Loonies on the Street Fundraiser Returns: Raising Funds for Kawartha Food Share

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The 25th annual Loonies on the Street fundraiser in support of Kawartha Food Share returned to Peterborough Square at the corner of George and Simcoe Streets on Friday morning.

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers donated $1,000 towards the cause, while the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough gave $10,000 as part of their TV Bingo proceeds.

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP, donated $250 and challenged Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP and Mayor Jeff Leal to match his donation. If theirs exceeds Smith’s, the MPP will match the increase.

A final count of all proceeds is expected to be released next week.

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

Donations can also be accepted online.

@ptbo_canada The Bucket Brigade was back this morning for Kawartha Food Share’s 25th annual Loonies on the Street fundraiser at Peterborough Square! 🎅 #PTBOCanada #peterboroughontario ♬ Christmas - Axby

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Tim Hortons's Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign Raises Nearly $35,000 For Kawartha Food Share

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Kawartha Food Share (KFS) has got more happy faces this holiday season as Tim Hortons and its Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign raised $34,594.54, presented at the former’s facility on Thursday afternoon.

(From left to right) Jasmine Lacsote, Stephane Lacoste, Ashlee Aitken, Greg Blair and Jennifer McCall.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. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The campaign ran from Nov. 17 to 23 at all Tim Hortons locations in Peterborough, Lakefield, Bridgenorth and Curve Lake. Over 43,000 cookies were sold and $69,189.08 was raised, split evenly between Tim’s Foundations Camps and Kawartha Food Share.

“A huge thanks goes out to the countless Tims guests who purchased Holiday Smile Cookies for their generosity,” said Axel Schwan, Tim Hortons president. “With 100 per cent of proceeds from every cookie sold donated to local charities, community groups and Tims Camps, you've helped make a real difference in your community.”

“This donation couldn’t come at a better time as we’re in the thick of the busy holiday season,” explained Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager. “We will use these funds to purchase much needed food items for our 37 member agencies and ensure that they are all well stocked for the holidays and beyond. Thank you to the many volunteers who helped us decorate cookies and make this campaign such a great success!”

The campaign raised $13 million in total, with proceeds donated to more than 600 charities and organizations nationwide.

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Community Care Peterborough Launches their 2025 Annual Appeal: Because We Care

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Community Care Peterborough (CCP) has launched its 2025 Annual Appeal, “Because We Care,” inviting Peterborough and surrounding areas to support community services that help seniors and adults with disabilities remain independent at home.

The inspiRation behind because we care: Meals on Wheels volunteer Patty Tipton. Photo Courtesy of Community Care Peterborough.

CCP credits Patty Tipton, a long-time Meals on Wheels staff member, as the inspiration behind this year’s campaign. After years of service with Community Care, Tipton volunteered following her retirement, returning to greet callers and visitors at the organization’s Peterborough office.

“Patty’s dedication shows what caring looks like in action,” said Danielle Belair, CCP CEO. “When people give their time or their financial support, they help create stability and independence for thousands of neighbours. This appeal celebrates that spirit of generosity and invites new supporters to join us.”

In the past year, Community Care Peterborough volunteers contributed the equivalent of 48 full-time employees, donating tens of thousands of hours across the organization. Volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels, drive clients to medical appointments, make friendly visits and reassurance calls, support home help and maintenance services and more.

Because We Care celebrate volunteers and community generosity.

During the 2024 to 2025 year, Community Care Peterborough supported more than 6,000 residents throughout the City and County of Peterborough by providing:

  • More than 50,000 Meals on Wheels deliveries

  • 31,000 rides to medical and essential appointments

  • 20,000 friendly visits and reassurance calls

  • 9,000 home help and maintenance visits

“Our volunteers make our work possible, and our donors make it sustainable,” said Chris LeBlanc, Director of Donor and Public Relations. “Every hour and every dollar ensures that seniors and adults living with disabilities receive the care, connection and support they need to remain independent. Community generosity is the reason we can offer these services without barriers.”

Those who wish to support the 2025 Annual Appeal can learn more about the campaign, read Patty’s story and make a donation by visiting their website. Donations can also be made by phone and in person at any Community Care Peterborough office throughout the City and County.

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Avant-Garden Shop Raises Over $2,000 For New Canadians Centre From Chocolate Bar Campaign; Anonymous Matching Donor Doubles Amount

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After selling Peace By Chocolate products, Avant-Garden Shop has raised $2,133 for the New Canadians Centre (NCC), announced on Tuesday.

