Easter Seals Ontario Score With Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic Fundraiser

Six teams filled with NHL greats, Petes alumni and more hit the ice for the Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic fundraiser in support of Easter Seals at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on Thursday.

The Peterborough Petes and The Ultimate Keggers squared off at the Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic For Easter Seals Ontario. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The two-day fundraiser opened with a VIP Draft Party, giving registered teams a chance to select an NHL alumnus to join their team at The Venue on Wednesday night. Among the NHL alumni who attended the event were Brad May, Kris King, Keith Acton, Troy Crowder and André Roy. Also playing in the tournament was former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Doug Gilmour, who is no stranger to the PMC from his Ontario Hockey League tenure.

“It's a little different being back in the dressing room where I coached for three years and the GM side but coming back to Peterborough is always great,” he said. “Growing up in Kingston, our league consists of Oshawa, Peterborough, Belleville, Trenton and Kingston so it's always nice to come back.”

The two-day tournament proceeds go towards Easter Seals Ontario to help children and youth with physical disabilities across the province.

“It's all about having fun out here and everybody works hard on raising money,” explained Gilmour. “There are no losers out here today; the winners are Easter Seals.”

@ptbo_canada Doug Gilmour was one of several NHL legends at the Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic in support of Easter Seals Ontario. Proceeds go towards children and youth with physical disabilities across Ontario. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #fyp #easterseals ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Each team was guaranteed two games. An All-Star game was held following the event, where the top eight fundraisers were eligible to participate. Every player was asked to raise a minimum of $500 for Easter Seals.

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Third Annual YMCA Peterborough Pickleball Tournament to See Face Off Between Two Local Realtors

The YMCA Balsillie Family Branch to host the third annual YMCA Peterborough Pickleball Tournament, where local realtors Shaun Pearce and Wade Hamblin will compete for the win on May 9.

Photo courtesy of the ymca peterborough.

“The YMCA helped keep me on the right path when I was growing up. It gave me a safe place to build confidence, develop athletic skills and learn important life lessons,” said Shaun Pearce, captain of Team Pearce. “Many kids here in Peterborough still can’t access sports and recreational programming because of financial limitations at home, and I want to help to change that for the better. Now that I’m in a position to give back, I’m proud to support the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and serve as captain of our 2026 charity pickleball team. We’re a group of people committed to making a real difference for kids right here in our community.”

Come out to see if Team Pearce can defend their title of Pickleball Champions against Team Hamblin in hopes of winning the Golden Pickle on May 9 from 3 to 6 p.m. at 123 Aylmer St. S.

All proceeds from the tournament go directly to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, which helps ensure that every child, regardless of financial circumstances, has the opportunity to grow, connect and succeed.

Learn more about the tournament and how to support online.

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The 54th-Annual Easter Seals Telethon to Support Children With Disabilities Hits the Air On March 22

The 54th-annual Easter Seals Telethon fundraiser to support children with physical disabilities is set for March 22, announced at Lansdowne Place on Wednesday morning.

(From left to right) Stuart Harrison, Easter Seals Telethon host; Zoe Gibbbons, Easter Seals Ontario Ambassador for Peterborough-Durham and Sarah-Lynn Gibbons, Zoe’s mother. The Gibbons were active partipants in the 40th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim on Friday morning. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Proceeds go towards Easter Seals Ontario so that children and youth with physical disabilities have access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. The Telethon airs live from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on YourTV and Global Peterborough. The Telethon brings together stories, community voices and fundraising efforts to support Easter Seals kids across the region.

This year’s Easter Seals Ambassador (representing Peterborough-Durham) is seven-year-old Zoe Gibbons from Ajax. This is her second year participating in Easter Seals Ontario but her first as an ambassador.

Zoe was born with a rare condition known as congenital disorder of glycosylation type 2 (CDG Type-2) at birth and requires a wheelchair for mobility. She was the 49th person in the world to be given the diagnosis, according to her mother, Sarah-Lynne Gibbons.

“That's when the sugars and proteins, that mechanism is broken on one of her X chromosomes so there's a 50/50 chance that it can affect every system and organ in her body,” she explained.

Zoe uses her eyes and a Tobii Dynavox communication device to interact with others.

