Shelter for Youth and Families

• YES Homelessness Prevention Program partnership with Peterborough Youth *Services and YES Year one and Year two Funding

• 211 Awareness Campaign – Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter

• Ongoing education for Mental Health Clinicians of the Peterborough Family Health Team to support free patient mindfulness programming

Funds raised through the event will go towards Youth Mental Health programming through Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter For Youth and Families.

“It’s going to be great to be back this year raising money for Peterborough Youth Services and the YES Shelter,” said Tebey. “They have provided so much support to those struggling and have had a huge impact on the lives of youth and families in the Peterborough area.”

The tournament is scheduled for June 2 at Wildfire Golf & Country Club with a shotgun tee-off at 1 p.m. An outdoor acoustic performance will happen at 7 p.m.

Foursome tickets are available on Eventbrite for $1,000 where a $200 tax receipt will be provided to each group. The tournament includes a meet-and-greet with Tebey, acoustic performance from him and special guests (to be announced), activities, contests, meals, prizes and professional photos of your group.

“All of us at PYS (Peterborough Youth Services) are so grateful to the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation and Tebey for their joint fundraising efforts to improve youth mental health, said Heather Holland, PYS executive director. “Community donations are integral to expanding our reach and impact as an agency and every dollar will be directed to reducing wait times and providing more timely access to service.”

“What we are seeing at the tail end of the pandemic is young people and families left with fewer community supports and available housing options more than ever,” Aimeé Le Lagadec, YES Shelter executive director. “Participating in the Tebey Golf Classic is an incredible and fun way to help YES continue helping young people and families in Peterborough out of homelessness."

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Soroptimist International Peterborough Donates to Five Community Partners on 75th Anniversary

It may be the 75th anniversary of Soroptimist International Peterborough (SIP) but they gave presents out by donating $1,000 cheques each to five organizations on Friday.

Soroptimist International of Peterborough (SIP) was chartered on November 17, 1945. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The donations went towards community partners of SIP to help women’s and girls’ lives through programs leading to economic and social empowerment.

Cameron House (Brock Mission), Elizabeth Fry Society, The Daughter Project Girls’ Home, YWCA Crossroads and Homeward Bound were the recipients of the donations including a commemorative plaque.

Joyce Fee, former SIP president said she was “certainly proud” of the organization to fund the five recipients.

The money acquired was possible through fundraising efforts such as special dinners, fashion shows and an affiliation with the local bingo hall according to Fee.

Mayor Diane Therrien has proclaimed the week of Oct. 3rd as ‘Soroptimist Week’ in Peterborough to acknowledge the 75th Anniversary of SIP and the 100th Anniversary of Soroptimist International.

SIP has over 40 members who work to make a difference in the lives of women and girls in our own community and around the world.

“We are mediators for then for the girls,” said Fee. “We give them tools to achieve their education and career goals. Empower them to break cycles, poverty, violence and abuse.”

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New Non-Profit Organization Launches in Peterborough

Hearts 4 Joy, a non-profit organization servicing adults over 21 with intellectual exceptionalities, celebrated their official launch on Sunday.

Artists Carly, Derek, Jessica, Jory, Josh, Kacee, Karsen and Luke celebrate Hearts for Joy official launch with MPP Dave Smith on Sunday. Photo courtesy of Hearts 4 Joy.

Hearts 4 Joy is a volunteer-run group that meets three times a week in President Norma Christensen’s backyard to create hand-crafted items.

Christensen and a group of parents started this group to help their kids and others gain independence, build relationships and gain experience in a workplace setting. Profits from sales go to paying participants a wage and purchasing more supplies.

“The idea is to provide something that families with intellectually exceptional young adults can have something to aspire to or become interested in,” said Christensen. “They can develop some real working skills and that’s what we hope to grow in the future.”

The group is currently working on their fall and Christmas inventory.

“We try to use recycled or environmentally-friendly supplies,” said Christensen.

The group sells hand-painted journals, wine glasses and lanterns. Their seasonal items include decorative pumpkins for Halloween and gnomes and Santa plates for Christmas.

“This gives them the idea that they all can be so productive,” said Christensen. “We just need to find the thing they’re passionate about. It’s about providing them those opportunities so that they can learn and they make money while they do it.”

Christensen hopes that soon their organization can find a space to host their meetings and store their inventory so they can continue working even through the winter.

“I actually considered moving my furniture outside so we could work in my house,” said Christensen. “We’ll do whatever it takes to keep it going.”

Hearts 4 Joy is having a pop-up sale at Avant-Garden shop on Sherbrooke Street, Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

You can e-mail hearts4joyptbo@gmail.com for questions or more information.

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#PtboSignWars T-Shirts Now Available For Order (And You Don't Have To Go To Aisle 15 To Get Them)

It has been quite the week in Peterborough, Ontario as #PtboSignWars dominated the local social media scene and won over the hearts of the community at the same time. 

The “Meet me in Aisle 15” T-shirt is a reference made by Merrett’s Home Hardware that the product sold in that aisle could ambiguously be things that could be at a party. Photo by PTBOCanada.

PTBOCanada got the ball rolling last week after posting a sign war inspired from a town in Virginia. From there, they challenged a few local businesses to fire their signs up and get the #PtboSignWars started. 

Anden Kitchen & Bath, Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre and Friendly Fires were the first three Peterborough businesses to exchange shots. Five days and hundreds of fantastic witty signs later, #PtboSignWars was making headlines across the country on social media and has motivated other cities in Canada to do the same.

Pete Dalliday of Fresh Radio played a big role in the campaign, encouraging Peterborough to participate in #ptbosignwars and helping the “Kids For Lids” fundraiser that benefitted Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Peterborough.

“After 14 months of pandemic life this was exactly what the community needed,'' he said. “Reading the signs made me laugh out loud but reading the thousands of comments from viewers and listeners was perhaps my favourite part.” 

As always, PTBOCanada is always looking to give back to the community. Following a very successful PTBOCanada “Lids For Kids” campaign, Kirtus Evoy, owner and Publisher of PTBOCanada, is pleased to announce that even more money will be raised for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Peterborough. 

Based on one of the most popular and shared sign exchanges this past week between Anden and Merrett’s, PTBOCanada is launching a limited edition #PTBOSignWars “Meet Me In Aisle 15” T-shirt. 

$10 from every T-shirt sold will go directly to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Peterborough as they will benefit from all the proceeds. Anden, Merrett and Friendly Fires have already committed to buying T-shirts for their staff and customers while Kori Malakos and Matt D’Agostini from Ricart Promotions have quickly made this idea a reality. We thank all of them for their support to kick this campaign off. 

T-Shirts can be ordered by going to ptbocanada.com/shop. Shirts can be purchased until Wednesday, May 5th at 9:00 a.m. where pickups can be done in roughly two weeks.

For more information, contact Kirtus Evoy at kirtus@ptbocanada.com.

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