United Way's Day of Caring Helped Community Projects Throughout the City

Volunteer teams set out ot help the community’s non-profit organization projects as part of the United Way Peterborough and District Day of Caring on Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The annual event sees volunteers from several organizations support local organizations by painting, landscaping, cleaning, organizing and other projects that enhance capacity and uplift vital community spaces according to Jim Russell, United Way CEO.

“This day is all about action and collaboration,” he said. “It’s incredible to see so many businesses and individuals come together to make a tangible difference for local non-profits — it’s community spirit in its purest form.”

This year, around 40 volunteers from Scotiabank, BMO, RBC, CIBC, the Peterborough and District Labour Council and Jani-King of Eastern Ontario aided six community projects, including:

• One City Peterborough Yard work and cleanup projects at separate sites, including 360 Reid St., to help maintain safe and welcoming community spaces

• YES Shelter for Youth and Families Interior painting at the main shelter and the Carriage House Drop-in Centre at 196 Brock St., to brighten spaces for youth and families

• Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough Beautification of the Bridge Site at 210 Wolfe St., including planting, outdoor furniture painting, sweeping, raking, litter collection, and the creation of a plywood gratitude wall

• Peterborough City Councillor Kevin Duguay Garden Box Project Construction of garden boxes at 560 Romaine St., with all proceeds from their sale going to United Way Peterborough

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"Our Volunteers Are Our Heart" Trillium Grant Helps Alzheimer Society Fund Its Volunteer Program

During the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton’s (PKLNH) volunteer appreciation coffee morning, the organization reflects on the impact of a $199,200 Resilient Communities Fund grant to bolster its volunteer program on Thursday.

Alzhiemer Society staff, volunteers and MPP Dave Smith were on hand during volunteer appreciation coffee morning. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At the event, Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP got to hear the impact from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was granted in 2023.

“It's truly inspiring to see the incredible impact the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton is making in our communities,” said Smith. “This grant from the Provincial Government through the Ontario Trillium Foundation has been instrumental in rebuilding and strengthening their vital volunteer program, a testament to the power of community support and dedicated individuals. Their work in directly supporting those living with dementia and their families is invaluable, and our government remains committed to supporting such critical initiatives that improve the quality of life for our seniors.”

Funds from the two-year grant were used to revitalize the group’s vital volunteer program, enhancing its support for seniors living with dementia and expanding all its programs and services.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their generous support of our volunteer program, which has made a meaningful and lasting impact in our community,” said Jen Johnstone, Alzheimer Society executive director. “Like many organizations, the Alzheimer Society’s volunteer base was deeply affected by the pandemic. This grant enabled us to rebuild and revitalize our program from the ground up, creating a comprehensive onboarding and training process for new volunteers.”

The grant helped cover staffing costs, as well as communications and marketing, computer software, program supplies and some administrative costs.

“Today, these volunteers are making a difference across our Young Onset Day Programs, Minds in Motion® and our new In-Home Recreation initiative, which thoughtfully pairs individuals living with dementia with volunteers who share their interests,” said Johnstone. “Others are contributing their time and talents to administrative support, fundraising, and a wide range of community events. We are deeply appreciative of the commitment, compassion, and energy of our volunteers, whose contributions allow us to enhance our services and foster stronger, more connected communities.”

With 75 volunteers helping the Alzheimer’s Society, more help is always welcome, ranging from children and high school students to post-secondary students and adults of all ages who can lend a hand, according to Johnstone.

“Our volunteers are our heart,” explained Johnstone. “They helped build the organization that is our foundation, and our volunteers are such an incredible, caring, talented and committed group of people who come out on their own time, dedicate their skills, knowledge and often donate to us as well.”

Volunteer options can include:

• In-Home Recreation: a weekly visit, spending time with someone living with dementia and being a friend

• In-Office Respite: allowing care partners to attend education, Minds in Motion support: weekly sessions of one hour of exercise and one hour of socialization,

• Fundraising Events: including the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, and Community Outreach: building awareness and fostering dementia-friendly communities by assisting with public education

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Volunteer Peterborough Sets Up Shop at Peterborough Public Library

To increase accessibility for helping the community, Volunteer Peterborough announced that they will have a regular presence at the Peterborough Public Library’s main branch starting on Friday.

