Peterborough Police Service's 19th Annual CopShop Gives 23 Kids a Holiday Shopping Spree at Lansdowne Place

There were 23 kids who got to do holiday shopping with Peterborough Police Services during the 19th annual CopShop at Lansdowne Place on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The children enjoyed a limo ride from school and were partnered with a Peterborough Police Officer.

The officers will serve as personal shoppers for the kids and each will receive a $200 Gift Card to shop around. The young shoppers also received a Peterborough Petes goodie bag and winter boots donated from Sign-a-fied.

“CopShop is an event so many of our officers and civilian members look forward to each year,” said Detective Constable Mike Peckham of the Peterborough Police Service. “This year, we have about two dozen officers plus civilian members volunteering their time to build positive relationships and spend time with young people from the community in a fun way.”

“CopShop is our favourite day of the year,” says Helen Edwards, Lansdowne Place general manager. '“It’s magical to see the joy on the children’s faces as they shop and share in the holiday spirit. This event brings holiday cheer to our Centre and creates memories that last a lifetime.”

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Kids Wishes are Getting Fulfilled With Launch of Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Foundation's 2025 Santa's Sleigh

In its 36th year, the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation (KHCAS) is helping fulfill kids' Christmas wishes through the 2025 Santa’s Sleigh Program, launched at the Chemong Road Walmart on Thursday.

Amira Sharman and her mother Makaya Dafoe get a Merry Christmas and holiday cheer from Santa as Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation launches its Santa’s Sleigh program for 2025. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The program is in conjunction with the Central Lakes Association of Realtors, East Peterborough Lions Club, 101.5 The Wolf, Global Peterborough and 100.5 Fresh Radio.

Roughly 1,000 children are involved in the foundation, with gift requests written on tags and placed on a Christmas tree in Walmart. Shoppers can grab a tag, fulfill it, and put it in a drop-in sleigh at the store. The program runs until Dec. 8 at 1 p.m.

“We are inviting the community to choose a child’s gift suggestion from our tree at Walmart, then shop for that gift in order to fulfill the child’s holiday wish” said Carrie Truman, KHCAS executive director. “The gifts will go directly to children in our community, so that together we can put smiles on the faces of local children this holiday season.”

@ptbo_canada The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation is helping fulfill roughly 1,000 kids' Christmas wishes through the 2025 Santa’s Sleigh Program. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #holidays ♬ Christmas Is Coming - DM Production

Presents, gift cards and monetary donations are accepted during the program. Donated money purchases gifts and gift cards for children and youth involved with the KHCAS.

Donors can make online monetary donations on the foundation’s website.

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New Indigenous Studies Dual Credit Program Launched In Partnership With Trent University & Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board

High school students in the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB) can now earn a credit in Indigenous Studies from Trent University while completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma with the launch of a new dual credit program.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“For decades, Trent has been creating curriculum and opportunities to engage students at all levels in Indigenous education. It has been wonderful to partner with the innovative team at Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board to create this unique pathway for students,” said Marilyn Burns, Trent vice president of Communications & Enrolment. “As HPEDSB students gain exposure to Indigenous scholarship and ways of knowing, they are also gaining real university academic experience and getting a head start on their degree.”

The program is in place for the 2025/26 academic year. It gives students in the HPEDSB enrolled in two high school credit courses (Contemporary Indigenous Issues and Perspectives in a Global Context or First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Governance in Canada) the opportunity to earn a 0.5 university course credit in INDG 1001H: The Foundation of Reconciliation at Trent. This means students who are accepted to Trent University in the future will begin their studies with half a credit already earned for their degree.

The Foundation of Reconciliation half-credit course at Trent also fulfills the University’s Indigenous Course Requirement (ICR), which was implemented in 2018 to ensure all undergraduate students take at least one course focused on Indigenous topics during their degree. Over 20,000 students have completed the ICR since its introduction according to Trent.

The new dual credit program will be piloted at Eastside Secondary School in Belleville. As part of the program, students will engage in land-based learning activities and events, receiving instruction and teachings led by faculty and staff from Trent’s Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies. Students will deepen their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives and build real-world skills through university-level study.

