Loonies on the Street Fundraiser Returns: Raising Funds for Kawartha Food Share

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The 25th annual Loonies on the Street fundraiser in support of Kawartha Food Share returned to Peterborough Square at the corner of George and Simcoe Streets on Friday morning.

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers donated $1,000 towards the cause, while the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough gave $10,000 as part of their TV Bingo proceeds.

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP, donated $250 and challenged Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP and Mayor Jeff Leal to match his donation. If theirs exceeds Smith’s, the MPP will match the increase.

A final count of all proceeds is expected to be released next week.

Kawartha Food Share is a central collection and distribution warehouse that partners with 37 member agencies, including food banks, food cupboards and other food action programs in the City and County of Peterborough.

Donations can also be accepted online.

@ptbo_canada The Bucket Brigade was back this morning for Kawartha Food Share’s 25th annual Loonies on the Street fundraiser at Peterborough Square! 🎅 #PTBOCanada #peterboroughontario ♬ Christmas - Axby

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Community Care Peterborough Launches their 2025 Annual Appeal: Because We Care

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Community Care Peterborough (CCP) has launched its 2025 Annual Appeal, “Because We Care,” inviting Peterborough and surrounding areas to support community services that help seniors and adults with disabilities remain independent at home.

The inspiRation behind because we care: Meals on Wheels volunteer Patty Tipton. Photo Courtesy of Community Care Peterborough.

CCP credits Patty Tipton, a long-time Meals on Wheels staff member, as the inspiration behind this year’s campaign. After years of service with Community Care, Tipton volunteered following her retirement, returning to greet callers and visitors at the organization’s Peterborough office.

“Patty’s dedication shows what caring looks like in action,” said Danielle Belair, CCP CEO. “When people give their time or their financial support, they help create stability and independence for thousands of neighbours. This appeal celebrates that spirit of generosity and invites new supporters to join us.”

In the past year, Community Care Peterborough volunteers contributed the equivalent of 48 full-time employees, donating tens of thousands of hours across the organization. Volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels, drive clients to medical appointments, make friendly visits and reassurance calls, support home help and maintenance services and more.

Because We Care celebrate volunteers and community generosity.

During the 2024 to 2025 year, Community Care Peterborough supported more than 6,000 residents throughout the City and County of Peterborough by providing:

  • More than 50,000 Meals on Wheels deliveries

  • 31,000 rides to medical and essential appointments

  • 20,000 friendly visits and reassurance calls

  • 9,000 home help and maintenance visits

“Our volunteers make our work possible, and our donors make it sustainable,” said Chris LeBlanc, Director of Donor and Public Relations. “Every hour and every dollar ensures that seniors and adults living with disabilities receive the care, connection and support they need to remain independent. Community generosity is the reason we can offer these services without barriers.”

Those who wish to support the 2025 Annual Appeal can learn more about the campaign, read Patty’s story and make a donation by visiting their website. Donations can also be made by phone and in person at any Community Care Peterborough office throughout the City and County.

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Avant-Garden Shop Raises Over $2,000 For New Canadians Centre From Chocolate Bar Campaign; Anonymous Matching Donor Doubles Amount

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After selling Peace By Chocolate products, Avant-Garden Shop has raised $2,133 for the New Canadians Centre (NCC), announced on Tuesday.

In addition to the original donation, the NCC had announced that an anonymous donor had matched the total, doubling the amount to $4,166.

(from left to right) Jeeniraj “JJ” Thevasagayam, NCC executive director; Brenda Ibey, Avant-Garden Shop owner and Asuka Ballantyne Ono, NCC fund development officer holding up several Peace by Chocolate products that had been sold in-store since May. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The garden and bird store started selling the chocolate in May with 711 products purchased. Each bar costs eight dollars, with three going to the NCC. Avant-Garden Shop owner Brenda Ibey could not be more pleased with the way the fundraiser went.

