Central Smith Creamery's Third 'Fill the Truck' Campaign Collected 8,000 Pounds of Food and $8,000 For Kawartha Food Share

The third year of Central Smith Creamery’s ‘Fill the Truck’ campaign brought roughly 8,000 pounds of food and $8,000 cash donations for Kawartha Food Share (KFS) on Friday.

Central Smith Creamery Staff with Ashlee Aitken (far right). Two delivery trucks were need to collect and haul all the donations to KFS. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The campaign had approximately 40 local businesses and organizations collect non-perishable goods and money from their respective communities since it was announced in late November. Goods and cash were collected from Nov. 27 to Dec. 14.

Central Smith had two delivery trucks collect the donated items on Friday and deliver them to Kawartha Food Share on the same day.

The list of drop-off locations for the ‘Fill the Truck’ campaign. Photo courtesy of Central Smith Creamery.

While the annual campaign is young, being in its third year, the participating businesses inquired about the campaign being run again before Central Smith had announced it according to Ian Scates, Central Smith president.

“They're already letting us know that they were keen and excited about contributing this year,” he said.

The excitement was a mutual feeling from Central Smith and its employees as well.

“It's the most fun day,” said Shannon Meagher, Central Smith inventory control coordinator. “We all really look forward to it. Everyone wants to participate.”

KFS typically sees an uptick in demand during the Christmas season and the extra donations help stretch that into the early months of the year says Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager.

“Post-pandemic, we're feeding anywhere from 10,000 to 12,000 people a month, sometimes in the winter, that goes up to about 15,000,” she said. “We'll do what we can and hope to alleviate some pressures for some families.”

Aitken concluded that KFS is always looking for volunteers especially during the holiday season.

“We need about 100 volunteers doing various jobs,” she explained. “We're always looking for help so if anyone's ever interested, just give our warehouse a call and we'll find a position that fits you well.”

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Hometown PTBO: Jill Gemmiti of Canadian Blood Services Rallying Donors For the Holiday Season

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Jill Gemmiti of Canadian Blood Services Peterborough about donating blood, plasma and stem cells for the holiday season to save lives and the Peterborough Petes as one of many groups helping the cause.

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23rd Annual Loonies on the Street Fundraiser Hits Downtown Peterborough For Kawartha Food Share on Dec. 15

The 23rd Loonies on the Street Fundraiser in support of Kawartha Food Shareis hitting Downtown Peterborough on the corner of George St, and Simcoe St.on Dec. 15 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Kawartha Food Share Helps feed more than 12,000 people a month – 35 per cent of whom are children – KFS also provides nutritious snacks for 51 area school breakfast programs helping over 17,000 children get a healthy start to their school day. Photo courtesy of Kawartha Food Share.

Their bucket brigade is collecting loose change on George Street while members of the Peterborough Lions Club are collecting on the Hunter Street Bridge. Online donations are also being accepted.

Kawartha Food Share is a central collection and distribution warehouse that partners with 37-member agency food banks, food cupboards and other food action programs in the City and County of Peterborough.

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East Peterborough Lions Club Seeking Turkey and Ham Donations For Its Great Turkey Exchange

The East Peterborough Lions Club is collecting donations and distributing turkeys and hams as part of their The Great Turkey Exchange for hungry families this Christmas.

Lions Theresa Hewitt (left) and Lucas (right) during last year’s Great Turkey Exchange. Photo courtesy of the East Peterborough Lions Club.

The program operated from 2009 until 2020 but went on hiatus in 2021 after supply chain shortages made it difficult to get donations according to the Lions Club. Now, the East Peterborough Lions Club is picking up the torch to continue the grassroots program, previously run by Volunteer Peterborough founder Lois Tuffin.

The program has delivered 17,500 Christmas dinners in the Peterborough area as stated in a press release.

“Our club has helped out by delivering turkeys to groups and we saw how grateful people are to have strangers help feed their families,” says Frank Hewitt, District Governor of District A-3. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to resuscitate the program and fill such a great need in our community.”

The community can help in two ways:

• Donate turkeys and hams (for those who don’t have access to an oven)

• Donate cash to purchase these items

Donations will be welcomed at Kawartha Food Share at 665 Neal Dr. or by pickup if you email your address to greatturkeyexchange@gmail.com.

