Little Lakers Night Returns On Last Regular Season Home Game to Support Five Counties

For the third consecutive year, Little Lakers Night returns on the Peterborough Lakers’ last home regular-season game on July 24 in support of Five Counties Children's Centre (FCCC), announced on Tuesday.

Len Powers (left), Scott Pepin (middle) and Kennedy Meredith in front of a Lakers cutout and the warmup jersey designed by Meredith. Last year’s Little Lakers Night netted $15,295 to support children’s treatment services at Five Counties. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

All proceeds from Little Lakers Night will support Five Counties’ Building Abilities for Life campaign. It enables more children and youth in the region to access life-changing treatment services when they need them.

“Each year, Little Lakers Night has grown in impact and excitement, and it’s certainly become a highlight of the summer season for us,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Lakers for their continued generosity and for giving our kids the chance to be part of something so special. It’s more than a game — it’s a celebration of community.”

“It’s an honour to again team up with Five Counties to host Little Lakers Night and support children’s treatment services in our community,” said Len Powers, Peterborough Lakers board chairperson. “We encourage everyone to come out to Little Lakers Night and show their support for the home side – cheering on the Lakers to victory as they prepare for the playoffs, and supporting the incredible work done by Five Counties in the Peterborough region.”

Little Lakers Night starts pre-game festivities at 7 p.m., one hour before the Lakers take on the Brampton Excelsiors. The event features face painting by donation, freezie sales, a ‘pass the bucket’ fundraiser, and the opportunity to purchase commemorative Little Lakers Night T-shirts in support of FCCC.

During the game, a silent auction is being held with prizes such as two tickets to Canada’s Wonderland, a Crayola Prize Pack and VIP passes to the 2025 Swimming World Cup.

The night also spotlights the children and families supported by Five Counties, with several of them in attendance and some participating in special roles such as the ceremonial pre-game ball drop and behind-the-scenes experiences with the team.

The Lakers are wearing a specially designed warm-up jersey created by Kennedy Meredith, St. Paul C.E.S. Grade 4 student. The jerseys will be available for purchase through an online auction with proceeds supporting Five Counties.

Tickets for Little Lakers Night on July 24 are available now through the Memorial Centre box office. The promo code ‘FIVECOUNTIES’ at checkout takes $3 from every ticket sold towards FCCC.

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Peterborough Kia Makes Pledge Towards Ennismore Inclusive Playground Fundraiser

Peterborough KIA is lending a hand to Accessible Playgrounds Ontario’s (APO) $250,000 fundraising effort for an inclusive playground at the Ennismore Waterfront Park in Ennismore.

Grant (left) pushing her son Jude (right) on a swing. According to Grant, 38 per cent of Canadian children with a disability almost never get physical exercise outside of school. Photo courtesy of APO.

Spearheaded by Paul Seminara, Kia is donating $100 from every vehicle sold in July towards the project known as ‘Jude's Joy,’ named after APO’s Julie Grant’s son Jude, days before turning four years old, who was born with cerebral palsy.

As of May, the project was a year into its fundraising efforts and had raised over $170,000 towards its $250,000 goal.

On June 2, ‘Jude’s Joy’ applied for the McDougall Insurance contest with the top prize of $5,000, while second and third place got $3,000 and $2,000, respectively. However, the Ennisemore-based project failed to reach the top three in a vote-based contest.

According to Grant, there are no accessible playgrounds in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

“The closest fully accessible/inclusive playground to Selwyn is 64 km away in Port Hope and the second closest is Port Perry,” she explained.

Jude cannot walk independently and requires a walker to travel. Grant says several playground features are not as accessibility-friendly as they seem.

Most accessible playgrounds have rubber surfacing and intentionally designed play elements such as ramps. Roughly half of the money raised goes towards that surfacing, and Grant attributes the wood chips as a cheaper alternative.

“The most common barrier at playgrounds is the surfacing choice, which is often wood chips, which limits Jude's ability at two to three years old to use his walker independently,” she explained. “Secondly, the absence of ground-level play elements does not permit the learning opportunities that fully abled people can experience. Therefore, potential learning is lost.”

The other half of the funds raised has already been deliberated on, as Grant explained how the money will be spent.

“Considerations include a ramp onto the main play structure, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, an accessible swing with a harness, various music elements at ground level, and a play-tot structure for younger children from 18-plus months,” said Grant.