“There's heat sensors on the bottom so if she focuses on something long enough (like on one of the boxes), then it speaks out loud,” said Sarah-Lynn. “It's really cool. It took a really long time for us to advocate because it's one of those things that's hard to get covered but we did and we haven't stopped chatting since.”

The Gibbons were recipients of the Incontinence Grant through Easter Seals Ontario which is awarded to families with children who are diapered at the age of three and beyond.

“They also help with camps for all abilities and equipment so equipment that isn't covered by the government comes with a heavy price tag,” said Sarah-Lynne.

@ptbo_canada The 54th-annual Easter Seals Telethon is set for March 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.! Proceeds are for Easter Seals Ontario for children with physical disabilities access to tools and opportunities to thrive. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #eastersealscanada ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Jeff Leal, Peterborough mayor, were in attendance for the launch. Leal had declared March to be Easter Seals Month in the City of Peterborough.

Throughout the month, Easter Seals Ontario invites the community to several fundraising events. This includes the Boston Pizza Celebrity Serving Event (1164 Chemong Rd.) on Sunday and the Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic on March 12 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

“It's amazing to see the community to come together the way it does and for everyone to show up, it's pretty incredible,” she said.

Donations can be made online.

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Send a Kid to Camp AXE-travaganza with the Peterborough Axe Club and Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation

The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation has announced they are hosting the Send a Kid to Camp AXE-travaganza fundraiser May 1st at the Peterborough Axe Club.

photo courtesy of the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation.

In partnership with Herod Financial Services and supported by AON Inc, Kawartha Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (KOMFS), Terra FirmConstruction and Camp Kawartha and Kawartha Gymnastics, the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation will host an evening of friendly axe throwing competition to help enrich the lives of children in our community.

“This event is our largest fundraiser of the year and plays a vital role in helping us send children to summer camp,” said Carrie Truman, Executive Director of the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation. “Camp provides children involved with the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society the opportunity to build self-esteem and confidence, form meaningful connections and spend time just being a kid.”

Over the past 42 years, the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation has sent over 5740 kids to summer camp.

Their goal is to help 150 children involved with the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society attend camp this summer. By participating in the Send a Kid to Camp AXE-travaganza presented by Herod Financial Services, attendees can ensure local at-risk children have the opportunity to experience the joy of camp this summer.

Tickets are available now for $50 per person or $500 per lane. Two axe-throwing time slots are offered on May 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 8 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.

Event sponsorship opportunities remain available, and those interested can contact carrie@k-hchildrensfoundation.com for more information. Monetary donations in support of the Summer Camp Program can also be made online.

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Family Fun Fest This Family Day at the YMCA

Spend Family Day at the YMCA Balsillie Family Branch with Family Fun Fest event activities, sports and crafts Feb. 16.

file photo.

Gym Stations Available for all Ages

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

NHL Shoot Out - Come see if you can score on staff in the NHL Street Shoot Out

Archery - Ready, Aim, Steady, test your skills with a new archery set

Tot’s fun and play - Activities and games that promote physical development, coordination and healthy habits in a playful, engaging environment for parents and children.

Youth Drop-In Programs

10 to 10:45 a.m.: Wiggles and Giggles with Dance for ages 3-8

Simple dance routines and activities that build rhythm, coordination and confidence while having fun with friends

11 to 11:45 a.m.: Sports of All sorts for ages 3-12

Drop-in to try a variety of sports, build skills and teamwork, and stay active

12 to 12:45 p.m.: Dodgeball for ages 6-12

Dodge, run and play while having fun building skills in teamwork, sportsmanship and strategy

1 to 2 p.m.: Big Ball games (Omikin ball) for ages 6+

Explore upgraded ball games such as ball tag, no net volleyball and more with the Omikin Ball; a super sized ball for ages 6 and up

Admission is by donation to the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign. Suggested donation is $20 for families and $10 for individuals.

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Registration For City of Peterborough Summer Day Camps Opens February 2

Registration for summer day camp programs with the City of Peterborough opens Feb. 2 at 9 a.m.  

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Registration for Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members opens at 7 a.m.

The City offers a variety of day camp options at various facilities throughout the summer months.  

Campers can enhance their creative talents, learn new artistic skills or dance the summer away at the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

Dig for dinosaurs, explore the far reaches of outer space or become a young historian at the Peterborough Museum and Archives.  