The food items will be distributed to families who cannot afford a turkey or ham and would have to go without them. Families in this situation should email greatturkeyexchange@gmail.com and ask to be on the donation list.

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Demand For Services Surge Causes Shortfall For Salvation Army; Monetary and Other Donations Sought

The Salvation Army’s Peterborough Christmas Assistance program claims they are already facing shortfalls due to a surge in demand for their services, with several weeks left of their campaign announced on Wednesday.

The CHristmas Kettle Campaign began outside Lansdowne Place’s food court on Nov. 16. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SALVATION ARMY PETERBOROUGH TEMPLE.

The non-profit began registering families and individuals two weeks ago and has signed up about 2,000 applicants.

“We're seeing more community service and general applicants,” said Billi Balment, Salvation Army community family services supervisor. “In the past two years, there's been an increase in single people seeking help in the latter half of the program.”

Meeting needs this year has been challenging due to near-full bookings and dwindling resources and funds according to Balment.

“We have a plan for the expected influx but public support is crucial this year more than ever,” she said.

Families visiting The Salvation Army Toy Shop have shown great interest in practical items like hats, mittens, toys and puzzles as stated in a press release.

“We ran out of mittens last Thursday. I bought 200 more, and they were gone by Friday,” Balment said.

Monetary donations continue to come in for the non-profit organization however The Salvation Army says they have slowed compared to the initial surge during the Hope For All Seasons Christmas Appeal. The organization is seeking donations of mittens, games, puzzles, toys for ages nine to 13 and teen toiletry sets.

“There's still time to help,” Balment added. “We have the Christmas parade this weekend where food and toy donations can be made, with volunteers from Country 105 and Move 99.7 and Chemong Home Hardware on hand to collect them and bring them to the church on Saturday.”

Monetary donations can be mailed to 219 Simcoe St., Peterborough, ON, K9H 2H6 or made in person and at kettles across the city. Donations by phone can be made by calling 705-742-4391, ext. 257. Toy and mitten donations are accepted at the church doors on Simcoe Street.

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Peterborough Humane Society Holding Giving Tuesday Campaign For Animal Support

Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) is asking the public for donations during Giving Tuesday to help match thousands of animals with loving families announced on Tuesday.

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that takes place each year after Black Friday. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

Any donations during the GivingTuesday Campaign have CanadaHelps adding an extra one per cent.

PHS wanted to highlight the story of Twyla and her puppies.

Twyla, a gentle female St. Bernard, was found wandering the streets as a stray by our Animal Control Officers in late August of this summer. She was severely emaciated and neglected; thin and dirty, she was in desperate need of immediate care. Our team swiftly took action and brought her into the Peterborough Animal Care Centre. They were shocked to find she was actively in labour.

Once safely in our care, she gave birth to seven beautiful puppies. Staff gave her babies celestial-themed names: Nova, Galileo, Astro, Celeste, Aurora, Astrid and Halle.

After giving birth, the mom was in a deplorable state and couldn’t produce enough milk for her babies. Staff quickly jumped to action to care for the new pups by bottle feeding and providing around-the-clock care for them to survive. After many weeks of intense care and supervision, the pups were ready to be alone. Volunteers and staff fostered the puppies at their homes during their growth period to give them continuous care and socialization. They went above and beyond to ensure these pups would flourish into wonderful family members.

After months of love, growth and attention, the beautiful puppies went up for adoption and each found their forever homes. Twyla remained in our care to gain weight, heal, and receive all of the enrichment and support we could provide. Once her health improved, she underwent spay surgery at our Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic. Now, Twyla is healthy, happy and ready to find a loving home of her own.

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Peterborough Business Network Donates $15,000 to the YMCA's 'Strong Kids Campaign'

The Peterborough Business Network (PBN) has donated $15,000 to the YMCA of Central East Ontario for their ‘Strong Kids Campaign’ in a cheque presentation on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Business Network.

“A core mandate of the Peterborough Business Network is supporting organizations that help grow and elevate our Peterborough community,” said Alex Archibald of the PBN. “The YMCA of Central East Ontario is exactly this type of organization and we couldn't be happier to support their Strong Kids campaign as they work to make a positive difference in our community.”

The campaign is an annual fundraising campaign to allow everyone, especially children, youth, and families, access to the YMCA, regardless of their financial situation. Accessibility includes opportunities to participate in programming, membership and day camp opportunities.

