Dooher’s Bakery Raises Over $5,500 for Four-Year-Old Hit By Vehicle While Leaving Norwood Fair

Dooher’s Bakery’s “Sophie Day” fundraiser, selling pink and purple sprinkle doughnuts, raises $5,567 for young Sophie Foley who suffered life-threatening injuries from a tragic accident in Norwood.

Foley suffered a fractured skull, extensive brain injuries and a laceration on her liver as a result of her injuries. Photos courtesy of Daniel Steven Foley and Dooher’s Bakery.

After being hit by a vehicle while leaving the Norwood Fair Thanksgiving Monday (Oct. 10), the Campbellford bakery contacted the girl’s family and organized the fundraiser for Oct. 18, rallying the community to support the four-year-old as she continues to fight for her life in Sick Kids Hospital.

Within a day of announcing the fundraiser, the bakery already had 100 dozen preorders. By Oct. 17 the bakery had “well over” 200 preorders, according to a Facebook post.

“We are blown away by all of the support of Sophie Day at the bakery,” Dooher’s Bakery said on Facebook. “This wouldn’t be possible without all of the amazing customers, donators and our great team here at the bakery!”

In total Dooher’s Bakery made and sold 3,540, or 290 dozen, pink and purple doughnuts (Sophie’s favourite colours) for Sophie Day.

Another 20 dozen have been ordered by the Peterborough Police Service for Thursday.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Couture Candy PTBO Celebrates Grand Opening on Saturday

Couture Candy PTBO’s second location on Lansdowne Place hosted its grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday.

Lisa Couture and Family cut ribbon in opening ceremony of their new location. Photo by Luke Best

The new storefront is located between Journeys and Claire’s at the bottom of the escalator. Couture Candy PTBO has been donated the space from the mall until Oct. 3 to aid in their ‘Cancer Care is Sweet’ fundraiser.

$1 from select products will go towards the Peterborough Regional Health Center Foundation for cancer care with a goal of $10,000.

Before the new location opened on saturday, they had already raised $8,500 according to Couture. Photo By Luke Best

“We're gonna crush it. I know we will,“ said owner Lisa Couture. “We actually have some fun challenges for the community to get more donations. There's a cool hair-cutting challenge that's will be coming up.”

Donations can also be made at both stores or online.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough Children Receive 73 Fully-Loaded Backpacks From Local Accounting Firm

Getting back to school just got easier for local children of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough as accounting firm Gauvreau CPA gave them fully stocked 73 backpacks with school supplies on Friday afternoon.

Lily G., 11 (left), got her pick of the litter for backpacks as Caitlin Walker (right) of Gauvreau CPA Firm gives her one of 73 fully-loaded backpacks. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Several employees at the firm have grown up benefiting from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and the backpacks were a way to help the next generation of children.

“We have a team dedicated to helping advance our community,” said Robert Gauvreau, Gauvreau CPA CEO. “We have a few people on our team who are connected with the Peterborough Big Brothers Big Sisters so it's got a special spot in our heart.”

Students attending high school or elementary school and part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program were eligible for the free backpacks.

Backpacks were filled with supplies such as a lunch bag, sandwich containers writing utensils, glue sticks, scissors and erasers.

Children and parents picked up the supplies throughout the afternoon and were able to select what bags they wanted on a first-come,first-serve basis.

“Everything isn't just about business all the time but the fact that our team is positively influencing the outcomes of our community to me, that is the biggest win,” said Gauvreau.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Curve Lake First Nation Community Fundraising For New Wheelchair For Elder Dorothy Taylor

Elder Dorothy Taylor is a prominent member of the Curve Lake First Nation community, who works as an Ojibwe traditional Elder, hand drummer and water environmental activist. After being diagnosed with Limb and Girdle Muscular Dystrophy in December 2000, members of the community are rallying together in hopes to purchase her a new wheelchair to allow her to continue doing the work she loves to do.

Photo by Georgie Horton- Babtiste.