In addition to the original donation, the NCC had announced that an anonymous donor had matched the total, doubling the amount to $4,166.

(from left to right) Jeeniraj “JJ” Thevasagayam, NCC executive director; Brenda Ibey, Avant-Garden Shop owner and Asuka Ballantyne Ono, NCC fund development officer holding up several Peace by Chocolate products that had been sold in-store since May. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The garden and bird store started selling the chocolate in May with 711 products purchased. Each bar costs eight dollars, with three going to the NCC. Avant-Garden Shop owner Brenda Ibey could not be more pleased with the way the fundraiser went.

“It was fantastic,” she explained. “Our customers just loved these chocolate bars and as soon as I told them that three dollars for every bar was going to the New Canadians Centre, they would buy, one, two, three or more so they really supportive.”

The NCC said they were grateful for Brenda and her customers’ support throughout the campaign.

“Brenda’s generosity through Avant Garden and the Peace by Chocolate initiative is making a real difference for newcomer families in our community,” said Jeeniraj “JJ” Thevasagayam, NCC executive director. “Because of your support, NCC can continue delivering programs that create belonging, opportunity, and connection in Peterborough.”

Ibey heard of the chocolate company last Christmas and purchased a few bars for herself. She discovered that she could purchase them wholesale and Peace by Chocolate was based out of Antigonish, N.S.

The Avant-Garden owner is sponsoring a Syrian refugee, which coincidentally mirrors the backstory of Peace by Chocolate’s founder and CEO, Tareq Hadhad. The latter had his chocolate factory in his homeland bombed in 2012 which forced him and his family to flee to Lebanon before settling in Canada.

“I have a connection with a young Syrian fellow who we helped to sponsor to get to Canada and now we're working to get his family here as well and so they should be coming soon.”

Ibey thanked all of her customers who had supported the initiative throughout the months and continues to sell Peace by Chocolate products in her store. She may think of a new organization to support for the next wave of chocolate bars but says she was happy to be involved with the NCC.

“It's been a really amazing story, really amazing to get involved with to help these folks because they're in dire straits where they're living and we don't know how lucky we have it here in Canada,” she explained. “I just wanted to help in any way I could, and the New Canadians Centre is a great organization, and I thought this would be fantastic to do.”

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Winners Crowned In United Way's Inaugural Ultimate Burger Battle Fundraiser

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After eight participating restaurants put their cooked patties to the test, United Way Peterborough & District has announced its winners of its first-ever Ultimate Burger Battle at Agave by Imperial on Monday morning.

Jennifer Gutierrez, Agave by Imperial head chef (left) and Angelica Jimenez, Agave by Imperial partner (right) celebrating their victory, claiming the title of “Ultimate Burger of the Year.” Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The month-long fundraiser saw eight local restaurants, eight Burger Ambassadors, and the community participate. Each restaurant crafted a signature Ultimate Burger to compete for one of several awards.

The following were the participating restaurants: 

  • The Dirty Burger Company

  • Double Dz's Diner

  • Agave by Imperial

  • The Vine

  • The Loon Lakefield

  • The Chemong Lodge

  • Pizza Villa & Pasta House

  • The Rink Tap & Grill

This year’s Burger Ambassadors were:

  • Laura Montague, PTBO Eaters

  • Dan O’Toole, BetRivers

  • Neil Morton, Consultant/ Entrepreneur, 2017 United Way Peterborough & District Campaign Chair

  • Tiffany Arcari, The Tiffany Show

  • Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA

  • Pete Dalliday, TV Voice of the Lakers & Petes

  • Jason Wilkins, Muralist/ Illustrator

  • Paul Rellinger, Journalist, 2025 United Way Campaign Chair 

@ptbo_canada Agave by Imperial is crowned the winner of the United Way’s inaugural Burger Battle! 🍔 🌮🍹 #AgavePTBO #PTBOCanada #peterboroughontario ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

A combined 1,022 ‘Ultimate Burgers’ were sold, with two dollars from each supporting United Way’s work across its 20 partner agencies. In total, the inaugural campaign raised $2,065 for programs and initiatives that help ensure individuals, families and seniors have access to essential supports.