Campers can hone their skateboarding skills at Bonnerworth Park with instruction from the Peterborough Skateboard Coalition. Tennis, soccer, rugby, basketball and lacrosse sport camps are taking place in City parks and facilities. The City’s Leadership and aquatic programs are also returning this summer.  

New this year at the Riverview Park and Zoo is a Junior Zookeepers day camp throughout July and August. This week-long day camp will give campers a hands-on, educational experience focused on animals, conservation, and nature. 

“With a wide range of programs offered across the city, campers can explore new interests, build confidence and make new friends while creating memorable experiences that help kids make the most of their summer months,” said Community Services co-Chairs Alex Bierk and Lesley Parnell in a joint statement.  

A full list of day camp programs is available online.

Residents can register for day camp programming online or by calling (ext. 2201). Registration can also be done in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.)

To learn more about payment plans and options visit the website.

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Professional Wrestler Cody Deaner To Guest Speak At Local Elementary Schools

Through a sponsorship with the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough, Chris Gray, known professionally as TNA Wrestling’s Cody Deaner, is doing his sixth guest speaker tour of several Peterborough schools this February.

photo courtesy of the kiwanis club of peterborough, facebook.

Gray will speak at St. Theresa Catholic Elementary School and Kawartha Montessori School on Feb. 2, and St. Catherine Catholic Elementary School and Keith Wightman Public School on Feb. 3.

“We’re very excited to bring Chris back to Peterborough for another tour,” said Kiwanis Club of Peterborough Past-President Jeff Westlake. “His previous tours have been tremendously popular with both students and staff. This will bring the number of schools we’ve visited to twenty.”

Gray is a recommended speaker with the Canadian Student Leadership Association, who’s mission is ‘to support and encourage student leadership in Canada.’

“I’m delighted to be returning to Peterborough next month”, said Gray. “The partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough has been outstanding these last few years, and I’m eager to inspire area kids with my stories and message of ‘Dare to Dream Big.’”

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Welcomes First Baby of 2026

Parents Tahirih and Noah welcomed their baby girl into the world Thursday at 1:01 a.m. as the first baby delivered at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) in 2026.

file photo.

Baby Rowshan-Vandelinde, who is currently awaiting her first name, was born weighing 6 pounds 11 ounces and is the first child for Tahirih and Noah.

“We laboured while the snow fell softly over a sleeping Peterborough and our family began a new year, a new day and a new chapter together in the quiet of the very early morning,” said Tahirih.

PRHC reports that the hospital saw nine births on New Year’s Day.

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Ross Memorial Hospital Welcomes First Baby of 2026

Parents Jessie and Mathew welcomed their baby boy Theo into the world Thursday at 8:47 p.m. as the first baby delivered at the Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) in 2026.

Photo courtesy of ross memorial hospital.

Baby Theo was born weighing 7 pounds 1 ounce and measuring 21 inches (53 cm) long.

“We were not anticipating this as his due date wasn’t for a few more weeks. We had friends over the night before and woke up to my water breaking at 4:45 a.m. I tried to go back to sleep thinking I could wait it out, but I was having contractions, so we came to the hospital. I was in labour for just over 12 hours, pushed for 17 minutes, and then my little sweetheart arrived,” said Jessie. “From the minute we walked in the door and were greeted, to the staff cleaning our room, everyone has been fantastic. Our nurse stayed an extra two hours to see the birth through. It feels like we’ve been at home, it’s been very comforting.”

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Northumberland Hills Hospital Welcomes First Baby of 2026

Hayley Boivin and Nate Hladysh welcomed their baby girl Emma into the world on Thursday at 12:02 a.m. as the first baby delivered at the Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) in 2026.

Photo Courtesy of the Northumberland Hills Hospital.

Baby Emma is the first child for Hayley and Nate, weighing lbs. 7 oz. and measuring 19 inches (49 cm) long.

“We thought she would be born earlier, but as the day went on, we thought maybe she will be a New Year baby. She just made it into the new year! We are excited, happy and a bit overwhelmed,” said Boivin. “We want to thank Dr. Awad and Dr. Smith, the aestheticist Dr. Radonich and the nurses, Alyssa, Tori and Kristen for all of their care and attentiveness.”

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