“Dorothy is so lovely, so vibrant,” said Alix Taylor, a member of Curve Lake First Nation. “ She always says she has her rose coloured glasses on. Despite having physical ailments she always makes an effort to get out and share her knowledge.”

Alix met Dorothy 12 years ago, when Dorothy was in the early stages of starting ‘Sacred Water Circle’.

Sacred Water Circle is a group founded by Dorothy. It is a volunteer run, not for profit initiative that has brought together Indigenous and non- Indigenous people to work together for the benefit of water. The group strives to spread the message ‘Water is Life’ by hosting Water Walks and spreading knowledge throughout the area.

In addition to being a water activist Dorothy is an Ojibwe traditional Elder.

She spends her days sharing her knowledge of Indigenous culture with Indigenous children in Curve Lake and involved with Family Services.

Dorothy can also be found at local Pow Wow's, walking her dog on the beach and visiting community members.

Since being diagnosed, Dorothy’s mobility has been greatly affected, says Alix.

“The disease she has is progressive,” she said. “Her mobility continues to slowly deteriorate but she still wants to continue doing what she has been doing, she wants to continue educating and sharing her knowledge.”

Alix says the wheelchair she is currently using isn’t fit for rural areas.

“She can’t do the things she does in her normal life without this. Sure, she could continue to share her knowledge, but she deserves this. Her quality of life depends on it.”

Alix says they have been applying to funding though none of it will cover the full cost of the chair.

Alix, with volunteers from the Sacred Water Circle, want to raise $32,000.00 to purchase Dorothy a wheelchair called a Magic Mobility Extreme X8.

To date they have raised over $8,000 through the GoFundMe. They hope to plan in person fundraisers in the fall, which will be announced via Sacred Water Circle social media page, or the GoFundMe page.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Local Candy Shop is Donated Mall Storefront To Help Cancer Fundraiser

A sweet deal for Lisa Couture and her candygram store ‘Couture Candy PTBO’ as they were donated storefront space in Lansdowne Place to aid in their ‘Cancer Care is Sweet’ fundraiser announced Thursday.

Photo by Luke Best.

The new storefront is located in Lansdowne Place between Journeys and Claire’s at the bottom of the escalator. Couture Candy PTBO is occupying the space until the end of the year.

The mall contacted Couture via e-mail about being given the storefront space which came as an unexpected yet pleasant surprise. The mall recognized the candygram store’s community efforts which resulted in the offer Couture could not refuse.

“They were figuring out how to work with us and admired our business because it’s so community-driven,” explained Couture. “It’s expensive to be in the mall and he thought our campaign was a perfect opportunity and they have an empty space.”

The fundraising proceeds go towards the Peterborough Regional Health Center Foundation for cancer care with a goal of $10,000. The campaign started on June 21 and runs until Oct. 3. However, if the campaign is running strong and donations continue near the end date, it will continue according to Couture.

“$10,000 is a lot for a small business so every little bit helps,” said Couture.

The new Lansdowne location will require more staff as Couture is hiring. Photo courtesy of Lisa Couture.

The shop is selling select bags of candy where $1 of each product sold goes towards the foundations. Several charity candy bags feature freeze-dried brand candy and assorted mixes.

Donations can also be made at the store or online.

Their downtown location will remain in its original location with no plans to move said Couture. No dates have been announced for its grand opening but will have the same operating hours as the mall.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Local Man Continues to Fundraise for Ukrainian Efforts With Community's Help

After raising over $17,000 in a soccer equipment sale for Ukrainian efforts, Peterborough’s Victor Waselenko is continuing his aid asking the community’s help for $100,000.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funds go towards the Red Cross in a campaign called “PeterboroughHelpsUkraine.”

The initial soccer equipment fundraiser — selling soccer apparel, footwear and equipment at half price — was held last Saturday at Hybrid Sports. The $10,000 goal was easily surpassed as the event raised $17,421.50 that has been placed into the fundraiser account.

“It was a great day and the people of Peterborough were extremely supportive,” said Waselenko.

The first-generation Ukranian said he wanted to create a medium for the public to help Ukraine.

