Peterborough Blogs
Trent Spirit Shines: Support, Service and Spirit Through Trent Day Celebrations April 4
/On April 4, the Trent University community – students, staff, faculty and alumni around the world – mark the third-annual Trent Day by encouraging philanthropic support for student needs, reinforcing the University’s founding value of service to the community and celebrating Trent spirit.
photo courtesy of trent university, facebook.
“Trent Day has established a new tradition of showcasing our founding values of service,” says Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent. “Our Trent spirit shines brighter than ever on this day as we collect non-perishables for local food banks, encourage philanthropic support, and volunteer for causes close to our hearts. We hope alumni and supporters across the world join us in celebration.”
The event pays tribute to the April 1963 signing of the Trent University Act. This year’s event marks the 60th anniversary since that special day in Trent history when the University was officially granted the ability to confer degrees.
How to take part in Trent Day 2023:
1) Trent Day Support
Join the #TrentDay challenge and become one of 50 new monthly donors who offer reliable philanthropic support to the Trent Community. Gifts to the Trent Fund will respond to new and evolving student needs such as emergency housing and mental health initiatives. For details, visit the Trent Day monthly donors web page.
2) Trent Day Service
In the tradition of service to the community, Trent alumni will come together in a unified display of service by volunteering with organizations including Kawartha Food Share, Feed the Need in Durham, Cuddles for Cancer, Peterborough Museum and Archives, and Casey House in Toronto. Alumni and friends can also get together, register an independent volunteer activity, and participate in a way that is meaningful to them, and on a day that suits their schedule.
A Trent Day food drive will take place at both the Peterborough and Durham GTA campuses. Staff, faculty, students, alumni and community members are encouraged to bring their non-perishable items to donation booths stationed on both campuses from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4. All donations will support Kawartha Food Share in Peterborough and Feed the Need in Durham in Oshawa.
3) Trent Day Spirit
Whether at school, in the office, or out in the community, Trent Day is the time to wear your Trent gear and show your school spirit! Alumni and community members are encouraged to show #TrentDay pride on social media by sharing memories or posting photos in Trent gear (tag @TrentAlumni and use #TrentDay hashtag when posting).
“This is great way to celebrate Trent! We hope all members of the Trent community will show their Trent pride, take part in Trent Day activities, and make a gift to assist and empower a student,” says Sherry Booth ‘98, associate vice president, Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement at Trent University.
Learn more about Trent Day and how to participate online.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
PRHC Names Cardiac Centre After James Neill Who Donated $5 Million, Largest Contribution in Hospital's History
/James "Jim" Neill has been immortalized in Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) history as the Cardiac Centre has been named after him after he made a $5 million donation in a sign-unveiling ceremony on Thursday afternoon.
Photo by Samantha Bianco.
The donation is in support of cardiac care and was given back in 2021. The sign was revealed at the exterior northeast corner of the hospital, naming it the James B. Neill Cardiac Centre.
Neill had ‘no idea’ that it was the largest donation PRHC had ever received when that information was made known to him.
“To have my name on the side of the building, to see it associated with such an outstanding hospital and such exceptional and talented healthcare professionals, is a great honour,” said Neill. “It’s my hope that when patients, visitors and staff look up and see it, they’ll be encouraged and inspired to support their hospital in whatever way they can, much as the donors who came before inspired me.”
Photo by Samantha Bianco.
PRHC and its foundation Foundation members were present with Neill, his family and friends at the ceremony to commemorate the event. The former expressed their gratitude to Neill for his generous donation.
“Mr. Neill is saving and improving the lives of thousands upon thousands of present and future patients and for that, as well as the inspiration his donation will provide to so many, we’re incredibly grateful,” said Lesley Heighway, PRHC foundation president and CEO.
Philanthropist Couple Awarded By United Way For 16 Years of Community Contribution
/Philanthropists Jim and Katie Stewart were recognized by the United Way Peterborough & District with the Scholfield Award of Community Distinction for outstanding community contribution in a ceremony at the Holiday Inn on Tuesday.
Katie Stewart (left), Jim Stewart (middle) and Jim Russell, United Way C.E.O. (right) during the award presentation to a crowd of roughly 50 people at the Holiday Inn. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The couple were well recognized as nominator Anne Marshall of Elmhirst’s Resort gave 12 signed letters of support and endorsements from 30 community leaders.
The award recipients were humbled by the award saying that it wasn’t about being noticed but just being able to help the community.
“We didn’t ask or expect any recognition,” said Jim. “We just saw a need and did our best and use our skills to full and get the job done.”
The Stewarts were humbled and filled with gratitude when they learned of their nomination.
“I was in tears to be honest,” said Katie. “I was just totally overwhelmed. Anne Marshall was the person who shepherded the process... …When she told us it was like ‘holy jumpins’,” said Katie.
The two started contributing to the community upon joining it 16 years ago. They helped several community organizations including Hospice Peterborough, The New Canadian Centre, The Canadian Canoe Museum, The Mount and The Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club several other humanitarian projects and initiatives.