“This campaign exceeded every expectation,” Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “The Ultimate Burger Battle brought together local creativity, friendly competition, and real community spirit. Every burger sold represents not just a great meal, but a direct investment in the well-being of people across Peterborough and the County. We’re incredibly grateful to the restaurants, ambassadors, and residents who made this first year such a success.”

United Way has announced the 2025 winners:

Ultimate Burger of the Year

Agave By Imperial – Cien Fuegos

Double house-made beef chuck patty, spicy queso fundido, jalapeño & bacon jam, caramelized onion, chili oil aioli.

This title was determined by United Way’s Burger Ambassadors, who scored each burger on presentation, taste, originality, toppings and overall execution.

Most Ultimate Burgers Sold

Double Dz’s Diner – The Big D (207 Ultimate Burgers sold)

Featuring a fresh 6oz ground chuck smash burger with lettuce, peameal bacon, gouda, onion rings, double smoked bacon, signature whiskey sauce, peppercorn ranch aioli on a homemade bun.

People’s Choice Ultimate Burger

Pizza Villa & Pasta House – The United Way Burger

Melted mozzarella on both buns, bacon, mushrooms, onions, hot peppers, BBQ sauce, a six-ounce beef patty, and melted cheddar.

This title was determined through an online voting form available on the United Way’s website – diners were encouraged to visit the online page after trying each burger to crown their favourite.

Russell stated that he wants to do this fundraiser again next year.

“We’re already hearing from restaurants and residents asking when round two begins,” he said. “Based on the excitement and community pride we witnessed this year, we’d say the appetite is definitely there.”

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Peterborough Musicfest Launches 2026 Diner's Book to Be Available Friday

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Peterborough Musicfest has released the 2026 version of their Diner’s Book, available on Friday, for food lovers to support free live music in the community.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

The $30 book features 85 dining offers deals from restaurants, cafés, pubs and other food establishments across Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and the surrounding region.

All proceeds support Peterborough Musicfest.

“This year’s Diner’s Book isn’t just a way to save on incredible dining experiences; it’s a way to give back and help keep free admission music alive for everyone to enjoy,” says Tracey Randall, Executive Director of Peterborough Musicfest. “It’s also the perfect gift for the foodie in your life or that hard-to-buy-for person on your list. ”

The 2026 Diner’s Book will be available for purchase at:

  • Lansdowne Place (Customer Service Desk)

  • Cogeco Customer Centre- 1111 Goodfellow Rd.

  • Online

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Peterborough Singers Artistic Director to Retire After 35 Years

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Peterborough Sings artistic director Syd Birrell is performing his final concerts after 35 years as he has announced his plans for retirement on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Singers.

“As you can imagine, making the decision to retire was extremely difficult,” explained Birrell. “For the past 35 years, the Peterborough Singers has occupied so much of my thoughts, my time, and my affections. However, after much reflection, I concluded that the time has come to pass the reins to a new, younger director.”

As Birrell’s last request before calling it, he asks the public to donate to Peterborough Singers’s newest campaign, ‘Syd’s Legacy Fund,’ to raise $100,000 by Dec. 31 and $250,000 by the end of this concert season. The funds raised are to support the Peterborough Singers and ensure a smooth transition with a new artistic director, as the organization requires roughly $200,000 annually to run, according to Birrell.

“The immediate aim of Syd’s Legacy Fund is to guarantee that the choir will transition smoothly to a new director,” he explained. “It will also allow the new director to focus his or her energy on what matters most: making great music.”

Part of the proceeds are going towards searching for and hiring emerging young Canadian artists, commissioning original Canadian compositions and hiring world-class Canadian soloists.

Candidates for the artistic director position are currently being selected, with an announcement to be expected within the new year.

Birrell concludes that he has truly treasured his 35 years with the Peterborough Singers.

“I will especially miss that magical moment when the choir sings the first notes at the start of a concert. There’s nothing like it. That first burst of song can take your breath away,” he said.

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Peterborough Petes Partner With Make-A-Wish Canada for Thursday's Game Against North Bay

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The Peterborough Petes have partnered with Make-A-Wish Canada and Women for Wishes for Thursday’s home game against the North Bay Battalion at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

A total of over $9,500 has already been raised from partners and businesses that will be highlighted during the game. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

During the game, Women from the ‘Light the Wish’ group are fundraising for Make-A-Wish Canada. Fundraising opportunities will be available in both the concourse and the stands.