Ramage has a degree in Humanities. She joined as a volunteer manager in late October of 2023. To date, 1,700 volunteers and 164 organizations interact on Volunteer Peterborough’s online portal. Photo courtesy of Volunteer Peterborough.

Geneviève Ramage, Volunteer Peterborough’s operations coordinator, will be at a desk in the library’s mezzanine every second Friday from 1 to 3 p.m.

This partnership will increase the exposure of the match-making service between prospective volunteers and non-profits that need their help and expertise according to a media release.

It continues to state that in-person consultations accelerate the process by showing the various groups and the opportunities they seek to fill.

“Since launching in the summer of 2023, we have made countless matches from front-line services to boards of directors,” said Lois Tuffin, Chair of Volunteer Peterborough’s Steering Committee. “However, there are still so many people looking for the right role for them. By offering our services in more locations, we reach those who may not have met us yet.”

“The Peterborough Public Library is delighted to be hosting Volunteer Peterborough in our space,” says Mark Stewart, Manager, Library Services, City of Peterborough. “Connecting people and building community are at the heart of both our organizations so this partnership is a great fit.”

Volunteer Peterborough hosts Wednesday afternoon drop-ins from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office. Visitors can book appointments by emailing volunteer@volunteerpeterborough.ca or calling 705-874-0073.

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Those Willing to Lend a Hand Invited to Volunteer Peterborough's Open House

Volunteer Peterborough and District 36 Peterborough of Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTOERO) invites residents to discover meaningful volunteer opportunities at an open house held on March 5, announced on Thursday.

Lois Tuffin (pictured) launching Volunteer Peterborough at Trent University outside Bata Library. Since 1968, RTOERO has been a voice for teachers, school and board administrators, educational support staff and college and university faculty in retirement. Its mission is to improve the lives of its members and other seniors, who often seek rewarding volunteer roles after retirement. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The open house runs from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce’s boardroom at 175 George St. N.

The two groups entered a new partnership and will launch a welcome brochure for residents new to this region or new to volunteering. It outlines the benefits of community work and how to do it.

“Many seniors have the time and inclination to volunteer but don’t know where they can contribute, especially if they’re new to the community,” said Kathryn Reynolds, President, District 36 Peterborough, RTOERO. “Our grant will help Volunteer Peterborough raise awareness. Ultimately, this will strengthen community connections and well-being.”

The most significant current barrier to volunteering is the lack of awareness of which organizations match people’s talents and interests according to Lois Tuffin, Volunteer Peterborough founder.

“We have started to bridge that gap by signing up 1,660 volunteers and 162 organizations,” she said. “However, in a region of 184,000 people, there is still much work to do.”

District 36 has about 1,200 members, serving the City of Peterborough and the surrounding rural areas of Peterborough County.

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YWCA Seeks Board Directors and Volunteers

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton seeks volunteers to join the Board of Directors and committees.

File Photo.

“We are looking for volunteers who are passionate about women’s issues and have the desire to be involved with an organization that provides life-saving programs, tools and resources that help women and children thrive,” said Sherri Ireland, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Board President. “The YWCA plays a vital role in our community and its sustainability depends on women who will make impactful decisions in support of our mission: YWCA Peterborough Haliburton exists to help women and children in our communities live safely and know satisfaction and joy in their daily lives. We offer shelter, educational programming, counselling, and advocacy, in collaboration with the community and women themselves. The YWCA knows that its fiscal management, community reputation and most importantly, valued staff are the basis for these trusting relationships.”

"YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is committed to Reconciliation and encourages women from all backgrounds and age groups to join our organization; especially women 30 years of age and younger. As a learning board, we offer the opportunity to share our experience with those who may be new to Board governance. We know the value of having varied skillsets and experiences, and are particularly interested in the areas of finance, Truth and Reconciliation, governance and recruitment. As an organization, we will always be committed to ensuring diverse perspectives that reflect the communities we serve.”

Roles require roughly six hours a month. Applications can be submitted online.

Applications will be accepted until April 1.