“We were delighted to have received several wonderful nominations and although each nomination reflected very worthy individuals and groups who have done much for our community, there was one nomination which stood out, the nomination of Jim and Katie Stewart,” said Anne Ondercin, United Way director of philanthropy.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Trent University Unveils Pillars Honouring Over 100 Donors and Philanthropists
/Trent University unveiled six pillars honouring 185 donors that have contributed to the school since its inception in a ceremony held on Wednesday afternoon.
Gavin Marshall (left) and Doug Kirk (right) shortly after the monuments were unveiled. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Located outside the Student Centre, the monument commemorates receiving over $100 million in philanthropic support.
"This is a testimony to donors, contributors and to Trent who have been committed to us for 50-60 years," said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor. "It's amazing and we thought we just had to celebrate that."
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The idea to create the monument was created roughly two years ago according to Groarke and took roughly three weeks to install.
The first and last pillars as been marked with this quote:
“Trent University is an institution profoundly anchored in philanthropy. Our donors are vital partners, and with support from alumni, our community and friends, Trent University remains a vibrant institution for collaboration, discovery and leadership. This installation recognizes cumulative, lifetime giving to Trent University. We express our deep gratitude and appreciation to these donors for their generosity.”
The middle pillars list the donors depending on the amount of their donation in four recognition categories:
The Trent Visionaries - $1,000,000 - $10,000,000+
The Chancellors’ Guild - $500,000 - $999,999
The Governors’ Council - $250,000 - $499,999
The Presidents’ Circle - $100,000 - $249,999
During the unveiling event, Trent also announced a new $1-million gift, from long-time Trent supporters David and Joan Moore, that will establish the prestigious Moore Family International Scholarship. This new scholarship will offer a recurring four-year scholarship for three students from outside of North America.
“This momentous gift will truly impact the lives of international students,” says Sherry Booth, Trent associate vice president of philanthropy and alumni engagement. “All of our supporters are vital partners, and with support from alumni, our community and friends, Trent University remains a vibrant institution for collaboration, discovery and leadership. Today’s event celebrates the momentum of positive change since the University’s inception and honours the generosity of our supporters.”
Trent thanked generous supporters who have contributed to the following initiatives over the past academic year:
Support for Indigenous graduate students through a $1 million estate gift from Bill Reid.
A new residence and academic building at Trent Durham following a successful inaugural campaign that raised $6.6 million.
A new nursing scholarship supporting local students from a rural background thanks to a $100,000 gift from Doreen Stewart RN.
Improved financial aid and student spaces following the second annual Trent Day, which raised more than $1.1 million, while also collecting non-perishables for local food banks in Peterborough and Durham.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Canadian Canoe Museum Board of Director Appointed the Order of Canada
/Victoria Grant of the Canadian Canoe Museum’s Chair of the Board of Directors has received the highest honour of Canada as she was appointed the Order of Canada by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon on Thursday.
Grant is a member of the Teme-Augama Anishinabai Kwe, Loon Clan. Photo courtesy of the Canadian Canoe Museum.
Grant received the honour for her work on bridging the gap between Indigenous, non-Indigenous culture, business and communities through her facilitation and mediation.
She became involved with the Canadian Canoe Museum through the National Council in 2017. She joined the board in 2018 and became the Chair of the Board of Directors in 2020.
“I cannot think of anyone who deserves this high recognition as much as Victoria,” said Carolyn Hyslop, the Canadian Canoe Museum’s Executive Director. “Her contribution to this country has been immeasurable. The museum is so proud and fortunate to have her leadership and knowledge. She has been such a valuable asset to us, especially during those turbulent pandemic times, as we continued to forge ahead with our plans to create our new home in the community.”
Grant co-founded the Temagami Community Foundation in 2000. She helped create the Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund. Both foundations have raised and disbursed millions of dollars through resiliency grants.
The newly appointed recipient has served on numerous boards including being a member of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Vice-Chair of the Ontario Health Quality Council, Chair of the Circle on Philanthropy and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada, Director of the Counselling Foundation of Canada and a member of the Advisory Committee of the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award.
Created in 1967, the Order of Canada is one of our country’s highest civilian honours, recognizing outstanding achievement and dedication to the community and service to the nation.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Two Peterborough Men Receive YMCA Peace Medal to Honour Their Contributions to the Community
/YMCA Peace week is Nov. 13 - 20. This year Dave Morello of Morello’s Independent and David McNab, a retired Ontario Provincial Police Officer have received YMCA Peace Medals.
Photo courtesy of YMCA of Central East Ontario.
Each year, the YMCA of Central East Ontario honours local Peacemakers with a YMCA Peace Medal at several community events across the region.
YMCA Peace Medals are presented to individuals or groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth or position, demonstrate a commitment to the values of PEACE through contributions made within their local, national, or global community.
Dave Morello has been the owner/operator of Morello’s Your Independent Grocers since August of 2000.
Morello volunteers with and makes charitable contributions to organizations such as Easter Seals, Rotary Club of Peterborough, Five Counties Peterborough and Hospice Peterborough.
He is also a longtime YMCA Board Member and Chair of the YMCA Strong Kids/Your Y is Here Campaign.