“It was fantastic,” she explained. “Our customers just loved these chocolate bars and as soon as I told them that three dollars for every bar was going to the New Canadians Centre, they would buy, one, two, three or more so they really supportive.”

The NCC said they were grateful for Brenda and her customers’ support throughout the campaign.

“Brenda’s generosity through Avant Garden and the Peace by Chocolate initiative is making a real difference for newcomer families in our community,” said Jeeniraj “JJ” Thevasagayam, NCC executive director. “Because of your support, NCC can continue delivering programs that create belonging, opportunity, and connection in Peterborough.”

Ibey heard of the chocolate company last Christmas and purchased a few bars for herself. She discovered that she could purchase them wholesale and Peace by Chocolate was based out of Antigonish, N.S.

The Avant-Garden owner is sponsoring a Syrian refugee, which coincidentally mirrors the backstory of Peace by Chocolate’s founder and CEO, Tareq Hadhad. The latter had his chocolate factory in his homeland bombed in 2012 which forced him and his family to flee to Lebanon before settling in Canada.

“I have a connection with a young Syrian fellow who we helped to sponsor to get to Canada and now we're working to get his family here as well and so they should be coming soon.”

Ibey thanked all of her customers who had supported the initiative throughout the months and continues to sell Peace by Chocolate products in her store. She may think of a new organization to support for the next wave of chocolate bars but says she was happy to be involved with the NCC.

“It's been a really amazing story, really amazing to get involved with to help these folks because they're in dire straits where they're living and we don't know how lucky we have it here in Canada,” she explained. “I just wanted to help in any way I could, and the New Canadians Centre is a great organization, and I thought this would be fantastic to do.”

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Peterborough Mourns Passing of Former City Councillor Ann Farquharson at 68

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Former Peterborough City Councillor and local volunteer Ann Farquharson has passed away at 68 years of age.

Photo courtesy of Highland Park Funeral Centre.

She passed away peacefully in her home while sleeping on Monday.

Farquharson earned her B.A. (Hons.) from Trent University in 1981 and her L.L.B. from the University of British Columbia in 1984. She was called to the Bar of British Columbia in 1985 and to the Bar of the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1986. As a lawyer, she began practicing law in Peterborough in 1986 as a partner with Farquharson Daly (now known as Farquharson Law). She also acted as Human Rights Advisor at Trent University from 2000 to 2006.

The City of Peterborough flew the flag at half-mast in honour of Farquharson on Tuesday. She was a Town Ward Councillor who served on City Council from 2006 to 2010.

Mayor Jeff Leal released the following statement:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ann Farquharson, a former City Councillor and a dedicated advocate for our community. Ann served the people of Peterborough with integrity and an unwavering commitment to making life better for others. Her leadership, her thoughtful voice at the Council table, and her years of service left a meaningful and lasting impact on our city.

Beyond her time as an elected official, Ann was an active and passionate community supporter, always working to strengthen the places and organizations she cared about. She will be remembered for her generosity, her spirit, and her steadfast belief in building a stronger Peterborough.

On behalf of City Council and the residents of our community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Ann’s family, friends, and all who were touched by her remarkable life and contributions.”

As an avid volunteer, Farquharson served on more than 30 boards and committees, including:

  • President, Peterborough Law Association

  • Board member, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough (and a Big Sister for five years)

  • Director, Five Counties Children’s Centre

  • Provincial appointee to the Board of Governors, Peterborough Civic Hospital, where she chaired the Public Relations and Finance Committees

  • Founding member, Women’s Health Care Centre

  • Board member, C.H.A.N.G.E.S.

