CMHA HKPR's Fourth Annual Change the Cycle Breaks Fundraising Record of Over $31,000

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge’s (CMHA HKPR) fourth annual Change the Cycle fundraiser broke its record, raising $31,620.64 at Nicholls Oval on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of Emma Lustic and CMHA HKPR.

There were a record 92 registered riders at the event, helping exceed the fundraising goal of $25,000.

Proceeds from the event will support unfunded and non‑annualized mental health programs at CMHA HKPR, helping fill critical gaps so individuals and families can access the services they need.

“We’re incredibly proud of what this event has become and so grateful for the energy and generosity of everyone involved,” said Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education. “Seeing nearly 100 riders come together, alongside our sponsors, volunteers, and community supporters, is a powerful reminder of how much people care about mental health in our region.”

New this year was a theme song created by Lindsay-based grunge band, ‘Soup,’ to showcase their hit, ‘Let’s Go For a Ride.’ The band was formed by Lindsay resident Simon Ward, the founder of Strumbellas.

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CMHA HKPR's Fourth-Annual 'Change the Cycle' Fundraiser For Mental Health Hits Paths This Saturday

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) fourth-annual 'Change the Cycle' fundraising event is hitting the trails at Nicholls Oval this Saturday.

Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education (left), Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president (middle) and Presley Overgoor, The Wolf 101.5’s promotions coordinator durign the initial event’s launch on APril 10. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Cyclists can register for a 4k, 12k or 26k ride along the Rotary Trail in Peterborough. They can register online as individuals or teams. Registration is $20 per person, and children 12 and under can register for free. Registration includes the ride, a t-shirt and a BBQ lunch.

New this year is a theme song created by Lindsay-based grunge band, ‘Soup,’ to showcase their hit, ‘Let’s Go For a Ride.’ The band was formed by Lindsay resident Simon Ward, the founder of Strumbellas.

Proceeds from the event will support unfunded and non‑annualized mental health programs at CMHA HKPR, helping fill critical gaps so individuals and families can access the services they need according to Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education.

“Proceeds this year will be going towards unfunded mental health programs for the CMHA,” he said. “(It’s) All the services that will best support those in the community that need it the most.”

This year’s 2026 Agents of Change are: Michelle Mackey, Linda Kash, Phil Jolicoeur and Peterborough Petes mascot Roger.

This year’s goal is to raise at least $25,000. Last year’s event raised $30,537.08; 2024 raised $25,500; and the inaugural event raised over $40,000, all totalling over $100,000 for mental health initiatives.

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CMHA HKPR Launches Clothing Line Created From Local Artists to Help Fund Mental Health Programs

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) celebrated Mental Health Week with help from local artists by launching a new clothing line to help fund mental health programs, announced on Wednesday.

(From left to right) Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education; Kate Matthews, artist and Lindsay Halcovitch, Perfect Perception. Matthews and Halcovitch are wearing their designs for the clothing line while Veitch holds Phillip Jolicouer’s design. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

CMHA HKPR commissions three local artists in Kate Matthews, Lindsay Halcovitch and Phillip Jolicoeur to create original designs inspired by mental health and wellness.

“It’s super meaningful to contribute,” said Matthews. “This (CMHA HKPR) is my workplace as well so it’s extra powerful, bringing my passion of art and my workplace in putting that together with my passion for mental health.”

“I just felt honoured for this have this opportunity to present some of my designs for such a meaningful purpose,” explained Halcovitch.

“Working with these artists has been incredibly inspiring. Their talent really shines through in every piece, and they’ve created designs that are not only meaningful but genuinely stylish,” said Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education. “This collection proves that you can support an important cause, start conversations about mental health, and feel proud of what you’re wearing at the same time.”

@ptbo_canada The CMHA HKPR is celebrating Mental Health Week by launching a new clothing collection that brings together mental health advocacy, community connection and local creativity. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #mentalhealth ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Partial proceeds from every purchase directly support CMHA HKPR programs and services across Haliburton, Kawartha and Pine Ridge.

Clothing can be purchased online at CMHA HKPR’s website by clicking ‘Shop.’

“It’s so important to note that each person has their own journey, and it was important to us to find different types of artists with different kinds of art styles to really depict each person’s journey and experience with their mental health and wellness,” said Vietch.

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CMHA HKPR Launches Fourth-Annual 'Change the Cycle' Fundraiser For Mental Health Initiatives

Time to put the pedal to the metal for the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) as they launched the fourth-annual 'Change the Cycle' fundraising event at Nicholls Oval on June 20.

Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education (left) and Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president (right), emulating the event's signature photo to mark the launch of the fourth-annual fundraiser. Since 2023, Change the Cycle has now raised over $100,000 for local mental health initiatives. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This year, proceeds support CMHA HKPR's unfunded and non‑annualized mental health programs.

“Proceeds this year will be going towards unfunded mental health programs for the CMHA,” said Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education. “(It’s) All the services that will best support those in the community that need it the most.”

