Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza Returns to Peterborough Humane Society Saturday With a Mission to Help Local Animals

By Scott Arnold

A pumpkin, a barbecue lunch and a chance to help animals find loving homes are all part of a Peterborough tradition that continues to grow.

Patrick McAuley is bringing back Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza for a fourth year, raising money for the Peterborough Humane Society. (photo by scott arnold)

Some fall traditions are about decorating the front porch. Others are about bringing people together for something that matters. For Patrick McAuley, Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza does both, with every dollar raised going directly to the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS).

The fourth annual event, organized by McAuley Real Estate Group, a team at Bowes & Cocks Limited, Brokerage, is back this weekend at PHS. Visitors can pick up a pumpkin by donation, enjoy a barbecue and support the animals waiting for their next chapter.

New this year, the event will feature hamburgers, hot dogs and sweet treats supplied by The Crumb Box, giving visitors another reason to stop by while helping raise money for the organization.

Last year’s Pumpkin Palooza raised close to $400 for PHS. With just 50 pumpkins available this year, McAuley hopes to build on that success and sell them all, with proceeds from the pumpkins, food and treats supporting the animals in the shelter’s care.

Pumpkins are ready for Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza, with all proceeds going directly to the Peterborough Humane Society. (photo courtesy of Patrick McAuley)

The event has grown since its early days, with last year marking a particularly successful outing. McAuley credits community support and the generosity of Leahy’s, which donates the pumpkins, with helping make it possible.

“Last year was a smash hit,” McAuley said. “So it keeps getting bigger and bigger, which is great.”

The idea comes from a place that is deeply personal to him. McAuley grew up in a pet-loving family and eventually inherited two cats who lived to the ages of 19 and 17.

“I see all these pets that need a loving home. And these guys do such a great job with it that it’s important for us to give back,” McAuley said.

That connection is at the heart of the event. While the pumpkins and barbecue bring people through the doors, the cause behind them is what makes the day meaningful.

5. Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza brings the community together to support the animals in the care of the Peterborough Humane Society. (photo courtesy of patrick mcauley)

The Peterborough Humane Society cares for animals of all ages, and McAuley hopes people will keep that in mind when considering adoption. Puppies and kittens may attract plenty of attention, but older animals deserve the same opportunity to find a loving home.

“There are older cats and dogs here as well that could use a nice home,” he said.

McAuley also sees an opportunity for people who might be hesitant to adopt another pet because of their age to consider giving a senior animal a comfortable home.

“Maybe they could provide a nice home for a senior pet as well,” he said.

Two feline residents at the Peterborough Humane Society enjoy some attention while helping shine a light on the animals the organization cares for. (photo by Scott arnold)

For anyone who has never visited the Humane Society, Saturday also offers an opportunity to see the animals and learn more about the work being done to care for them. Just be prepared: spending a little time with a friendly cat or dog can make leaving without a new family member a challenge.

For McAuley, however, the bigger picture extends well beyond one event or one organization.

“I love it here,” he said. “We know that there are people that need help, animals that need help, all sorts of different, charitable things we can do just to give back to such a great city.”

Dog: A friendly face at the Peterborough Humane Society, where Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza will raise money to support the animals in its care. (photo by scott arnold)

That spirit is what brings Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza back for a fourth year. It is a simple way to enjoy a fall morning, connect with the community and help animals who depend on the care and generosity of others.

Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza takes place Saturday, October 17th, from 11am to 1pm at the Peterborough Humane Society, 1999 Technology Drive. Admission is free, and pumpkins are available by donation. All proceeds from the event go directly to the Peterborough Humane Society.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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A $5,000 Vacation Could Be Yours, But There’s a Personal Story Behind This Peterborough Humane Society Prize

By Scott Arnold

One lucky winner could take home a $5,000 travel voucher through the Peterborough Humane Society’s 50/50 Lottery, thanks to a local travel business owner whose support is rooted in a love of animals.

Mary LaRocque, owner of Marlin Travel Peterborough, spends some time with one of the animals at the Peterborough Humane Society, an organization she’s proud to support through the $5,000 Marlin Travel Transat Ruffle. (photo by scott arnold)

Mary LaRocque, owner of Marlin Travel Peterborough, has been involved with the Peterborough Humane Society’s 50/50 Lottery for the past few years, helping offer a travel prize alongside the main cash jackpot.

This fall, the Marlin Travel Transat Ruffle gives one winner a $5,000 travel voucher, with plenty of options for putting it to use.

“It’s $5,000 for the winner and they can book anything with Transat,” LaRocque explained. “There’s lots of options there. It can be flights. It can be an all-inclusive vacation package.”

With winter approaching in the Kawarthas, the timing feels right for someone dreaming of a getaway.

“The timing of this is absolutely perfect,” LaRocque said.