Donations can be made through the Township of Selwyn in person or by mail via debit, cheque, or cash, Canada Helps or by cheque to the Optimist Club of Ennismore.

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Registration Open For 23rd Annual Hike For Hospice

Registration is open for Hospice Peterborough’s 23rd annual Hike for Hospice fundraiser, occurring at Millennium Park on Sept. 28.

Last year’s Hike Raised a record-breaking $138,000 and Hospice Peterborough wants to break that record this year. Photo courtesy of Hike for Hospice.

The walk’s registration launches alongside a story of last year’s top fundraiser, Kyle McConnell. According to the Hike for Hospice EasyPledge site, Kyle was part of an approximately 40-person team who hiked in memory of his late wife, Tash McConnell.

According to Hospice, Tash was known as ‘the life of the party.’ She loved summer, being outdoors, and had a penchant for pizza. She was a nurse who worked at Hospice Peterborough and PRHC until a Stage 3 melanoma began a four-year cancer journey. Despite her illness, Tash continued volunteering as a front desk volunteer at Hospice Peterborough. When her illness progressed in the late Summer of 2024, Tash’s final moments were spent in the care of hospice, passing away at 39.

Kyle (left) and Tash McConnell (right). Photo courtesy of Hike for Hospice.

A few weeks following her death, Kyle’s friends approached him about organizing a Hike for Hospice team in her memory called ‘Notorious T.A.S.H.’

“She would have thought that was funny,” said Kyle.

Notorious T.A.S.H. raised over $25,000. Attending Hospice staff wore light pink ribbons in her memory.

“It seemed like the best way to honour her memory,” said Kyle.

“It’s one thing to volunteer for Hospice, but when someone you love is admitted and you get to experience the love and compassion of that special place, then you want to give it as much support as you possibly can,” said John Muise, Hike committee co-chair.

“We’re really excited to see everyone come together again to raise funds for crucial hospice services for our community,” said Tom LaBranche, Hike committee co-chair. “If hospice has made an impact on you or your loved ones, then participating in this event is a wonderful way to celebrate and help continue that work.”

Funds raised from the event enable Hospice Peterborough to offer over 26 free programs and services to support individuals facing life-threatening illnesses and those grieving according to a press release.

Event participants can expect a brief opening ceremony, light snacks and refreshments, and a sweet treat at the end of the hike.

The route consists of a walk from Millennium Park — near the Silver Bean Café — to Beavermead Beach, with a halfway point for those seeking a shorter option. Participants are also welcome to participate virtually if they prefer.

Those interested in learning more about Hike for Hospice and registering for the event, which takes place on Sept. 28, can go online.

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Trent University's President’s Excalibur Golf Tournament Raises a Record-Breaking $92,000 For Student-Athlete Scholarships

The 19th annual Trent University President’s Excalibur Golf Tournament showed its support for student-athletes, raising a record $92,000 for the Excalibur Green and White Scholarships, held at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Thursday afternoon.

Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor, tees off at the second hold at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Today marks the highest fundraising total in the 19-year history of this tournament, and we couldn’t have done it without our generous sponsors and participants,” said Nathan McFadden, Trent Athletics & Recreation director. “The Green and White Scholarship Fund is a lifeline for many of our athletes. It eases financial burdens, but more importantly, it sends a powerful message: we believe in you. That belief fuels their drive, their discipline and their dreams.”

The $92,000 raised brings the cumulative amount raised to over $792,000. To date, the Green and White Scholarship Fund has benefited more than 400 student-athletes.

For the 2024/25 season, 34 student-athletes were awarded a Green and White Scholarship for their academic achievement and athletic talent. Students receiving this scholarship may be eligible for subsequent years if they maintain a minimum academic average, accumulating significant support over their studies at Trent.

“The Green and White Scholarships have made an incredible difference for me and so many other student-athletes,” said Isabelle Pellerine, student-athlete. “Not every athlete gets the chance to compete at the varsity level, but today shows there’s a community that believes in us. At Trent, we’re more than just athletes, we’re supported to succeed in every part of our lives. I’m so proud to be part of a university that invests in us and our future.”

This year, 20 teams of four participated in the scramble tournament and George Ripoll – BMO Nesbitt Burns, captured first place. 