Morello has been recognized for his outstanding community work with a number of awards, including the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medallion, Peterborough and District Volunteer of the Year, Peterborough Business Citizen of the Year, Top 20 Most Influential Person in Peterborough, among many others.
Photo courtesy of YMCA of Central East Ontario.
McNab is a retired Ontario Provincial Police Officer, Trent University Professor and community activist.
He and his wife Kristy were instrumental in founding Salaam Peterborough, a group of families who came together to sponsor a refugee family from Syria.
When an 18 year old Syrian refugee living alone in Turkey named Rashid posted a plea on Facebook he was subject to abuse and racism in the comments. In seeing this McNab immediately wanted to help Rashid to pursue his dream of studying to become an engineer.
He has been working with Rashid to improve his English with the help of Trent University by providing structured lessons and fundraising to bring Rashid to Canada.
McNab also drove across the nation in a Lamborghini to help a young cancer survivor, and has participated in the Pedal for Hope Campaign. He was also part of a massive Christmas Toy Drive for young children that supported various organizations including the New Canadians Centre.
A virtual ceremony will take place on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. via Zoom to honour Morello, McNab and other recipients of the 2021 YMCA Peace Medal. This event is free and open to all.
Click here to register.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Hometown PTBO: Ashlee Aitken Discusses Moving to Peterborough, Volunteer Work With Food Drives, Kenya and Their Lacrosse Culture
/
This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with Ashlee Aitken from Kawartha Food Share about her decision to move to Peterborough, her work with charities and food banks and how she fell in love with Kenya and their lacrosse culture.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Local Man Gives Generous Donation to Build Peterborough Animal Care Centre
/Glenn Stonehouse has made a generous gift of $300K to the fundraising campaign for the Peterborough Animal Care Centre on Monday.
Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.
The building is the Peterborough Humane Society’s innovative animal wellness facility designed for our community set to break ground in 2021.
Stonehouse, owner and president of Wildfire Golf Club and One Fine Food, has made a generous gift of $300,000 to the fundraising campaign for the new centre. The local business owner shared that his philanthropic focus always comes back to two key causes, underprivileged children and animals.
“A couple of years back, I had the opportunity to be involved with the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) learning about their goals and development in animal wellness,” said Stonehouse. “Through these discussions, I got a close view of the inner workings of PHS and the great work the organization is doing in our community, which is why I was excited to be a part of this very important build”.
A project of future kennels for the Peterborough Animal Care Centre. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.
Growing up on the family farm in Owen Sound, Glenn developed a deep love and respect for animals early on. He always had dogs in his life from working dogs on the farm, show dogs and as companions. Glenn came to the Peterborough area 25 years ago when he bought a cottage on Stony Lake and fell in love with the area.
“We’re simply blown away by Glenn’s generosity. His commitment to the health and wellness of our community and the animals within it is going to make a huge impact on the future of animal wellness,” said Shawn Morey, Peterborough Humane Society’s executive director. “In recognition of Stonehouse’s gift, the Dog Adoption Program at the new Centre will be named the Glenn Allan Stonehouse Dog Adoption Program. Thanks to Stonehouse’s support, while dogs are waiting to find their forever families, they will benefit from top-level care during their time at the Centre.”
Stonehouse walks his dog through his 6,800-yard golf course, the Wildfire Golf Club in Lakefield. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.
The dog kennels at the new centre will not only be larger but also have indoor/outdoor access, providing the dogs with more space and freedom to enjoy outdoor and indoor spaces as they choose.
The kennels will be grouped in pods to reduce noise and stress upon the dogs. Sliding guillotine doors will allow the kennels to double in size, should the need arise. Beyond improved kennel space, the dogs will benefit from access to greater opportunities for enrichment and socialization.
While Glenn’s generous gift brings PHS closer to its goal, the Peterborough Humane Society still needs support to cross the finish line and build its new Centre. Fundraising for the new centre has raised $7.5 million of the $10 million goal since the donation.
Community members interested in making their own impact on the future of animal wellness and help build the new Animal Care Centre are encouraged to visit ourpetproject.ca and contact Alex Tindale.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
100 Women Peterborough’s First Virtual Meeting Raises Funds For Community Care Peterborough
/On June 16th, the powerful 100 Women Peterborough group came together for their first ever virtual meeting to raise funds for an organization in need.
Community Care Peterborough was chosen by majority vote to receive the funds and 100 Women Peterborough is anticipating the total donation to be upwards of $5,000 to $6,000 based on feedback from the membership.
More than 40 women joined the call to hear from three organizations—Community Care, Alternatives Community Support Services and Kawartha Food Share—which were selected during a special call for nominations.
“The 100 Women Peterborough organizers decided to call out for new nominations from members to specifically support organizations that were in need during this difficult time,” says Rose Terry, one of the founding members of the group. “We knew that a special meeting was needed to support not-for-profits that had been severely impacted by the pandemic.”
Charities and not-for-profits in Canada have faced billions in lost revenue. Since many rely on donations and events in order to raise the funds necessary to do their work, COVID-19 has impacted their fundraising in an unprecedented way.
Photo of virtual meeting courtesy 100 Women Peterborough