But for LaRocque, the partnership means much more than a chance for someone to win a vacation.

Every animal at the Peterborough Humane Society has a story, and community support helps give them the care and attention they deserve while they wait for their next chapter. (photo by Scott Arnold)

A Tribute to Someone Who Loved Animals

LaRocque said her involvement began after the loss of a cousin who adored animals of all kinds, including dogs, cats and rabbits.

After speaking with Peterborough Humane Society Director of Fund Development Kevin MacKenzie about the organization’s 50/50 Lottery, she saw an opportunity to honour her cousin’s memory.

“I had a cousin of mine that was a true pet fanatic. She loved every kind of pet going, whether it was dogs, cats, rabbits,” LaRocque said. “And unfortunately, she passed away a few years ago.”

When the conversation turned to how she could help the Humane Society, LaRocque realized the Ruffle could be a meaningful way to keep that love of animals alive.

“I thought it’d be a great tribute to her,” she said.

That personal connection has helped make the partnership a natural fit for Marlin Travel Peterborough, which has been part of the local community for decades.

LaRocque has spent 42 years in the travel industry and more than 40 years involved in the community. Her volunteer work has included serving as chair of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and the Women’s Business Network.

“I have V for volunteer, stamped on my head,” she joked. “But it really is part of the community that you need to get involved in volunteering, not just for your business, but for the community itself that supports your business.”

The Marlin Travel Transat Ruffle offers one lucky winner a $5,000 travel voucher while helping support the Peterborough Humane Society’s work with animals in need. (photo by scott arnold)

A Love of Animals and the Work PHS Does

LaRocque is an animal lover herself, with a dog named Callie who has appeared in some of Marlin Travel’s previous videos.

Visiting the Humane Society can be difficult because she wants to bring all the animals home, she admitted, but she also appreciates seeing the work being done to care for them.

“I love coming to the Humane Society, but I come with bated breath because I love all the animals,” LaRocque said. “I’m a true animal lover. I have a dog myself. My mascot Callie has been on some of the videos in the past, and it’s very hard for me not to want to adopt everyone when I’m here.”

Her visits also give her a chance to see the impact of the organization’s work firsthand.

“But it’s so nice to come and see the great work that the Peterborough Humane Society does,” she said.

For LaRocque, the partnership is a way to support a cause she genuinely cares about while giving back to the community where she has built her business.

“I don’t think there’s a better place for Marlin Travel Peterborough to be a community partner,” she said. “And the 50/50 and the Marlin Travel Transat Ruffle is perfect for us.”

The Peterborough Humane Society’s partnership with Marlin Travel Peterborough offers a chance to win a $5,000 travel voucher while supporting animals in need. (photo by scott arnold)

How to Enter the Ruffle

The Marlin Travel Transat Ruffle is part of the Peterborough Humane Society’s Fall 2026 50/50 Lottery, which runs until November 6th. Tickets are available online at phs5050.ca, and cash purchases can also be made in person at the Peterborough Humane Society or Miskin Law.

LaRocque said Marlin Travel Peterborough also shares information about the lottery through its office and Facebook page, giving people another way to learn about the prize and enter.

The $5,000 travel voucher is separate from the 50/50 jackpot, meaning there are multiple prizes available through the fall lottery.

For LaRocque, it’s a chance to help an organization that matters to her while keeping her late cousin’s love of animals at the heart of the partnership.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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A Ticket Could Help Give an Animal a Second Chance: Peterborough Humane Society 50/50 Is Back

By Scott Arnold

The jackpot is exciting, but every ticket purchased is also helping provide food, medicine, care and a second chance to animals who need the Peterborough Humane Society most.

The Peterborough Humane Society cares for about 130 animals at any given time, each with their own story and needs. (photo by Scott arnold)

The Peterborough Humane Society’s 50/50 Lottery is back, and after the community helped push the jackpot to a record $137,510 last spring, there’s plenty of reason to get excited about this fall’s draw.

But while one lucky person could walk away with a life-changing amount of money, there’s another side of the lottery that matters just as much.

Every ticket helps the Peterborough Humane Society continue caring for animals in need and supporting pets and people throughout the community.

The sixth PHS 50/50 Lottery officially launched Thursday, October 1st and runs until Friday, November 6th.

From shelter and medical care to finding forever homes, there are plenty of costs that come with giving animals a second chance. (photo by scott arnold)

A Big Jackpot Could Be Coming

Of course, there is still the fun part.

Last spring's PHS 50/50 grew to a record $137,510, with the lucky winner taking home $68,755.

“It’s a fun phone call to call someone and tell them they’ve won almost $69,000,” said Kevin MacKenzie, Director of Fund Development at PHS.

That record has now set the bar for the fall lottery.

