Six More NHL Alumni Join Lineup for Battle of Ontario Rivalry Night in Peterborough

By Scott Arnold

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators alumni rosters for Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario continue to grow, with six more former NHL players announced for the November 6th fundraiser at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Former Leafs captain rck vaive is one of the alumni who will be in peterborough for Battle of ontario rivalry night on november 6th (photo courtesy of the GPHSF

The Peterborough Greater Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) and the PMC announced on Thursday that Rick Vaive, Gary Leeman and Steve Thomas will join the Maple Leafs Alumni, while Jason York, Shaun Van Allen and Marc Methot have been added to the Senators Alumni.

The six players join previously announced alumni Darcy Tucker, Nik Antropov and Chris Phillips, as well as Chris Neil.

Vaive served as the Maple Leafs captain from 1982 to 1986 and became the first player in franchise history to score 50 goals in a season. Leeman was an NHL All-Star and Stanley Cup champion, while Thomas enjoyed two stints with Toronto and became known for his playoff performances.

On the Ottawa side, York spent five seasons with the Senators and led the team’s defencemen in scoring during the 1998–99 season. Van Allen played 15 NHL seasons, including multiple stints in Ottawa, while Methot spent five seasons with the Senators as a key part of their defence.

More alumni are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, with team lineups subject to change.

Rivalry Night will raise funds for concussion education and awareness in youth sport through the GPHSF Concussion Fund. Tickets and meet-and-greet packages are available online.

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

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United Way Peterborough Unveils Campaign Cabinet for 85th Anniversary and Official 2026 Campaign Launch Date

By Scott Arnold

A team of 17 Peterborough-area community leaders is getting ready to rally neighbours together as United Way Peterborough & District prepares to launch its 2026-27 Community Campaign.

Members of United Way Peterborough & District’s 2026-27 Community Campaign Cabinet are ready to help lead the organization’s 85th anniversary campaign. (Photo courtesy of United Way Peterborough & District)

Led by campaign chair Tiffany Arcari, the new Community Campaign Cabinet brings together representatives from businesses, organizations and sectors across Peterborough City and County.

The campaign's theme is “Certified Neighbours,” celebrating the people who step up for one another and recognizing that everyone has a role to play in building a stronger community.

Arcari said the people around the table share a commitment to the community and a desire to help.

“I am incredibly grateful for this team of Certified Neighbours. Every person around that table said yes because they believe in our community, care about their neighbours, and want to help make our community stronger,” she said.

The 17-member cabinet includes community ambassadors as well as representatives from local businesses, health care, education, government and other organizations.

Members are:

• Tiffany Arcari, campaign chair

• Darcy Bonner, community ambassador

• Arti Chinchalkar, community ambassador

• David Dickson, community ambassador

• Coby Fewings, Scotiabank

• Sheridan Graham, County of Peterborough

• Trista Greer, For the Love of Marketing

• Johanna Hawkshaw, YourTV

• Greg Kidd, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board

• Evan Lyons, Peterborough Regional Health Centre

• Laken MacFarlane, City of Peterborough

• Thomas Piggot, Lakelands Public Health

• Amanda Pinder, RBC

• Paul Rellinger, community ambassador

• Balkaran Singh Sathi, Sathi Law

• Jeannine Taylor, KawarthaNOW

• Scott Whiteis, Work Happier

Following the cabinet's first meeting, Arcari said she was struck by the willingness of the group to come together around a common purpose.

“I left our first cabinet meeting with a full heart. There is something really special about sitting around a table with people who genuinely care about this community, who understand the challenges we face, and who are willing to step forward and say, ‘I am here, how can I help?’”

The cabinet will help United Way connect with workplaces, community members and local leaders throughout the campaign, raising awareness and support for programs and initiatives addressing challenges facing people across Peterborough City and County.

This year's campaign is also a milestone for United Way Peterborough & District, which is celebrating 85 years of bringing people together to strengthen the community.

The campaign officially gets underway with a launch event on Thursday, September 17th, from 12pm to 2pm at Healthy Planet Arena.

Presented by Miskin Law, the event will include lunch, an opportunity for community and business leaders to connect, and the reveal of United Way's 2026-27 fundraising goal.

Tickets are now available online for those who want to join the community campaign launch.