@ptbo_canada The @CMHAHKPR has launched the fourth-annual “Change the Cycle” fundraiser happening Nune 20 at Nicholls Oval. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #mentalhealth ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

This year’s goal is to raise at least $25,000. Last year’s event raised $30,537.08; 2024 raised $25,500; and the inaugural event raised over $40,000, all totalling over $100,000 for mental health initiatives.

Cyclists can register for a 4k, 12k or 26k ride along the Rotary Trail in Peterborough. They can register online as individuals or teams. Registration is $20 per person, and children 12 and under can register for free. Registration includes the ride, a t-shirt and a BBQ lunch.

New this year is a theme song created by Lindsay-based grunge band, ‘Soup,’ to showcase their hit, ‘Let’s Go For a Ride.’ The band was formed by Lindsay resident Simon Ward, the founder of Strumbellas.

To become an event sponsor or volunteer, email Veitch at jveitch@cmhahkpr.ca.

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CMHA HKPR Partners with Local Artist to Create a Mural Representing Inclusive Mental Health Care

In partnership with local artist Mickaela Baker, the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) unveiled a new mural at the George Street office entrance on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

The goal with the new mural is to create a more welcoming and inclusive space for those seeking mental health support, says CMHA HKPR.

“We know that the physical environment plays a critical role in how people feel when they reach out for help,” said Ellen Watkins, CMHA HKPR CEO. “This project is about more than art, it’s about creating a space that feels safe, inclusive and supportive.”

“The mural will act as a symbol of knowledge, hope and belonging, reinforcing CMHA HKPR’s commitment to making decisions guided by the needs and voices of the people we serve,” said CMHA HKPR in a press release. “By partnering with local artists, we aim to strengthen our connections to our community and demonstrate that we strive to listen to, learn from and truly see the people we support as a mental health organization.”

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Coming Full Circle Program Launched In Haliburton County For Networking In Substance Abuse and Metal Health Challenges

Point in Time and the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) have officially launched its Coming Full Circle Program in Haliburton County with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

Funded by Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), the program is a transformative two-year initiative designed to build a network of peer support workers who bring lived and living experience of substance use and mental health challenges according to a press release. These individuals are trained, mentored, and supported to contribute meaningfully to improvements in the health and social systems across Haliburton County.

The program is rooted in the belief that lived experience is a powerful asset. Peer support workers offer a unique and invaluable perspective, fostering trust, empathy, and connection in ways that traditional services often cannot.

“This program represents a different approach to care, one rooted in connection and lived experience.” said David Barkley, program supervisor. “Peer support means working with someone who truly understands the barriers and challenges because they’ve been through them too. That authenticity helps build trust and makes it easier to navigate the tough realities that can come with living in smaller, rural communities. People deserve support from a place where they feel welcomed, not judged.”

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CMHA HKPR Surpasses Goal, Raising Over $30,000 From Third Annual 'Change the Cycle' Fundraiser

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) crushed its $25,000 fundraising goal from its third annual ‘Change the Cycle’ event, raising $30,537.08 on Saturday at Nicholls Oval.

Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president (left) and Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education (right) after the former kickstarted the fundraiser with a $5,000 donation. CMHA HKPR's Change the Cycle raised over $25K for youth and family mental health supports. Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

There were 86 riders who hit the Rotary Greenway Trail to support CMHA HKPR.

These funds will directly support Planet Youth through the Haliburton, Kawartha, Northumberland Peterborough (HKNP) Health Unit. It is an initiative dedicated to enhancing the mental wellness of youth and families in these areas.

“This is a huge win for youth and family mental health in our region, and it would not have been possible without you all. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Agents of Change, Linda Kash and Michelle Mackey, for lending their voices and hearts to this cause. Your support means the world to us,” in a statement in a press release.

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Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign Raises Over $125,000 For Local Organizations

The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign help make a lot of happy faces as they raised $125,022.48 for several local organizations, announced on Thursday.

Since the first-ever Smile Cookie campaign in 1996, the annual charitable campaign has raised a total of more than $151 million for charities and community groups. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

Nineteen participating locations throughout Peterborough, Bridgenorth, Lakefield, Curve Lake and Havelock contributed to the fundraiser. The beneficiary organizations were BGC Kawarthas Foundation, the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) and Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC).

Of the funds raised, $62,511.24 will go towards FCCC ‘Building Abilities for Life’ Campaign with BGC Kawarthas and CMHA HKPR each receiving $31,255.62 to support their respective services.

“Our community truly came together to make this all possible. We are grateful to everyone who donated their time, helped spread the word, bought cookies and supported this initiative.” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “We are very appreciative of Tim’s and its staff who welcomed and assisted our Smile Cookie volunteers. The generosity of Tim Hortons and its ongoing support for many different organizations is amazing, and it was a pleasure to work alongside them as we all work to better health and wellness for youth in our communities.” 

