Alzheimer Society's Annual Walk Fundraiser Runs This Saturday at Justin Chiu Stadium

The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton is getting their feet moving at Trent University’s Justin Chiu Stadium for the IG Wealth Management Annual Walk fundraiser this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to Jen Johnstone, the Alzheimer Society's executive director, all proceeds from the event will go towards the organization’s programs and services in three ways.

“One is supporting counselling and healthcare navigation. It's very complicated demntia so people need a lot of support navigating that healthcare system,” she explained. “It goes towards education for our clients, for the public and it goes towards social recreation programs like our famous Minds and Motions program.”

This year’s fundraising goal is $114,790, with $42,000 raised at the publication of this article. The number is a fun but informative way to get people to walk 14,790 steps, representing the 14,790 people diagnosed with dementia in the region alone. Johnstone says that this number is likely higher than what has been officially recorded.

“Dementia is growing very, very rapidly. Based on the landmark study that was released by the Alzheimer's Society of Canada, from 2021 to 2030, we're expecting a 65 per cent increase in the number living with dementia.”

That increasing trend will continue based on their case studies and conducted research, says Johnstone.

“Dementia is going to triple beyond that to 2050 so we're already going to see that skyrocketing rate of dementia and we know that it can take a very long time to get a diagnosis,” she said. “The healthcare system is currently backlogged so we know that there are a lot of people living with the disease and just starting that journey.”

In addition to raising money, Johnstone wants the event to continue creating awareness for the community as it affects a large number of people in the covered community.

“It's really key for our community to be aware of dementia. We have one of the largest older adult populations in the country; well over a quarter of our population is over the age of 65 and so it's a really important issue in our region,” she explained. “We are really on the front lines of dementia so it is building that awareness as well as building that sense of community and hope.

Participants can register on-site or online. Money can be raised through a pledge form as an individual or a team. Donations are also welcomed at the event. Anyone is welcome to walk and dogs are permitted at the fundraiser.

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James Stevenson Park Becomes Site For 40th Pet Valu Walk For Dog Guides Fundraiser

Canines and humans will march at the 40th Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides fundraiser, which will be held at James Stevensen Park on May 25 at 1 p.m., announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.

As one of 200 community walks across Canada, proceeds go towards Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. This year’s Walk is five km and aims to raise $1.6 million for more dog guides.

“When Dog Guides hosted its first fundraising walk forty years ago, it was a small community affair that supported our Canine Vision Program, the only program we offered at the time,” said Bev Crandall, Dog Guides CEO. “Dog Guides has grown significantly over the past four decades. Today there are more than 800 working dog guides across seven different programs, providing life-changing assistance to their handlers in every province.”

According to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, each dog guide costs approximately $35,000 to breed, raise, train, and place.

Registration for the event can be found online.

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Peterborough Lakers Partner to Raise Money For PRHC Foundation Throughout MSL Season

The Peterborough Lakers have partnered with the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation as the team will help raise funds for the latter throughout the Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) season, announced at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Monday afternoon.

(From left to right) Len Powers; Lakers board member; Lesley Heighway, PRHC president and CEO and Dylan Hutchinson, Lakers defenceman. The Lakers start their season on the road against the Brooklin L.C. on May 22 before having their home opener against the two-time defending Mann Cup-Champion Six Nations Chiefs on May 22. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The PRHC Foundation’s campaign goal is $60 million, the largest fundraising effort in the hospital’s history.

The campaign aims to empower world-class care close to home, attract top healthcare professionals and address urgent hospital needs according to Lesley Heighway, PRHC president and CEO.

“We're focused on a couple of key priorities. One is digital pathology. There's a laboratory on the sixth floor of the hospital where things like cancer diagnosis happen,” she explained. “Having the test results and digitized means that pathologists can share them with each other, they can share them with colleagues at other hospitals and they can do it seamlessly.”

The campaign has already raised $52.9 million. Len Powers, Lakers board member, says that the organization is committed to doing everything it can to help the PRHC after all they do for the region.

“The Lakers are all about community, and there’s nothing more ‘community’ than supporting our regional hospital,” he said. “PRHC is the heartbeat of the Peterborough region. It’s where our families turn in moments of greatest need.”

“We’re excited to team up with a championship organization like the Lakers,” said Heighway. “They represent dedication, heart, and excellence – just like our hospital. We know how strongly this region rallies around the Lakeshow and PRHC. Together, we can help reimagine healthcare.”

Throughout the MSL season, the PRHC Foundation will be at Lakers home games, sharing stories and inviting fans to get involved. To help raise founds for the Foundation, limited edition Lakers merchandise will be sold with further details released at a later date.