  • Board member, Fourth Line Theatre Company

  • President, Peterborough Chapter of the Trent Alumni Association

  • Board member, Peterborough Theatre Guild, Festival of Lights (Musicfest), Fairhaven Foundation

  • Member, Save the Market Hall Committee; Peterborough Youth Commission; Peterborough Centennial Celebration Committee

  • Chair, Citizens Advisory Panel on Flood Planning

  • Member, Veterans Wall of Honour Working Committee

  • Sponsorship Chair, Peterborough Flood Relief Concert Committee

  • Member of YMCA Fundraising Cabinet

  • Member of Women United (United Way)

  • Board member, Women’s Resources (current)

  • United Way Cabinet member (current)

A Celebration of Life for Ann will be held at Market Hall this Saturday at 2 p.m. In place of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice are encouraged.

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The Rotary Club of Peterborough Name 2025 Paul Harris Fellowship Recipients

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The Rotary Clubs of Peterborough and Peterborough-Kawartha recognized local community members for their leadership and service contributions with the Paul Harris Fellow Recognition, presented at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Thursday night.

(From left to right) (Back Row) Kelli Grady, Betty Halman-Plumley, Margaret Hamilton, Catherine Hanrahan, Wendy Swain, Elwood Jones, Don Watkins, Maureen Crowley, Mary Smith

(Front Row) Linda Calverley, Ashley Bonner, Lorne Hamilton, Marcus Ferguson, Steve Paul, Len Lifchus and Brendan Moher. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

Named after Paul Harris, the Rotary International founder, the recognition is for locals who exemplify the Rotary motto of Service Above Self through their leadership and service contributions within our community, the surrounding area or the world at large.

”Presenting the Paul Harris recognition together allows our clubs to honour these recipients as part of a wider Rotary family,” said Tony Grady, Rotary Club of Peterborough president. “It reinforces that our achievements in service aren’t confined to individual clubs—they’re part of a larger, collective effort to create lasting change.

The following local community members were awarded Paul Harris Fellows:

Youth Services: To recognize an individual who makes significant contributions towards youth (programs, services and/or related matters).

  • Linda Calverley: Having spent the past 25 years shaping the lives of girls through the Girl Guides of Canada. Linda has mentored girls from ages 9 to 17 across multiple units. She’s supported fellow leaders, organized camps and events, and inspired generations of girls to be confident, capable, and compassionate. Linda has lead adventure trips to Scotland and the UK, organizing national camps, and creating experiences that have broadened young minds and built lifelong friendships.

Community Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant leadership contribution to the advancement and betterment of the Peterborough Community.

  • Ashley Bonner: As the founder of the East City Community Hub, a grassroots network that began by helping vulnerable neighbours with errands and groceries, Ashley has supported local businesses, organized neighbourhood events, and rallied volunteers in times of need. Her signature project the East City Neighbourhood Yard Sale, created in honour of her late mother, has grown to over 100 participating homes.

Community Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant leadership contribution to the advancement and betterment of the Peterborough Community.

  • Lorne M. Hamilton: When the Kawartha Woodturners Guild lost their meeting space at St. Peter’s High School, Lorne reached out to potters, weavers, gourders, and other craftspeople, and together they formed what became The Artisan’s Centre Peterborough. With Lorne’s leadership, they found a home in Peterborough Square, a space that still buzzes today with creativity, learning, and community spirit. From children’s programs to accessible workstations for those in wheelchairs, Lorne’s vision has made art more inclusive and inspiring for everyone.

Vocational Service: To recognize an individual who uses their vocational skills consistent with Rotary ideals toward community and/or international matters.

  • Marcus Ferguson: Through his work with YourTV, Marcus has become the unseen historian of Peterborough. From city council meetings and charity fundraisers to sporting events and Rotary gatherings, he’s been there with his video camera, capturing the people and moments that shape who we are. Comparable to the Trent Valley Archives or the Roy Studio Collection, one could say the digital video archive Marcus has built will hold that same importance, telling the story of our community.

Environmental Service: To recognize an individual who supports activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of our environment.

