Trent University Exceeds United Way Annual Campaign Goal

United Way Peterborough and District and Trent University came together to celebrate another successful year of partnership, as Trent’s 2025 Workplace Campaign raises $124,847.

photo courtesy of the united way peterborough and district.

Since the mid-1960s, Trent University faculty and staff have united annually to host fundraising events like their signature kick off barbecue and chilli cook off.

“It’s always heartwarming to see our community show up for one another, but what I find especially touching is when we can do so with our friends and colleagues at Trent for 60 years in a row. Sixty years,” said United Way CEO Jim Russell. “Each year, our friends at Trent have shown up and approached their campaign with enthusiasm and energy. Our team looks forward to building on this remarkable relationship for decades to come.”

While Trent University’s workplace campaign has concluded, the broader community campaign remains active through March 31. United Way continues to fundraise and relies on the generosity of local donors to meet their community campaign goal of $1.6 million.

To make an impact with United Way Peterborough and District you can donate online, in person (277 Stewart St.) or over the phone.

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Registration Opens Tomorrow For Peterborough’s 2026 Dragon Boat Festival

The Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival celebrates 25 years of racing, with registration for this year’s festival opening Feb. 25.

file photo.

This year’s event will take place on June 13 at Del Crary Park.

The Festival will feature Dragon Boat Races, Artisan and Food Vendors, a Family Fun Zone and Beer Garden, and the first 3 teams to register will win a complimentary dragon boat lake practice.

“The planning committee has already kicked off the season,” said Festival Chair Michelle Thornton. “We’ve been brainstorming ways to commemorate our 25th anniversary this coming June. For starters, we’ve increased last year's goal by 25 per cent and we challenge everyone to do the same. Our goal for 2026 is to raise $325, 018.01 for the PRHC Foundation.”

The event continues to break records year after year, donating $400,104.01 last year, and bringing their overall total donated to the PRHC Foundation to more than 4.9 million dollars.

“We’ve always focussed on breast cancer awareness and raising funds for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre,” said Survivors Abreast team President Janice James. “We know first hand the importance of the work the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation does, and their continuing mission to bring the best cancer care the world has to offer, right here to our hospital.” 

“What an achievement it is to be celebrating 25 years of paddling on Little Lake in support of cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. The Festival is an absolutely remarkable testament to what a community can achieve when we all come together for a cause that touches so many lives,” said Lesley Heighway, President and CEO of the PRHC Foundation. “We are so grateful to every single organizer, paddler, donor, sponsor, volunteer and member of the Survivors Abreast team who pour their energy, passion and generosity into this wonderful event year after year.”

Registration officially opens at 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 25. Those interested in registering can do so online.

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Peterborough Kinsmen Club Makes Numerous Community Donations

The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough presented a total of $52,500 to several organizations to support the citizens of Peterborough during the annual Founder’s Night Gala on Feb. 18.

photo courtesy of the kinsmen club of peterborough.

The annual event at the Air Force Association 428 Wing honours the founding of Kin Canada in February 1920 by Hal Rogers and celebrates more than a century of volunteer service and community impact.

“Founder’s Night is an opportunity to reflect on our history, celebrate our commitment to service, and recognize the partnerships that make our work possible,” said Bob Hall, keynote speaker, Club Vice President and National Board member. “We are proud to continue the Kin tradition of improving lives and strengthening our communities.”

A highlight of the gala was ten cheque presentations totalling $52,500. In addition, the Club celebrated its broader philanthropic impact. Through the success of Kinsmen Super TV Bingo, Hall Bingo, and the Fathers’ Day Car Show, the Kinsmen will donate $100,000 to support the citizens of Peterborough, while helping raise an additional $750,000 for communities across Central Eastern Ontario.