“I know that people want to help and contribute but they sometimes do not know where or how to do that,” said Waselenko.

If you would like to donate to Waselenko’s fundraiser, click here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Local Man Holds Soccer Equipment Sale To Support Ukrainian Efforts

It did not take long for Victor Waselenko to aid his home country of Ukraine as he is holding a one-day soccer equipment sale in support of the Red Cross for humanitarian efforts this Saturday.

Waselenko sent 1,300 medical kits earlier this month to his home country of Ukraine. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The cash-only sale is at Hybrid Sports at 1575 Chemong Rd. and runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Waselenko used to own the soccer apparel store “Soccer Plus” located at 139 George St N. — until closing in 2017 — where his leftover jerseys, apparel, footwear and equipment are sold at the one-day event at 50 per cent off.

All proceeds will go towards Ukrainian charity efforts according to Waselenko.

“My goal is to walk out of here with here with empty boxes," he said. "I would love nothing more than if we sold everything that was here but we have an aggressive goal of $10,000 that we'd like to raise."

After the sale, Waselenko says he wants to raise a total of $100,000 for the Red Cross with the help of the community.

@ptbo_canada A Ukranian Fleming College faculty member is selling tons of soccer gear at low prices to help support Urkranian efforts! #ptbo #ptbocanada #ukraine🇺🇦 #ukraine #soccer #futbol #charity #sports #fundrasier #peterborough ♬ Ole! Ole! Soccer! - Music Star

Earlier this month, Waselenko and his family sent 1,300 medical kits to Ukraine with the help of Shoppers Drug Mart and from public donors. There were more than $50,000 in product that was shipped to Ukraine.

Waselenko is a first-generation Ukrainian after his parents moved to Canada shortly after World War II.

"They were still young and they met here (in Canada)," explained Waselenko. "But they left a lot of family members behind because not everybody immigrated."

Waselenko has had a love for soccer since he has played as a kid. He has coached for several teams including his daughters’.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Non-Profit Organization Holding Online Auction For Community Space Sound Barriers

Non-profit agency Alternatives Community Program Services (ACPS) is hosting a charity auction to raise $10,000 to install sound barriers towards their new community space this Thursday.

Ken John Jones, ACPS volunteer (pictured) with a charcuterie board and winter ornaments as autioned items for the event. Jones has been a client of ACPS for 14 years and has volunteered since 2019. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“At times it is very difficult if not impossible to understand what people are saying when the space is being used by more than a few people, “said Jackie Carson, ACPS director. “Right now, we are currently offering activities for approximately 25 people and it's a very big challenge especially for people who already have sensory issues.”

The community space is has completed their general renovations and located is at the former St. George's Anglican Church at 270 Braidwood Ave. It is 2500 square feet in diameter and 38 feet at its highest peak.

Programs and events offered at the space include staff training, meetings, cooking classes, art nights, movie nights and more.

The auction runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is held online. Examples of bidding items are paintings, handmade crafts, charcuterie boards, gift cards and gift baskets. The list of items are regularly updated daily.

“We will be able to accomplish our goal of building a community hub for the south end of Peterborough as well the surrounding community,” said Carson.

Alternatives is a non-profit agency that provides opportunities and outcomes for learning and skill development in the areas of employment, volunteerism, recreation and community connections for people with developmental disabilities and other exceptionalities in Peterborough City and County.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Girl Selected As One Of 100 Ambassadors For JDRF's 'Lets Make History Again' Campaign

Tilly Stimpson, a grade 9 student at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School, will join the 'Let’s Make History Again' campaign, hosted by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), as one of the 100 Ambassadors of History.

When Stimpson was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes at two-years-old her father Matt says it was devastating.

“I had been living with it for a number of years, and Shay - our nurse at PRHC - said ‘you’re already on page 50 of a 100 page book’ because of what I had been going through,” said Matt. “We knew how to manage the disease, but kids are a whole different can of worms.”