“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to advancing Indigenous education and creating meaningful learning opportunities for students that translate into strong community relations,” said Katherine MacIver, HPEDSB director of education. “This opportunity will no doubt help students strengthen their academic foundation, foster critical thinking, and build confidence for the transition to postsecondary education.”

“This is a perfect opportunity to support students along their learning journey, to build relationships and friendships across our institutions, and to connect students directly with professors, elders, and knowledge holders,” added Dr. Kevin Fitzmaurice, associate professor in the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies.

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Inaugural Lemonade Stand Day Raises $7,000 For Riverview Park and Zoo's Rotary Accessible Playground Project

A classic drink helped the Riverview Park and Zoo move closer to their $1.5 million goal for the Rotary Accessible Playground Project, as the inaugural Lemonade Stand Day raised $7,000 towards the initiative.

Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

The Kiwanis Club of Scott’s Plains held its first-ever Lemonade Stand Day on Aug.23. The event saw 33 families raise $7,000 for the project, which was celebrated on Sunday.

“The priority was for Lemonaders to have fun and the feedback we have received about Lemonade Stand Day has been wonderful,” said Greg McLeod, Secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Scott’s Plains. “The Lemonaders are already looking forward to next year and so are we.”

The club added an $8,000 donation, while the Rotary Club of Peterborough matched the total of $15,000, bringing the grand total to $30,000 towards the initiative.

The concept was first presented to the Rotary Club in 2024 by Cathy Mitchell, Riverview Park and Zoo CEO. She was grateful for the community support towards the project from the inaugural fundraiser.

“We are so honoured to be the recipients of the funds raised through Lemonade Stand Day,” she said. “These funds will be put towards the Rotary Accessible Playground Project, which is an exciting playground redesign project that will rethink the space ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, can experience the fun of play.”

The fundraising campaign was launched in mid-August

Project upgrades include widened pathways between play areas for people using strollers and mobility devices, new surfaces throughout the playground to make getting around easier, relaxing shady spaces with great sight lines to make it more comfortable for visitors and their caregivers.

Donations towards the project can be made online.

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Peterborough Teen Awarded $500 Swim Ontario Student Athlete Scholarship For Swimming

Junior competitive swimmer Olivia Jones of the Peterborough Swim Club has been recognized with the $500 Swim Ontario Dan Taylor Student Athlete Scholarship, presented at the Swim Ontario Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon on at the Airport Marriott Hotel in Toronto on Saturday.

Olivia Jones (left) and Coach Kent Crockower (right) with the Award. Photo courtesy of Christina Jones.

A student at St. Peter Catholic Secondary School, Jones has maintained a GPA of 4.0. She began swimming competitively at the age of 10, when she joined the Trent Torpedoes Swim Club (now known as the Peterborough Swim Club).  Olivia recently earned a 10th-place finish in the 800-meter Freestyle event at the Ontario Swimming Championships and an eighth-place finish in the one-kilometre event at the Ontario Open Water Championships this past summer. 

“Swimming has taught me discipline, time management, and perseverance,” she said. “I’m honoured to receive this scholarship, and feel motivated to keep pushing toward new goals- both at school, and in the pool.” 

Photo courtesy of Christina Jones.

Team Aquatic Supplies collaborates with Swim Ontario to fund the $500 scholarships, awarded to outstanding student-athlete swimmers across the province.

Each year, only 12 student-athletes across Ontario—one male and one female from each Swim Ontario region— are selected for the scholarship. Recipients are chosen for their combination of academic achievement and swimming excellence, reflecting the late Dan Taylor’s belief that the sport of swimming builds good habits, confidence, discipline, and leadership.

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Five Counties Children’s Centre Celebrating Milestone With Family 50-Fest On Sept. 27

To mark its 50th anniversary, the Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is hosting its Family 50-Fest on Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its facility on 872 Dutton Rd.

Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The free, fun, family-friendly event is billed as a community celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of the children’s treatment centre being established in 1975 according to Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO.

“Five Counties has so much to celebrate as we mark our golden age of providing life-changing treatment for children and their families in our region,” he said. “And that’s what Family 50-Fest is all about – reflecting and celebrating on the Centre’s five decades of service to our communities.”

The event has kids’ activities, petting zoo, circus performers, touch a police cruiser, games, facepainting, story time, food, music and more. An open house/tour of the Five Counties site in Peterborough will be available, along with a display of historical articles and items from five decades of caring for children. Local dignitaries have also been invited to speak.

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Peterborough County School Zones to See Increased Traffic Enforcement

As students return to classrooms, an increase in traffic enforcement in school zones is occurring throughout Peterborough County this fall.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough County.

The County reminds drivers to take extra precautions in school zones which include slowing down, planning to leave early, giving at least one metre of clearance to cyclists and stopping for school buses.

“As students return to the classroom, our roads will be shared by more cars, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “This year, Peterborough County has taken extra steps to enhance road safety features and policies for school zones on County Roads. Please drive with extra caution in all school zones by staying alert, slowing down, and stopping for buses and pedestrians. Together, we can ensure a safe and successful school year for all students.”

The OPP and Peterborough Police Service would like to remind motorists of the following:

1. You must stop for stopped school buses with lights flashing.

2. Speeding in a school zone can result in fines and demerit 
   points. Speeding in Community Safety Zones results in double the fine.

3. Crossing guards have the right to stop traffic at crosswalks – abide by their direction.

4. Motorists must wait until the crossing guard is no longer on the roadway before proceeding.

5. Drivers on multi-lane, undivided highways must stop for stopped school buses when their overhead red signal lights are flashing. This applies to both directions of traffic on roads without a median or physical barrier separating opposing lanes.

To keep school children safe, both the OPP and the Peterborough Police Service are monitoring the area and issuing tickets as required for offences in school zones and/or community safety zones.

“As the 2025–26 school year kicks off, children are full of excitement to see friends and start new adventures, while parents are juggling the return of early mornings, packed schedules, and structured routines,” said Inspector Chris Galeazza, OPP Detachment Commander. “The Peterborough County OPP reminds all drivers not to let the chaos and excitement of the season distract from the responsibility to drive safely. Stop for school buses, obey crossing guards, and stay alert for carefree children on sidewalks. Let’s make sure everyone gets where they’re going safely.”

“As another school year begins, we want it to be a safe time for students whether they are walking, cycling, or taking the bus,” Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service Chief. “We are asking motorists to please be aware of traffic calming measures and Community Safety Zones, which come with slower speeds and increased fines. Community Safety Zones are located, exclusively, in neighbourhoods where a school is located, or other location where children are present, so let that be your guide about the expected presence of children.  It’s a very exciting time of year and we ask for patience as students, crossing guards and school buses return for the school year.”

As part of the County’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP), new policies have been developed to enhance safety and consistency across school zones in Peterborough County.

These policies include:

• School Signage & Pavement Markings Policy

• Community Safety Zone Policy

The Peterborough County Engineering & Construction division reviewed 12 school zones on or adjacent to County Roads. Here's what you can now expect:

• New school pavement markings

• New radar speed signs

• Speed limit reductions

• Established Community Safety Zones where criteria was met

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Local Realtors Fourth Annual Lemonade Stand Juices Out Proceeds For Sick Kids Foundation

For the fourth consecutive year, local realtors and brothers Dan and Dion Gemmiti utilized the classic concept of a lemonade stand to raise money for SickKids Foundation at the Westdale United Church on Friday morning.

The Gemmiti and Hatzianastasiou families coming together for the lemonade stand. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Hundreds of people lined up to enjoy pizza from Taso’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, homemade chocolate chip cookies (made by Dan and Dion) and lemonade. The stand accepted donations for SickKids Foundation on a ‘pay what you want’ basis. Photos could also be taken in front of a large banner hanging on the side of a trailer.