The Club supports organizations that provide vital services locally and nationally:

• Kin Canada Foundation - $1,000 

• Hal Rogers Endowment Fund - $1,500 

• Cystic Fibrosis Canada - $5,000 

• Brock Mission - $5,000 

• YMCA of Central East Ontario Strong Kids Campaign - $5,000 

• Kawartha Food Share - $5,000 

• Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough - $5,000 

• Hospice Peterborough - $5,000 

• Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation - $10,000 

• Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation - $10,000

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United Way’s Peterborough Performs Returns For Its 6th Year to Celebrate Local Music and Raise Funds to Address Homelessness

At a press conference Thursday, United Way Peterborough and District announced the 6th annual Peterborough Performs: Musicians United to End Homelessness, taking the stage at Showplace Performance Centre Feb. 26.

Photo courtesy of united way peterborough.

This event brings together 14 local acts for a night of music, community and generosity; raising funds to support programs that address homelessness in the region.

Since its inception in 2020, Peterborough Performs has raised over $135,000 to support initiatives in Peterborough and County addressing homelessness, helping hundreds of neighbours access housing and vital services. Last year, United Way partner agencies across the community provided 15,013 nights of safe shelter.

"I have come to know Peterborough as a community that shows up when it matters most, and Peterborough Performs VI is the perfect example,” said Jim Russell, CEO of United Way Peterborough and District. “Every note played, every ticket purchased and every bid in the virtual auction translates into real support for neighbours facing homelessness. Together, we’re not just raising funds, we’re raising hope, dignity and opportunity for those who need it most."

United Way says they have just under $100,000 left to reach this year’s $1.6 million campaign goal.

“This event has grown tremendously since 2020. What began as a one-time idea has evolved into a signature community tradition, with a total of 44 acts taking the stage over the years, representing more than 100 incredible local musicians,” said United Way Peterborough and District’s 2025 Campaign Chair and PTBO Performs coordinator Paul Rellinger. “We couldn’t do this without their generosity and talent, and we certainly couldn’t do it without the unwavering support of our community. I’m especially grateful to United Way for continuing to champion this event year after year. This year’s show is going to be spectacular.”

The PTBO Performs VI Virtual Auction opened Feb. 12. The two week-long auction features items donated by local businesses, organizations and community members.

Bidding for the virtual auction runs until 9:30 p.m. Feb. 26. Auction winners attending the event can pick up their prizes at Showplace, and others can collect items from the United Way office (277 Stewart St.) All proceeds from the auction go directly toward United Way programs addressing homelessness.

Tickets are $50 each or two for $80, available at the Showplace Box Office (290 George St N.) in person or online.

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Redpath's Right to Heal Program Receives $150,000 Grant From The City and County Housing Reserve

The City of Peterborough Council has approved a $150,000 grant for the Redpath Right to Heal program.

Photo by david tuan bui.

The one time grant, funded by the City/County Housing Reserve, will be put towards Redpath’s affordable housing project at 271 Brock Street.

Council staff have been directed to work with Redpath founder Peggy Shaughnessy to “identify and pursue options for municipal, federal and provincial capital grant funding to support Redpath’s long-term operations and facility for the 2027 Budget process,” as stated in City Council’s motion from Feb. 2.

Right to Heal receives $275,000 annually from the provincial government, which primarily funds its Redpath program, an outpatient addiction treatment program.

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Red Dress Art Installation Leads To Residency In France For Peterborough Artist

A community art project that began at the Peterborough Public Library has led to an international opportunity for local artist Ash Street, whose Red Dress installation has been selected as part of an artist residency in France. 

photo courtesy of peterborough public library, facebook.

Street has been accepted into the Atelier Artist in Residency program, a two-week international residency running from Feb. 2 to 16 in Normandy, France.

Created in recognition of Red Dress Day, Canada’s National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people (MMIW), the Red Dress installation invites the public to pause and reflect on the lives lost and the voices that continue to call for justice.   

Working in partnership with the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, Street created the initial piece in the Downie Wenjack Legacy Space at the Peterborough Public Library. Street invited community members to fill in open spaces on the dress with donated textiles and materials on hand. The exhibit is now on display in the main foyer of City Hall at 500 George St. N. 

“Inviting people to share in the process and engage in conversation has been at the heart of this work. That collective experience is what carried this project forward and ultimately opened the door to sharing these stories on an international stage,” Street said. “I am grateful to the City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Public Library for offering me a space and the opportunity to create and share my work with the community. I would also like to thank Jaime Black-Morsette, a Métis artist, activist and creator of the MMIW red dress movement, who has inspired me to create the pieces I have made thus far.”