Make-A-Wish Canada is part of the world’s leading children’s wish-granting organization. Over the past 40 years, Make-A-Wish Canada has granted more than 40,000 wishes, including 2,011 last year alone. Research shows that prescribed wishes can improve treatment adherence, reduce emergency room visits and deliver lasting health benefits.

Fans can also donate to Make-A-Wish Canada online.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

United Way Reaches 36 Per Cent of $1.6 Million Fundraising Goal

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The United Way Peterborough & District’s 2025-26 campaign goal of $1.6 million has reached 36 per cent, with $574,000 raised to date since its launch on Sept. 25.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“In Peterborough, and frankly, across Ontario, we’ve seen the need for community investments continue to rise this year,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “Through our research and the work of our 20 partner agencies, United Way Peterborough & District has gained insight into where we can make the biggest impact and help where it matters most. The annual community campaign is how we deliver on this promise to build community and change lives.”

In an effort to meet their goal, United Way has brought back its Donation Match,

New donors will have their gift matched 100 per cent while returning donors who increase their previous contribution by 10 per cent or more will have the increased amount matched.

United Way has reported that local couple, D.r James Ryan and his wife, Sheila Ryan had donated a substantial amount towards the cause.

“We are so pleased to recognize the generous contribution of retired doctor, James Ryan, and his wife, retired nurse Sheila Ryan,” said Russell. “Their donation of $125,000 represents a commitment to the health of our community and Dr. Ryan and Sheila Ryan are shining examples of people who care and want what is best for our community.”

“It’s good to know that people are thinking about the United Way Peterborough, period, and what's needed this year,” said Shiela.

United Way launched several new initiatives including a brand-new monthly 50/50 raffle. Six draws will take place between now and Feb. 27. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the United Way office at 277 Stewart St.

“We want the community to win in more ways than one,” said Paul Rellinger, United Way campaign chair. Each ticket purchased directly supports the United Way’s campaign, with 50 per cent contributing to local partner agencies and the remaining 50 per cent awarded to the lucky winner. “No matter who wins, every dollar spent stays local and strengthens the community.”

Rellinger has been an organizer for Peterborough Performs, a United Way benefit concert running annually since its inception in March 2020. The next event is set for Feb. 26 at Showplace Performance Theatre at 7 p.m.

“Peterborough Performs has proven to be the marquee live entertainment event that brings together community with the city’s vibrant music scene. As a vital fundraiser for United Way-supported partner agencies providing shelter and homelessness relief, the event has raised close to $150,000 to date.” said Rellinger.

United Way's inaugural Ultimate Burger Battle is underway until Nov. 30. The event features eight restaurants across Peterborough, Lakefield and Bridgenorth competing for the title of Ultimate Burger Champion. Winners and additional awards will be announced in early December after the eight burger ambassadors, a panel of local foodies, cast their votes.

The team is also hosting its annual Pajama Day on Dec. 12, with participation from workplaces and schools across Peterborough and the County and United Way Peterborough & District’s own office.

Community members and workplaces who wish to participate in United Way Peterborough & District’s 2025–2026 campaign have until March 31 to get involved.

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26th Anniversary of "In From The Cold" Benefit Concert Returns In Support of YES Shelter

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The ‘In From The Cold’ benefit concert is celebrating its 26th anniversary with two performances at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on Dec. 5 and 6 in support of the YES Shelter.

Photo courtesy of Yes Shelter.

The shows run on at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 6.

The performances gather local musicians to perform holiday music with a blend of traditional and contemporary Christmas and winter songs.

This year's lineup features:

  • Carried Away – an acoustic string and vocal band known for rich harmonies and creative arrangements of seasonal favourites.

  • Convivio Chorus – a dynamic choral ensemble whose performances fill the hall with warmth and joy.

  • The Claveer Cousins – bringing lively, heartfelt energy to the stage.

  • Special guest Benj Rowland – nationally known, locally-born singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who brings a haunting voice and an innate gift for melody to his unique brand of alt-folk music.

“I’m so pumped to have Benj join us this year,” says John Hoffman, In From the Cold co-founder. “His take on any song is always interesting and distinctive so he fits right in with our ongoing passion to present great, rootsy seasonal music you won’t hear at any other Christmas show. I know our audience is going to love what Benj brings to the table.”

The proceeds go to YES Shelter for Youth and Families, to help provide safe shelter, support and hope for youth and families experiencing homelessness in our community. 

In From The Cold tickets are available for purchase at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre or online.

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