As the 85th anniversary campaign gets underway, United Way plans to recognize the people and partnerships that have helped strengthen the community over the years while turning its attention to the needs that remain.

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

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Fashion, Fun and Fundraising at Couture for Kids in Lindsay

By Scott Arnold

A night of local fashion, prizes and community spirit is coming to Lindsay in support of children and youth across the region.

Local fashion will take centre stage at the 3rd Annual Couture for Kids Fashion Show Fundraiser in Lindsay on October 1st, with proceeds supporting services for local children and youth (photo via instagram @5countieskids)

The 3rd Annual Couture for Kids Fashion Show Fundraiser takes place Thursday, October 1st at Celebrations in Lindsay, with proceeds supporting Five Counties Children’s Centre.

The evening will feature fashions from local retailers, along with raffle prizes, light snacks and a cash bar.

Participating retailers include Brittany & Bros, Bonita Clothing & Co., Cathy Allan Ladieswear, John G’s, Home Threads Boutique, Nisbetts Clothiers and The Lingerie Loft Lindsay.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or at participating stores.

Money raised will support treatment services for children and youth in Kawartha Lakes, helping reduce wait times for essential services and therapies.

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

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Marentette’s Mission Donates $500 to United Way's Backpacks for Success Campaign

By Scott Arnold

A $500 donation from Marentette’s Mission will help provide school supplies to local students through United Way Peterborough & District’s Backpacks for Success campaign.

Defenceman Thanasi Marentette with the gary dalliday award for community service, presented to him at last year’s peterborough petes year-end banquet and awards ceremony (photo by Scott arnold)

The donation was made possible through the OHL Overtime Heroes Program and the ongoing support of the Peterborough Petes.

Backpacks For Success provides grade-appropriate school supplies to financially vulnerable students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 in the Peterborough area. Local schools within the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board distribute the supplies to students and new Canadians.

Since the local program began in 2003, more than 12,886 backpacks filled with school supplies have been provided to local youth.

According to United Way Peterborough & District, 2,895 children and youth aged 17 and younger in the community live in poverty, while one in 10 households in the City and County of Peterborough has an annual income below $20,000.

The donation from Marentette’s Mission will help the Backpacks For Success campaign continue putting essential school supplies into the hands of local students who need them.

Marentette’s Mission was created to provide essential resources to individuals and families in the Peterborough community. Founded by Petes Defenceman Thanasi Marentette and inspired by his experiences in competitive hockey and the values he learned through sport, the donation-driven initiative focuses on supporting people who need it most.

For information on how you can get involved or help with Marentette’s Mission, email MarentettesMission@hotmail.com.

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

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Three Young Friends Come Together to Raise $500 for Cancer Care at PRHC

By Scott Arnold

Three friends have turned their summer neighbourhood visits into a generous $500 donation supporting cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Ellie, Aubree and Ellis proudly presenting their $500 donation to the PRHC Foundation in support of cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (photo via instagram @prhc_foundation)

Ellie, Aubree and Ellis spent part of their summer going door-to-door in their neighbourhood raising money to support cancer care.

Their efforts recently brought them to the PRHC Foundation, where the trio presented their $500 gift in support of cancer care at PRHC.

It’s a simple example of how community spirit and a little determination can make a difference for regional healthcare.

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

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RMH Foundation's Thankful Hearts Walk Returns to Ross Memorial Hospital on October 1st

By Scott Arnold

For two former patients of Ross Memorial Hospital’s cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program, the upcoming Thankful Hearts Walk is a chance to give back to a service that helped them get moving again.

Former cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation patient and volunteer Sue Junkin will take part in Ross Memorial Hospital’s Thankful Hearts Walk on October 1, helping raise awareness and funds for the program that helped her recover following heart surgery (photo courtesy of the RMH Foundation)

Sue Junkin first entered the program in 2018 following aortic valve replacement surgery. She initially wasn't convinced she needed rehabilitation, but after completing the 12-week program, she became such a supporter that she now volunteers, encouraging other patients and helping them feel comfortable.

“I was afraid after my surgery, but I knew I was in good hands,” Sue said.

She’ll be among those taking part in this year’s Thankful Hearts Walk on October 1st, which raises awareness and funds for Ross Memorial’s cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program.

Former patient Les Hebbard will also be participating.