A special PRHC Family Night is set for June 26 against the Cobourg Kodiaks. PRHC staff and volunteers will receive a promo code for discounted tickets.

On Canada Day, the Lakers will wear Canadian-themed jerseys during the game and will auction them off after the match, with all proceeds benefiting PRHC Foundation.

“My message for people in the community is that gifts of all sizes make a difference,” concluded Heighway. “Never think that 'my gift of $25' or 'my gift of $100' isn't going to make a difference. All of that comes together and it's going to help us get to our goal.”

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City of Peterborough Makes Subsidies Available For Its Recreation Programs

The City of Peterborough offers financial assistance to eligible children, families and adults to help cover the costs of recreation programs offered at City of Peterborough facilities.

File Photo.

These subsidies can be applied to a wide range of programs, including summer day camps, sports camps, and dance programs. Subsidies are also available for adult leisure activities at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements under the City’s recreation subsidy guidelines.

Applications for a subsidy can be made within 30 days of registering for a program, with proof of receipt. It is recommended that applicants apply for the subsidy early if registration costs affect their ability to register.

Anyone who requires assistance with a subsidy application can email rec@peterborough.ca or call 705-742-0050 ext. 2215 to schedule an appointment with a Recreation Program Assistant. 

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YMCA Pickleball Tournament Raises $15,391 For Its Strong Kids Campaign

The YMCA of Central East Ontario hosted the second annual Pickleball Tournament in support of the Strong Kids Campaign, raised $15,391 that ran on Saturday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Team Pearce was the top fundraising team with $7,947, with Team Hamblin raising $5,894. Lindsay Seabrooke was the top fundraising individual with $2,450 and Team Pearce won the Golden Pickle as the tournament winners.

Following the tournament, the 2025 Strong Kids Campaign was launched to ensure kids and families with financial needs can access YMCA programs and services in our community. Kinsmen Club of Peterborough kicked it off with a $5,000.

Donations to support the campaign can be made online or in person at the YMCA any time during the year.

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CMHA HKPR Launches Third-Annual 'Change the Cycle' Fundraiser For Mental Health Initiatives

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) has launched the third-annual 'Change the Cycle' fundraising event at Nicholls Oval on June 21.

Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president (left) and Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education (right) after the former kickstarted the fundraiser with a $5,000 donation. CMHA HKPR's Change the Cycle raised over $25K for youth and family mental health supports. Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

“Youth mental health is a critical area of focus, given the unique challenges and needs of this demographic,” said Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education. “We know the importance of providing accessible mental health care to young people, ensuring they can thrive. We are excited to announce this year’s proceeds will be going towards a new initiative called Planet Youth.”

To help kickstart the fundraiser, Tom’s Heating & Cooling donated $5,000.

Cyclists can register for a 4k, 12k or 26k ride along the Rotary Trail in Peterborough. They can register online as individuals or teams. Registration is $20 per person, and children 12 and under can register for free. Registration includes the ride, a t-shirt and a BBQ lunch.

To become an event sponsor or volunteer, email Veitch at jveitch@cmhahkpr.ca.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Breaks Fundraising Record of $57,748 From 39th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim

The Rotary Club of Peterborough has a new fundraising record, accumulating $57,748 at the 39th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim fundraiser, announced at the Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre on Monday afternoon.

Since its inception, the Swimathon has raised over $1.4 million for Easter Seals and Rotary Projects. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This is the first swim without Carl Oake, as the family announced his passing in early January. He started this event 39 years ago.

“The community really came out,” said Ken Seim, Rotary president. “It's a bittersweet thing that people came out and with Carl's passing but we're pledged to keep it going and with great enthusiasm.”

Approximately 15 teams and organizations signed up for the Swimathon and other activities. Groups and individuals signed up to participate in swim lanes, catwalk, and cannonball challenges to raise money for the event.

The goal was to raise $50,000 which was easily shattered.

One aspect Seim recognized this year was that there were a lot more participants from younger generations who helped fundraise for the cause and contribute to Oake’s legacy.

“What I'm really happy about is that we're getting more and more young people coming out,” he explained. “We've had two hockey teams, we had the Lakers out this year, the U13/U18 Petes as well as the Special Olympics so it's good to see the younger people coming out.” 

The Rotary Club presented cheques for $13,000 to Easter Seals and $3,000 to the YMCA for their Strong Kids campaign during the announcement.

The Carl Oake Rotary Swim Committee have named next year (as the 40th Anniversary) to be ‘like totally 80s’ themed. It reflects the year 1986, when Oake founded the event to celebrate music, fashion and pop culture during that time.