“I believe that every child deserves a chance to reach their full potential to live healthier, happier lives today and grow into productive, healthy adults in the future, regardless of their financial situation,” said Dave Morello, Strong Kids chairman. “The efforts of the Peterborough Business Network, to do great community work to ensure this is a reality.”

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'Be a Santa to a Senior' Program Launches For Fifth Year

The Be a Santa to a Senior program by Home Instead is encouraging Peterborough give a gift to older adults in the community who may not have anyone to celebrate with for a fifth-straight year.

Photo courtesy of Home Instead.

“The holidays can be hard for many older adults, especially those who may not have a companion to share them with,” said Glen Robson, Peterborough Home Instead owner. “Through Be a Santa to a Senior, we can help these seniors experience the happiness and togetherness the season can bring.” 

Thye program encourages shoppers to find ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ trees or displays with ornaments featuring the name and desired gift of an older adult and buy the requested gift with the ornament attached. Ornaments will be available until Dec. 8. to be delivered in time for Christmas.  

The program’s goal is to collect 1,400 gifts.

Be a Santa to a Senior trees can be found at the following locations:   

• Salon Sorella and Day Spa: 42 Queen St., Lakefield, ON K0L 2H0 

• Wellwise by Shoppers Drug Mart: 745 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough, Ont. K9J 1Z2 

• Sherwin-Williams: 950 Lansdowne St .W. #5, Peterborough, Ont. K9J 1Z9 

• Gentry Apparel: 377 George St. N., Peterborough, Ont. K9H 3R2 

• Lakefield IDA: 32 Queen St., Lakefield, Ont. K0L 2H0 

“Gifts aside, the true value comes in the connection Be a Santa to a Senior makes between the community and our older neighbors,” said Robson.

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Community Care Peterborough Launches Circle of Care Planned Giving Initiative After $91,500 Ontario Trillium Grant

Community Care Peterborough (CCP) has launched its new Circle of Care initiative to promote planned giving options after a $91,500 Resilient Communities Fund grant by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) announced on Friday.

Andy Stevenson (left) and Peter Darling (right) are founding members of the Circle of Care Program as they marvel at the newly unveiled donor wall. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The grant was awarded last year and allows Circle of Care to promote planned giving options to support CCP’s programs and services throughout the city and County of Peterborough according to a press release.

“Community Care does so much for seniors, their families and for adults with physical challenges,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “We recognize that this funding from OTF and the provincial government will allow the successful launch of the New Circle of Care Initiative will allow donors to contribute for years to come.”

The grant allowed CCP to engage planned giving experts, work with their expanded donor relations and communications team to design a new database system. It also guided the group in developing two newsletters showcasing each of its founding members and sharing valuable information with donors about how everyone can leave a legacy.

“Planned giving allows donors to leave a legacy,” said Danielle Belair, CCP executive director. “If a donor has been supporting our organization for years, making a bequest in their will is a powerful way to leave a lasting impact.”

The Circle of Care initiative unveiled a wall with three plaques displaying the program, its donors and members (including founding members).

“We have wanted to build our planned giving program because it is such an effective way to secure Community Care’s future and build stable revenue that allow us to continue scaling up our programs to meet the future needs of clients,” said Belair. “I want to personally thank Peter Darling and Andy Stevenson for letting us share their personal experiences with CCP with the public.”

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The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign Kicks Off For Nov. 16

The Salvation Army Christmas Kettles will kick off on Nov. 16th at 11 a.m. at Lansdowne Place near the food court, accepting donations to redistribute throughout the community.

Photo courtesy of the Salvation Army Peterborough Temple.

Mayor Jeff Leal is helping kick off the campaign’s first day as a City of Peterborough representative.

This year, a goal of $110,000 was set, up from $100,000 met last year.

The Salvation Army in Peterborough strives to help those in Peterborough and the surrounding area who need it the most. They do that through their Food Bank, Breakfast Program, Christmas food assistance, the Christmas Toy Shop, and various other programs.

The Salvation Army is also needing volunteers for this year’s campaign. There are roughly five shifts per kettle daily. Some days may require up to 30 volunteers, according to a press release.

Any interested volunteers can contact Brian Lee, volunteer coordinator at 705-742-4391 Ext. 225 or by email at Peterborough.Christmas@salvationarmy.ca.

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