Two years ago, the 84-year-old was experiencing a lack of energy before a fall led to a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. He was referred to the rehabilitation program, where he took part in supervised exercise, including walking and building strength on a stationary bike.

Les said he appreciated the dedication of physiotherapist Lindsay Churcher and physiotherapy assistant Ruth Hopkins, who kept him motivated throughout the program. He continues to use the exercises they taught him.

Asked whether he would recommend the program to others, his answer is simple: “Definitely. Go try it and you’ll be going back.”

The Thankful Hearts Walk will begin at Ross Memorial Hospital with registration from 1:30pm to 2pm in the cafeteria. A warm-up starts at 2pm, followed by the 2km walk at 2:15pm. A shorter route will also be available.

Participants can collect donation and pledge forms through the RMH Cardiac Rehabilitation program or the RMH Foundation. Participants can register online where online fundraising is also available.

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

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Darcy Tucker and Chris Neil Coming to Peterborough for Battle of Ontario Rivalry Night

By Scott Arnold

The first two NHL alumni have been announced for Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario, with former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Darcy Tucker and Ottawa Senators legend Chris Neil set to take part in the November 6th event at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

darcy tucker and chris neil have been announced as the latest players to join the battle of ontario rivalry night on november 6th at the peterborough memorial centre (photo courtesy of GPHSF)

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators rivalry is coming to the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Friday, November 6th, with Tucker representing the Leafs alumni and Neil joining the Senators alumni.

For fans who remember the heated playoff battles between Toronto and Ottawa in the early 2000s, the two names should be familiar. The teams met in the playoffs four times between 2000 and 2005, producing plenty of memorable moments, including several involving Tucker and Neil.

Tucker spent 16 seasons in the NHL and played more than 1,000 games, including eight seasons with Toronto. He became a fan favourite in Toronto thanks to his physical, hard-nosed style and was a prominent figure during the Leafs' playoff battles with Ottawa.

Neil spent his entire 16-year NHL career with the Senators after being drafted by the organization in 1998. Known for his physical play, he became a popular figure in Ottawa and had his number retired by the Senators in 2023.

The two were involved in one of the rivalry's most memorable confrontations, including a bench altercation during a March 2003 game.

The November 6th event will feature alumni teams representing both clubs, with the full rosters expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Lineups are subject to change.

Meet-and-greet packages will also be available for fans who want the chance to meet Tucker and the Maple Leafs alumni or Neil and the Senators alumni.

The game is being held as a fundraiser for concussion education and awareness in youth sports through the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation's Concussion Fund. The fund supports concussion programming, including Peterborough Athletic Concussion Awareness and the H.O.P.E. Bursary in honour of former Peterborough Pete and NHL defenceman Steve Montador.

Tickets are available online or through the Peterborough Memorial Centre box office.

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

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Peterborough Humane Society Golf Tournament Raises More Than $21K for Local Animals

By Scott Arnold

More than 130 golfers hit the links at Quarry Golf Club last month, helping raise more than $21,000 to support the Peterborough Humane Society's work caring for animals in the community.

Over 130 people came together for a day that included a silent auction, a live auction, and a full course of golf under beautiful summer weather, all in support of the people and pets served by PHS (photo courtesy of the peterborough humane society)

The Peterborough Humane Society's second annual golf tournament took place on July 23rd and surpassed the success of its inaugural event, attracting more golfers, more sponsors and raising even more money for local animals.

The day featured 18 holes of golf, as well as silent and live auctions, with participants enjoying ideal summer weather while supporting the organization's mission.

In total, the event raised more than $21,000, with support from presenting sponsor Darling Insurance, along with Nexicom, Fox Law, One Fine Food, Conlin Premier Construction Inc., the Sheraton Centre Toronto, Le Centre Sheraton Montreal, Boston Pizza Peterborough and many other sponsors and donors.

"Any opportunity to enjoy perfect weather with our wonderful supporters while talking about our mission and raising funds is a good day," said PHS CEO Shawn Morey. "Thank you to everyone who came out, golfed, sponsored, and gave so generously. This community never stops showing up for animals in need, and we're already looking forward to next year."

Following another successful tournament, the Peterborough Humane Society has already announced the event will return to Quarry Golf Club on Thursday, July 22nd, 2027.

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

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