  • Steve Paul: As the founder of Clean Up Peterborough, a small grassroots effort to keep our parks, trails, and neighbourhoods clean, Steve Paul has grown his endeavour into community-wide movement focused not just on picking up litter, but on rethinking how our city reduces waste, recycles, and reuses materials. Among his many initiatives is organizing the collection of used writing instruments and used pill bottles diverting hundreds of kilograms of plastic waste from our landfills.

Club Service for the Rotary Club of Peterborough: To recognize a member for their outstanding service and dedication, each Rotary Club will select a member from their respective Rotary Club to receive this prestigious recognition.

  • Eric Steinmiller: As the co-chair of the club’s international service committee, Eric is a world traveller and a leader in developing and funding Rotary’s humanitarian projects in Nepal and Honduras.

Club Service the Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha: To recognize a member for their outstanding service and dedication, each Rotary Club will select a member from their respective Rotary Club to receive this prestigious recognition.

  • Len Lifchus: A dedicated Rotarian for over 26 years, Len has faithfully served his club in many capacities most notably serving as club Secretary, President, and leading the club’s major funding projects. He has also served on the boards of numerous not-for-profits in the community.

On behalf of each recipient, the Rotary Clubs of Peterborough and Peterborough-Kawartha said they will donate the equivalent of $1,000 USD to the Rotary International Foundation.

The Nine Ships 1825 Inc. project also received a certificate of appreciation for their work and the community engagement created, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Peter Robinson Irish Emigration.

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Peterborough County Economic Development and Tourism Launch Kawarthas Holiday Digital Passport

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Peterborough County Economic Development and Tourism has launched the second initiative in The Kawarthas Quest series: the Holiday Magic Digital Passport.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

According to the County, following the success of the Lakefield Scavenger Hunt, the first Quest, the Holiday Magic Digital Passport brings a festive new way for residents and visitors to enjoy the spirit of The Kawarthas while supporting the small businesses that shape our communities.

The event uses the Driftscape app (or mobile browser) to collect Holiday Magic Digital Passport rewards those who choose to shop across Peterborough County with points, ballots and the chance to win prizes throughout the season.

Shopping at participating businesses earns secret passwords to enter for points. For every 10 points, receive one ballot for the multiple weekly gift card draws and the grand prize.

A grand prize of $1,500 in gift cards is being drawn on Jan. 7. Points can be collected until Dec. 24, weekly draws start Nov. 24 and grand prize ballot submissions are on Dec. 31.

“There’s something truly special about holiday shopping in The Kawarthas - the decorated storefronts, familiar faces, and the joy of finding the perfect gift close to home,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. The Holiday Magic Digital Passport brings that experience to life, encouraging all of us to embrace the season, share time with loved ones, and support the local businesses that are the heartbeat of our communities.”

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Burnham Street In Lakefield Reopened; Kawartha Home Hardware Gets Temporary Location

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The Township of Selwyn has reopened Burnham Street in Lakefield to traffic, following the community’s recovery from the Home Hardware fire.

pHOTO COURTESY OF kAWARTHA hOME hARDWARE.

This reopening, along with Queen Street and Burnham Street, grants full access through the Village’s downtown core. Pedestrian detours remain in place along the section of Queen and Burnham Streets immediately adjacent to the fire-affected site, where fencing will stay up until all site restoration activities are complete.

The Township is now working to reinstall two streetlight poles and fixtures that were removed for firefighter safety.

Home Hardware is opening a pop-up store downtown at 25 Queen St., according to a Facebook post on Tuesday. The store will have a paint department, their popular hardware essentials and seasonal merchandise. An opening date has not yet been announced.

“Lakefield’s heart is its people and its sense of community,” said Mayor Sherry Senis. “As we enter this special time of year, we hope everyone will come downtown, support local businesses, and take part in the many festive activities that showcase our Village’s spirit.”