The residency program expressed interest in both the artistic merit of Street’s work and the broader community conversations it has generated, particularly around what MMIW means to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences. 

“The Red Dress installation is a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and to continue the work of listening, learning and acting,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “By supporting this exhibit and the artist behind it, the City is helping create space for truth, reflection and community dialogue. We are proud to see a project rooted in community care and participation reach an international audience.”

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YMCA of Central East Ontario Honour Two Local Community Builders with Peace Medals

The YMCA of Central East Ontario has announced its 2025 Peace Medal recipients, honouring individuals who have made meaningful, lasting contributions to peace building in the community.

photo courtesy of the ymca.

This year, the YMCA recognizes Linda Slavin of Peterborough for her decades of leadership in social justice, gender equity and community building. Slavin has been an active participant in various community groups, including as a member of the anti-nuclear-weapons group Kawartha Ploughshares, co-founder of the annual One World Dinner, and co-founder of Peterborough’s Persons Day Breakfasts. She has also supported local women’s participation in the 1995 UN Conference on Women, advanced anti-racism initiatives with KWIC and participated in gender-equity efforts with Elizabeth Fry and community development efforts through the Social Planning Council, GreenUP and For Our Grandchildren.

The YMCA says Linda’s impact is felt widely across the community, and she is regarded by many as one of Peterborough’s most inspiring and deserving champions of peace.

“Our Peace Medal recipients demonstrate that peace-building is not one moment in time; it’s a lifelong commitment to lifting others up. Their work gives us hope and reinforces the YMCA’s belief that strong, connected communities are created when people lead with empathy, courage and purpose.” says David Allen, YMCA of Central East Ontario President and CEO.

The YMCA is also recognizing Lesley Kirton for more than two decades of service to Peterborough and the Kawartha Lakes. Kirton is a dedicated advocate through MADD Canada, Victim Services, the Children’s Aid Society and human trafficking outreach.

They say Kirton has consistently modelled empathy, resilience and community responsibility, quietly delivering meals to those in need, supporting victims of trauma and empowering others to step forward and help. Her work has had a meaningful impact locally, nationally and globally, making her a deserving recipient of the YMCA Peace Medal.

Slavin and Kirton will be formally recognized at an in-person ceremony in 2026.

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Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride Parade Marches Through Downtown Peterborough This Saturday

The Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride Parade Pride Parade is marching through Downtown from City Hall to Millennium Park this Saturday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Pride.

‘Love. Out. Loud.’ is this year’s theme for the event as it kicks off Pride week for Peterborough Pride. Pre-parade events begin at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall, with the march starting at 2 p.m. According to Peterborough Pride, the walk is one kilometre, followed by a Pride in the Park event which runs until about 5:30 p.m.

“This is a rally cry to be visible and vocal as we face threats from those who wish we would be silent,” said Peterborough Pride in a statement. “We encourage you to embrace the theme in your participation in the parade and throughout Pride Week.”

Map of Peterborough Pride March. SCreenshot courtesy of Peterborough Pride.

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‘Canada is Burning’; Community Climate Activists Recognize National Day of Action

Community activists gathered outside the office of MP Michelle Ferreri on Wednesday to sign an open letter requesting rapid government action to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, and to draw attention to the forest fires caused by climate change.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

The campaign, originated by 350.org, outlines that the campaign has communities across Canada rising up to demand an immediate end to fossil fuel subsidies and a just transition to 100 per cent renewable energy.

This National Day of Action was announced for June 28 in light of recent wildfires in hopes to “bring the heat to our federal leaders.”

The group lobbied outside MP Ferreri’s office (417 Bethune St.) with signs about the climate crisis as they gathered signatures.

“Canada is burning and it’s time for our g government to put it out,” the group’s message reads. “That means tackling the climate crisis by ending fossil fuel subsidies and implementing an urgent and ambitious Just Transition that leaves no one behind.”

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