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CMHA HKPR Surpasses Goal, Raising Over $30,000 From Third Annual 'Change the Cycle' Fundraiser

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) crushed its $25,000 fundraising goal from its third annual ‘Change the Cycle’ event, raising $30,537.08 on Saturday at Nicholls Oval.

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.

There were 86 riders who hit the Rotary Greenway Trail to support CMHA HKPR.

These funds will directly support Planet Youth through the Haliburton, Kawartha, Northumberland Peterborough (HKNP) Health Unit. It is an initiative dedicated to enhancing the mental wellness of youth and families in these areas.

“This is a huge win for youth and family mental health in our region, and it would not have been possible without you all. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Agents of Change, Linda Kash and Michelle Mackey, for lending their voices and hearts to this cause. Your support means the world to us,” in a statement in a press release.

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Trent Valley Honda Hosting Customer Appreciation BBQ & Car Wash On 50th Anniversary to Support Kawartha Haliburton Children's Foundation This Saturday

To celebrate their 50th anniversary, Trent Valley Honda (TVH) is hosting a Customer Appreciation BBQ & Car Wash in support of Kawartha Haliburton Children's Foundation this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Trent Valley Honda.

The family-run business has been in Peterborough since 1975, located at 851 Highway 7 East.

“Our commitment to, training around and living our brand promise, has helped us foster a culture, where customers truly do come first, employees are proud and empowered to always do the right thing, and are motivated to go above and beyond for each other and for our customers,” said Monika Carmichael, Trent Valley Honda general manager. “The loyalty of our customers and our employees has been the key to sustainable growth and success.”

The free event features a charity raffle for two Gold tickets to the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy in Toronto on July 21, as well as ice cream, bouncy castles, face painting and a gift for every 2026 model test drive as part of the Test Drive Event this month.

The event typically raises $500 but TVH is aiming to double that this year according to Carmichael.

“We have often chosen causes that support and empower children that are less fortunate, including the YES Shelter, YWCA Women’s shelter, etc., she explained. “Kawartha Haliburton’s Children’s Aid acknowledged our ongoing community work and submitted a powerful proposal on why we should make them one of our causes.”

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Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign Raises Over $125,000 For Local Organizations

The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign help make a lot of happy faces as they raised $125,022.48 for several local organizations, announced on Thursday.

Since the first-ever Smile Cookie campaign in 1996, the annual charitable campaign has raised a total of more than $151 million for charities and community groups. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

Nineteen participating locations throughout Peterborough, Bridgenorth, Lakefield, Curve Lake and Havelock contributed to the fundraiser. The beneficiary organizations were BGC Kawarthas Foundation, the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) and Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC).

Of the funds raised, $62,511.24 will go towards FCCC ‘Building Abilities for Life’ Campaign with BGC Kawarthas and CMHA HKPR each receiving $31,255.62 to support their respective services.

“Our community truly came together to make this all possible. We are grateful to everyone who donated their time, helped spread the word, bought cookies and supported this initiative.” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “We are very appreciative of Tim’s and its staff who welcomed and assisted our Smile Cookie volunteers. The generosity of Tim Hortons and its ongoing support for many different organizations is amazing, and it was a pleasure to work alongside them as we all work to better health and wellness for youth in our communities.” 

“We appreciate the opportunity to work alongside Five Counties and BGC Kawarthas through the Smile Cookie Campaign,” said Ellen Watkins, CMHA HKPR CEO. “It was a delight to see our teams work together and to meet the community as we decorated cookies. Many thanks to the Tim Hortons staff who made us feel at home and part of the team.”

“On behalf of all the staff and volunteers from BGC Kawarthas, thank you to the hard-working staff and owners of the Tim Hortons,” said Amy Terrill, BGC Kawarthas executive director. “It was a distinct pleasure to be involved in the Smile Cookie campaign with our amazing partners at Five Counties Children’s Centre and CMHA HKPR. With the support of our community, many children and their families will benefit as a result.”

A record-breaking $22.6 million was raised through the sale of Smile Cookies this year, supporting over 600 charities and community groups across Canada and  the United States, according to Axel Schwan, Tim Hortons President.

“We’re so grateful for the outpouring of support for this year’s Smile Cookie campaign from Tims guests across Canada. Thanks to your incredible generosity we topped our previous Smile Cookie record,” he said.

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 counseling and therapy services.

Five Counties Children’s Centre 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 6,100 children and youth, of which 2,950 were from Peterborough and Peterborough County.

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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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