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Photos: City of Peterborough Celebrates Veterans On 2025 Remembrance Day

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The City of Peterborough and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52 hosted hundreds of residents who paid their respects to war veterans during the Remembrance Day celebration at the Citizens' War Memorial in Confederation Park on Tuesday morning.

The ceremonies featured a parade, addresses from dignitaries and veterans, prayer, two minutes of silence, hanging and poppies on wreaths and singing.

@ptbo_canada The City of Peterborough and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52 hosted hundreds of residents who paid their respects to war veterans during the Remembrance Day celebration at the Citizens' War Memorial in Confederation Park. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #remembranceday ♬ Remembrance Day - Paris Street

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Bonnerworth Park Officially Open to the Public

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The City of Peterborough celebrated the official grand opening of Bonnerworth Park on Saturday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The revitalization includes a new bike pump track, an expanded skatepark and 14 new pickleball courts, including two accessible courts.

“This revitalization brings fresh energy to Bonnerworth Park, creating a modern, inclusive space for a new generation,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “This is a park built for everyone, from skateboarders, cyclists and pickleball players to families who want to enjoy a sunny afternoon in Bonnerworth’s green space. Finished on time and on budget, Bonnerworth Park reflects Peterborough’s active spirit and will continue to be a place where people of all ages can come together.”

“Bonnerworth Park is a modern, accessible park marking a new and energetic chapter for recreation in Peterborough,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell. “The new amenities in this space are the result of collaboration with user groups, local organizations and the city. Together, we’ve created a welcoming, inclusive park that will serve residents for many years to come.”

A new shade shelter was constructed in the park after a $200,000 community investment from Hydro One through work on the Durham Kawartha Powerline project.

Other enhancements to the park include fresh sodding and a multipurpose trail linking all amenities. The park's perimeter is lined with 202 new trees.

Saturday’s opening celebration was followed by an afternoon of activities on the bike pump track, skatepark and pickleball courts, led by city staff and user groups.

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City Holding 2025 Remembrance Day Parade On Tuesday

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The City of Peterborough is having its Remembrance Day parade and service at the Citizens' War Memorial in Confederation Square on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until approximately 11:20 a.m. 

File photo.

Organized and hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52, Peterborough, everyone is welcome to participate to pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who served and continue to serve our country during times of war, military conflict and peace. 

Those participating in the parade should arrive at Confederation Square by 9:30 a.m. to sign a waiver and take part.   

Rolling road closures will be in place along the parade route from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for the Remembrance Day parade. Some Peterborough Transit routes may be affected during that period.  

The schedule is as follows:

10 a.m.  

  • Parade departs Confederation Square, travelling south on George Street, east on Hunter Street, north on Water Street and west on McDonnel Street, where it returns to the Citizens' War Memorial at Confederation Square.

10:25 a.m.  

  • Parade arrives at Citizens' War Memorial.

10:30 a.m.  

  • O Canada, led by the Salvation Army Band and Peterborough Pop Ensemble, followed by the Prayer of Invocation  

  • Hymn, O God, Our Help in Ages Past  

  • Addresses: Mayor Jeff Leal, City of Peterborough and Robert Lloyd, President, Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 52 

  • Performance by the Children’s Montessori and Preparatory School Choir  

  • Placing of the Wreaths  

  • Hymn, O Valiant Hearts, Salvation Army Band  

  • The Peacekeeper's Prayer  

11 a.m.  

  • Last Post 

  • Two minutes of silence  

  • Lament  

  • The Rouse 

  • We Honour You, Peterborough Pop Ensemble with Steven Bark  

  • Guest Speaker, John Andela  

  • God Save the King led by the Salvation Army Band and Peterborough Pop Ensemble  

  • Benediction  

  • Children place poppies on wreaths  

  • March off the colours  

Ladies Auxiliary to Branch 52 will serve an open-faced hot beef sandwich for $5.00 following the service at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52, 1550 Lansdowne St. W.  To purchase a wreath, contact the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52 at 705-745-6361.

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