“We appreciate the opportunity to work alongside Five Counties and BGC Kawarthas through the Smile Cookie Campaign,” said Ellen Watkins, CMHA HKPR CEO. “It was a delight to see our teams work together and to meet the community as we decorated cookies. Many thanks to the Tim Hortons staff who made us feel at home and part of the team.”

“On behalf of all the staff and volunteers from BGC Kawarthas, thank you to the hard-working staff and owners of the Tim Hortons,” said Amy Terrill, BGC Kawarthas executive director. “It was a distinct pleasure to be involved in the Smile Cookie campaign with our amazing partners at Five Counties Children’s Centre and CMHA HKPR. With the support of our community, many children and their families will benefit as a result.”

A record-breaking $22.6 million was raised through the sale of Smile Cookies this year, supporting over 600 charities and community groups across Canada and  the United States, according to Axel Schwan, Tim Hortons President.

“We’re so grateful for the outpouring of support for this year’s Smile Cookie campaign from Tims guests across Canada. Thanks to your incredible generosity we topped our previous Smile Cookie record,” he said.

The BGC Kawarthas Foundation raises funds to support the work of BGC Kawarthas, which provides essential programs and services for children and youth, including mental health and wellness programs, nutrition, after-school programs, summer camps, and leadership development activities.

CMHA HKPR provides mental health services and support to individuals in the community. Its programs promote mental wellness, offer crisis intervention, and provide counseling and therapy services.

Five Counties Children’s Centre has been dedicated to supporting children and youth with physical, developmental, and communication needs for 50 years. Last year, Five Counties provided treatment services for over 6,100 children and youth, of which 2,950 were from Peterborough and Peterborough County.

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CMHA HKPR Accepting Nominations For Community Mental Health Awards and Annual Tam Grant Bursary

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) is now accepting nominations for the Annual Community Mental Health Awards and Tam Grant Bursary, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

According to CMHA HKPR, community members are encouraged to nominate someone who deserves recognition for their efforts in improving mental health in our community. This includes volunteers, community leaders, individuals with lived experience of mental illness, and their family members.

Applications for the annual Tam Grant Bursary are open for students entering post-secondary education with a diagnosed mental illness. The deadline for award and bursary submissions is June 23 at 4:30 p.m.

CMHA HKPR is calling for submissions for the following awards:

• The Achievement Through Adversity Award honours a client of CMHA HKPR services, or a survivor of mental illness, who has shown continued courage and tenacity in reaching their goals. In education, employment, volunteering, or through the tasks of daily living, this individual is a role model for others on the journey to a healthy life.

• The Maurice Lovnes Award is presented to an individual or individuals who have volunteered with CMHA HKPR, and who have exemplified the following traits during the year: Vision, Dedication, Caring, Support and Commitment.

• The Caregiver Champion Award honours a family member or caregiver who has shown continued support to a person living with mental health concerns.

• The Naresh James Award recognizes an individual who has championed critical issues, pioneered initiatives, and has achieved lasting impacts in support of those who live with mental health issues, as well as assisting their families and friends. This individual has demonstrated commitment to support individuals who live with mental health challenges through their leadership, advocacy, and perseverance.

• The Champion of Mental Health acknowledges individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions in the community by supporting mental health. These contributions should support Knowledge, Hope and Belonging: the three pillars that form the foundation of our organization to enable Mental Health for All.

• Tam Grant Bursary – Access to educational programs is one way for individuals living with schizophrenia or other serious and persistent mental illnesses to realize their own potential. The Tam Grant Memorial Bursary seeks to encourage and support these individuals as they pursue higher education.

Bursaries are awarded yearly at CMHA HKPR’s Annual Meeting for registration for the upcoming school year. The maximum amount awarded annually is $1,000.  Applicants must be Peterborough and County, Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes, or Haliburton residents.

Tam Grant Memorial Bursary applications and nomination forms can be found online.

All award nominations and bursary applications must be received by June 23 at 4:30 p.m. Successful nominees and applicants will be presented with their awards or bursaries at the CMHA HKPR Annual Meeting in September.

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CMHA HKPR Launches Third-Annual 'Change the Cycle' Fundraiser For Mental Health Initiatives

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) has launched the third-annual 'Change the Cycle' fundraising event at Nicholls Oval on June 21.

Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president (left) and Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education (right) after the former kickstarted the fundraiser with a $5,000 donation. CMHA HKPR's Change the Cycle raised over $25K for youth and family mental health supports. Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

“Youth mental health is a critical area of focus, given the unique challenges and needs of this demographic,” said Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education. “We know the importance of providing accessible mental health care to young people, ensuring they can thrive. We are excited to announce this year’s proceeds will be going towards a new initiative called Planet Youth.”

To help kickstart the fundraiser, Tom’s Heating & Cooling donated $5,000.

Cyclists can register for a 4k, 12k or 26k ride along the Rotary Trail in Peterborough. They can register online as individuals or teams. Registration is $20 per person, and children 12 and under can register for free. Registration includes the ride, a t-shirt and a BBQ lunch.

To become an event sponsor or volunteer, email Veitch at jveitch@cmhahkpr.ca.

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