And there are multiple chances to win along the way.

Miskin Law is back as the sponsor of the two Early Bird Draws, with $1,500 up for grabs on Friday, October 9th and $2,000 up for grabs on Friday, October 23rd.

Every ticket purchased before an Early Bird deadline is also entered into the main 50/50 draw.

The lottery also includes the return of the Marlin Travel & Transat Ruffle, giving one lucky winner a $5,000 travel voucher. Tickets for the Ruffle start at $10.

The grand prize and Marlin Travel & Transat Ruffle draws will take place Friday, November 6th after 1pm.

The community’s support helps make sure animals at the Peterborough Humane Society continue to receive the care they deserve. (photo by scott arnold)

There's Also a New Way to Never Miss a Draw

Since the PHS 50/50 happens multiple times a year, the Humane Society has introduced a new membership option this fall.

When purchasing tickets, supporters can choose to become a Member and have the same ticket package automatically purchased for future PHS 50/50 Lotteries.

Members will receive a reminder before each new lottery begins and can cancel at any time.

It’s designed to make supporting the Humane Society a little easier for people who don't want to realize after the fact that they've forgotten to buy their tickets.

Every animal at the Peterborough Humane Society deserves the chance to find a loving forever home, with community support helping make that possible. (photo by scott arnold)

The Community Is What Keeps PHS Going

Perhaps the most important thing to understand about the lottery is where that money comes from and why it matters.

The Peterborough Humane Society does not receive government funding to keep its doors open.

“The community is why we are here,” MacKenzie said. “There is no government funding involved with keeping the lights on here at PHS. So we are only here because of the generosity of the community.”

That generosity helps support the animals currently in the Humane Society's care, but it also allows PHS to provide programs and services throughout Peterborough and area.

“At any given point about 130 animals that are here being loved, nurtured, cared for, food, medicine,” MacKenzie said.

Those animals need food, medicine, shelter and plenty of love and care while the staff work to get them ready for their forever homes.

And the work of the Humane Society extends far beyond the animals living inside its facility.

Programs like the PHS Pet Pantry provide food and pet supplies to people in the community who may need some extra help caring for their animals.

“A few times a year we set up around town and we give out food and pet accessories to people that might need a little extra help at that time,” MacKenzie said.

That means buying a 50/50 ticket isn't simply a chance to win. It's one of the ways people can help make sure the Humane Society can continue doing all of that work.

“There’s a number of different ways that you are supporting PHS and supporting the community by getting your PHS lottery tickets,” MacKenzie said.

So yes, there is a jackpot.

There are Early Bird prizes.

There is a $5,000 travel prize.

But underneath all of that is something much bigger: a community coming together to help animals who have nowhere else to turn.

And if you happen to win big along the way, that's pretty great too.

The Fall 2026 PHS 50/50 Lottery is open to players across Ontario, with tickets available online at PHS5050.ca or with cash in person at the Peterborough Humane Society or Miskin Law.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Riverview Park and Zoo Mourns the Loss of Beloved Serval Ali

By Scott Arnold

A familiar face at the Riverview Park and Zoo has passed away, with staff and visitors saying goodbye to Ali, a serval cat who was just shy of her 23rd birthday.

Ali was a longtime resident of the Riverview Park and Zoo, arriving in Peterborough in 2010 and becoming a familiar face to zoo visitors and staff. (Photo courtesy of Riverview Park and Zoo)

Ali arrived at the zoo in 2010 after being donated by the Toronto Zoo, and quickly became a familiar and popular animal with her distinctive markings and personality.

Her time at the zoo also included an unexpected challenge. In 2020, Ali broke her right front leg in a fall and ultimately lost the leg. She adapted to life on three legs and continued to thrive, remaining a favourite among zoo staff and visitors.

Ali spent more than 15 years at the Riverview Park and Zoo, where her distinctive markings and personality made her a favourite among staff and visitors. (Photo courtesy of Riverview Park and Zoo)

For much of her time at Riverview Park and Zoo, Ali shared her space with two other servals, Friday and Kabala. Kabala arrived at the zoo in 2001 and passed away in 2018, while Friday arrived in 2004 and remained at Riverview until her passing in 2023. After both of them passed away, Ali spent her final years alongside Torty, the zoo's African spurred tortoise.

Ali was a longtime resident of the Riverview Park and Zoo, arriving in Peterborough in 2010 and becoming a familiar face to zoo visitors and staff. (Photo courtesy of Riverview Park and Zoo)

Servals typically live about 10 to 12 years in the wild, while those in captivity can live beyond 20 years. Ali was just shy of turning 23 when she passed away.

With Ali's passing, the Riverview Park and Zoo is now without a serval, bringing the chapter of these distinctive wild cats at the zoo to a close, at least for now.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.