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Volunteer Peterborough Receives $12,000 Grant From The Commonwell’s L.E.A.F. Program

To help bolster local volunteering efforts, Volunteer Peterborough has received a $12,000 grant from the Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group’s Learning Engagement & Accelerator Fund (L.E.A.F.), announced on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Volunteerism faces a number of barriers, including general awareness. This program will help to match interested volunteers to opportunities in our community,” says Lois Tuffin, Volunteer Peterborough founder. “By matching the right people and skills to roles we can help build confidence and independence for prospective volunteers while creating lasting benefits for organizations who rely on volunteer support.”

Administered by The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group, the L.E.A.F. program invested $400,000 in grants this year, scaling from previous years.

“We received more than $3.7 million in funding requests this year, highlighting its crucial role in supporting communities,” said Tim Shauf, The Commonwell president. “Our L.E.A.F grants are about caring beyond us and beyond now.”

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Peterborough Musicfest Seeks Volunteer Treasurer On Board of Directors

Peterborough Musicfest is seeking a volunteer to join its Board of Directors as a treasurer, announced on Thursday.

Since its inception in 1987, Peterborough Musicfest has become a summer classic in the region, drawing over 118,000 attendees annually to its free-admission concerts. The festival has generated over $4.3 million in local activity each year. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

The treasurer will oversee the festival’s financial health, work closely with the Executive Director, Board and bookkeeper to ensure sound fiscal planning and governance according to a press release.

This volunteer position is ideal for someone with a strong background in financial management.

The role involves approximately 20 hours per year, including board meetings, executive and committee discussions and a minimum of five nights of park support throughout the summer months. The successful candidate will also provide financial oversight, assist in budgeting and help ensure compliance with government reporting requirements.

Applications are open until 4 p.m. on Jan. 17. They can be emailed to Tracy Condon, Board Chair, at info@ptbomusicfest.ca.

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Volunteer Peterborough Founder Given Charity Village Impact Award

Lois Tuffin, Volunteer Peterborough founder, has seen her community work pay back dividends as she received Charity Village’s Most Outstanding Individual Impact – Volunteer announced on Tuesday.

olunteer Peterborough founder Lois Tuffin networks with Joseph Hughes of Kids Against Hunger at the Chamber's Love Local Show at Lansdowne Place in September. Since launching in July 2023, VolunteerPeterborough.ca has signed up 1,524 individuals who are seeking volunteer roles and 162 organizations who rely on volunteers. It welcomes postings about non-profits and the roles they have open so volunteers can find this information in one handy location. Photo courtesy of Volunteer Peterborough.

The award recognizes her work to resurrect a match-making service in Volunteer Peterborough to help local non-profits. It celebrates the outstanding impact of a volunteer at a nonprofit or charity.

“I nominated Lois to shine a spotlight on her work with Volunteer Peterborough,” said Hannah Routly, subcommitte group member. “In just over a year, Lois and a fulsome team created a much-needed way to match volunteers with critical roles in our community. I hope this award shines light on this vital initiative and encourages others to support this work.”

Tuffin had received several nominations from Jennifer DeBues, executive director of the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough; Jayne Culbert, co-ordinator of Age-friendly Peterborough and Volunteer Peterborough’s operations co-ordinator Genevieve Ramage.

“In the past year in particular, we’ve seen how much people want to help and how willing they are to act when given an outlet,” said Tuffin. “It’s gratifying to see our team come together to create this volunteer movement.”

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CMHA HKPR Seeking New Volunteer Member for Board of Directors

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) are accepting applications to our Board of Directors this November, announced on Monday.

File Photo.

CMHA is looking for the following from their candidates: 

• Commitment to the Mental Health of people in the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) community

• The ability to commit to attending monthly board meetings (in-person/virtual) plus participating in committee work requiring additional regular meetings

• Brings diverse perspectives

• Clinical Settings

• Healthcare

• Accounting

• Information Technology

• Leadership

• Passionate community connector with fundraising experience

• Has experience with community-based mental health

• We strongly encourage applications representing minority and Indigenous backgrounds and from individuals with Lived Experience

Applications are found online.

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