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Keene Lions Club Make $30,000 Donation Towards PRHC Paediatric Cancer Care

The Keene Lions Club pledged $30,000 toward PRHC Pediatric Cancer Care and fulfilled their promise by donating the cheque at a presentation ceremony.

Photo courtesy of Keene Lions Club.

“Our members were eager to support this project to give children in our community the lifesaving treatment they deserve while sparing families the emotional and financial burden of seeking care far from home,” said Robin Creeden, Keene Lions Club Member. “We were proud to support the building of PRHC twenty years ago with a donation of $30,000 and we are equally proud to support the $60 million campaign of the PRHC Foundation with a pledge of $30,000 as we choose to design our own healthcare future.”

“The Keene Lions is a small club from a small rural community,” said Marion Burton, Keene Lions Club president. “People from this area support our fund raising events throughout the year such as the May long weekend Toll Road, weekly community bingo, Delta Bingo and our food trailer fish and chicken frys. The Lions’ motto is “We Serve” so to support families in our community by supporting our local regional hospital is a perfect fit.”

Lions for Pediatric Cancer Care is a campaign for Lions clubs in Districts A3 and A16 and reaches out to Clubs in Northumberland, Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes regions.

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Three Organizations Chosen For Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign

The cookie crumbles in a good way for three local organizations as they have been chosen to be the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign recipients in Peterborough and the surrounding areas.

Representatives from BGC Kawarthas, Canadian Mental Health Association HKPR, and Five Counties Children’s Centre join with owners of local Tim Hortons in Peterborough, Bridgenorth, Lakefield, Curve Lake and Havelock to mark the launch of the Smile Cookie campaign. Tim Hortons has been raising funds for local charities for over 25 years. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The BGC Kawarthas Foundation, the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) and Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) were the selected organizations for this year’s campaign.

It runs from April 28 to May 4 at 19 Tim Horton locations in Peterborough, Bridgenorth, Lakefield, Curve Lake and Havelock.

“We are very grateful to Tim Hortons locations in Peterborough and the surrounding area for selecting BGC Kawarthas Foundation, CMHA HKPR, and Five Counties to be the beneficiaries of the annual Smile Cookie Campaign,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “Fundraising efforts like this will support all aspects of the health and wellness for children and youth in our communities.”

Proceeds are collected at 19 Tim Hortons locations in Peterborough and surrounding areas buy purchasing a Smile Cookie. Bulk orders are also available and can be ordered by completing a form and dropping it off at one of the locations.

“We’re looking forward to working with the local restaurant owners and engaging with local businesses and community members to create a fun, and successful Smile Cookie Campaign,” said Amy Terrill, BGC Kawarthas executive director. “As our organization continues to grow its services in the Peterborough area, this is an exciting way to work with our amazing partners at CMHA HKPR and Five Counties to share as many ‘smiles’ as possible.”

“Our team is thrilled to partner with Five Counties and BGC Kawarthas to support the Peterborough Smile Cookie campaign,” said Ellen Watkins, CMHA HKPR CEO. “This is a wonderful way to demonstrate the collaboration necessary to support children in families across the community.”

The BGC Kawarthas Foundation raises funds to support the work of BGC Kawarthas, which provides essential programs and services for children and youth, including mental health and wellness programs, nutrition, after-school programs, summer camps, and leadership development activities.

CMHA HKPR provides mental health services and support to individuals in the community. Its programs promote mental wellness, offer crisis intervention, and provide counselling and therapy services.

FCCC has been dedicated to supporting children and youth with physical, developmental, and communication needs for 50 years. Last year, Five Counties provided treatment services for over 2,950 children and youth in Peterborough and Peterborough County.

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Road Closures In Place Sunday For GPHSF 2025 Peterborough Butterfly Run

A temporary road closure is in effect for the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) 2025 Peterborough Butterfly Run occurring from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Since 2018, 800 bereavement kits have been created to be provided to families and individuals by health care providers. Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

Affected streets will be:

• Engleburn Avenue from the south side of Charles Street to the north side of Maria Street

• Birdsall Street from the south side of Charles Street to the north side of Maria Street

Peterborough Butterfly Run Route. The Peterborough Butterfly Run supports families and individuals who have experienced a loss during pregnancy, the loss of a child or are unable to conceive. Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

Streets will be made available for local traffic butrunners will be coming through this area between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Additionally, a full road closure will be in place on Maria Street, between Burnham Street and Mark Street, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Detours will be in place at the intersections of Burnham Street and James Street, as well as Mark Street and James Street. Peterborough Police will be present to assist anyone affected by the Maria Street closure in leaving their homes. Delays are expected during this time.

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