The community came out in strong numbers, as this year’s turnout was significantly larger than in years prior, according to the brothers.

“Our community is the greatest,” said Dion. “The support they gave us was unbelievable, and we're just so grateful that people come out and support such a great cause like SickKids.”

“It's not just today, it's weeks before this,” explained Dan. “My Grade 1 teacher sent money to us just to support our lemonade stand. People are so enthralled with giving to SickKids, it's incredible. People are amazing.”

Guests show up and tell both brothers about their experiences and stories with SickKids that are inspirational and feel-good stories said Dan and Dion.

“We have so many people who are affected by issues that they need to go to SickKids and we hear so many great stories going to SickKids and how incredible this place is,” explained Dion. “It's helping our most vulnerable, our youth, which is wonderful.”

“It's year after year when people come and tell us a story,” said Dan. “Last year it happened and this year it happened, where we both got the tears in our eyes because people told us a story. My heart is breaking listening to it but it's SickKids, they save their kids' lives and then they're very generous with their donation.”

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The brothers aim to continue the lemonade stand annually for as long as possible. Last year, they raised $5,295 for SickKids Foundation.

Donations can also be made by sending e-transfers to dananddionlemonade@gmail.com until Tuesday.

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United Way Giving Kids a Back-to-School Head Start With "Backpacks For Success" Initiative

The United Way Peterborough & District’s 22nd Backpacks for Success initiative filled hundreds of backpacks with supplies to help kids get a head start on the back-to-school season at the Calvary Pentecostal Church on Tuesday.

Rhonda Gilchrist, United Way senior director of operations and revenue generation (left) and Tonya Kraan, United Way director of Community Impact (right) stuff one of hundreds of backpacks to be shipped off for kids in time for school. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

New this year was an incentive for the community to be involved. This included ‘Good Apple’ certificates that gave families the chance to thank educators while supporting local students to 25 donation drive drop-off locations throughout Peterborough and the County.

“Every backpack tells a story of collaboration,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “When individuals purchase a Good Apple Certificate, when businesses sponsor, when families drop off supplies at one of 25 donation drive locations, they’re all contributing to a circular investment that comes back to support our kids, our schools and our partner agencies.”

He continues to state that the program was designed to respond to a growing need in the community. Schools and agencies across the region.

“The impact goes beyond the backpacks themselves,” he explained. “This program reduces pressure on teachers, helps principals support families, and strengthens our partner agencies like the YWCA and the New Canadian Centre. It’s about setting kids up for success while also reinforcing the community supports that help families thrive.”

Community members can still participate by making a monetary donation to help cover the higher costs of items such as scientific calculators and math kits.

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Inaugural Charity Motorcycle BBQ Set for Sept. 1 For SickKids and Rett Syndrome

As a fundraiser for the SickKids Foundation for Rett Syndrome, the inaugural Charity Motorcycle BBQ is being hosted at Taso’s Restaurant & Pizzeria on Sept. 1.

Photo courtesy of Taso’s Restaurant and Pizzeria.

The event, hosted by Taso’s Restaurant and 88Moto Motorcycle Shop, takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Overflow parking is available at Bailey’s Bay and Coffee Time nearby.

The fundraiser features a barbecue by Taso’s Restaurant, a motorcycle showcase, an autograph session with Canadian Superbike (CSBK) riders, live music (acts to be announced) and more.

Dyno runs are available for $50, which includes three runs that provide information on horsepower, torque, air-fuel mixture and more, allowing for a diagnostic of a motorcycle’s performance.

Taso’s Pizzeria owner Taso Hatzianastasiou wanted to host the inaugural event as a way to combine his love of motorcycles and his business for a good cause.

“I’ve always done a charitable event through the restaurant and I’ve tried to do something different every year,” he explained. “Since I’m involved so much in the racing community, I thought I would combine the racing and the restaurant.”

While Hatzianastasiou has not been directly affected by Rett Syndrome, he knows many within the community who are.

“There are a lot of friends of mine who have children with Rett Syndrome but not me,” he said. “I want to do it for them.”

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