“Living with diabetes is definitely difficult,” said Stimpson. “It’s a 24/7 disease, you always have to be on it, checking your blood sugars and making sure you’re ok. I don’t think you’re ever not thinking about diabetes, your mind is always set on it.”

Both Matt and Tilly hope that through fundraising researchers will find a cure for diabetes, and they wont have to rely on insulin daily.

Tilly hopes that anyone that wants to join her in her climb does so. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

2022 marks the 100th anniversary of the first injection of insulin.

To mark the milestone JDRF is hosting the ‘Lets Make History Again Campaign’ which aims to raise money that will fund valuable research to fund a cure for Type One Diabetes.

The 100 Ambassadors of History, which is the group Stimpson has been asked to join, are a special group of Canadians who will each host their own fundraiser to contribute to the campaign.

Stimpson has decided that this year she will climb the steps of The Lift Lock once for every $100 donated to her campaign. As of Thursday she has raised $1267.

While Stimpson and her father Matt don’t have a set monetary goal the Let’s Make History Again campaign has a total goal of $100 million.

To donate to Tilly’s fundraiser click here.

Follow Tilly’s journey on her Instagram page @diabetes.the.bully.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Local Man Collects Donated Lacrosse Equipment For Local Clubs and Abroad

After gathering over 1,200 pounds of community-donated lacrosse gear, John Davis Jr. is giving the equipment to local clubs and underprivileged Ugandan children this fall.

Anything deemed unusable has been discarded from being donated. Photo Courtesy of John Davis Jr.

Davis Jr. has collected gear since the start of the pandemic in the spring of last year through a Facebook campaign. Sticks, helmets, gloves, shoes and more are many of the things given to the cause.

Peterborough, the rest of Ontario and Quebec have donated their gear to Davis Jr. in honour of the cause. The Peterborough Minor Lacrosse Association and Peterborough Lakers have given two sets of home and away jerseys as part of the collection.

The equipment will go to the Uganda Lacrosse Foundation to provide underprivileged Ugandan youth to have access to play lacrosse. Any leftover gear that will not be sent overseas will be donated to local clubs and organizations according to Davis Jr.

“I intend on reaching out to different communities who need equipment for their house leagues,” he said. “I probably have 1,200 to 1,300 pounds of gear.”

Majority of the gear intended for Uganda will be field lacrosse equipment as opposed to box lacrosse. Photo Courtesy of John Davis Jr.

The Davis family have been born with lacrosse in their blood. Davis Jr. is the son of Peterborough Sports Hall of Fame inductee Johnny “Shooter” Davis —who has the Major Series Lacrosse playoff MVP trophy named after him — who won the Mann Cup in his rookie year in 1966.

John Davis Jr. (pictured) is a contributing writer for the New Jersey-based lacrosse website, crossecheck.com. Photo Courtesy of John Davis Jr.

Though Davis Jr. opted not to play professional lacrosse, his desire and passion for the game remained. He got the idea of helping Uganda lacrosse through contacts he made working as a writer for crossecheck.com.

After meeting with Ugandan players and Jaffari Makanda Ibrahim, president of the Ugandan Lacrosse Network and hearing their stories, inspired Davis Jr. to help a campaign with the University of Michigan.

Johnny “Shooter” Davis (pictured) has won two consecutive playoff MVP awards in 1966-67. Photo Courtesy of John Davis Jr.

Davis Jr. has been grateful for the generosity of the communities that have supported his cause since he started it last year.

“The people are just unbelievable, it’s been endless,” he explained. “I had to put a stop on equipment because of how much I’ve been getting.”

The lacrosse writer would have people drop off donated gear at his house or he would come to pick it up himself when people wanted to donate. Lacrosse sticks are something he will always accept and wants to send 50 sticks in the fall. He noted that he has yet to receive any goalie sticks.

A GoFundMe organized by the University of Michigan has been launched to pay for the shipping costs of the gear to Uganda. Click here if you would like to donate.

“Lacrosse is in my blood,” said Davis Jr. “Peterborough is the lacrosse capital, there’s no doubt about it.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.