NHL Alumni Take to the Peterborough Memorial Centre Ice For Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario

Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators alumni are hitting the Peterborough Memorial Centre ice for ‘Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario,’ on Nov. 6 in support of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF).

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The alumni teams both feature former NHL players, some of whom would have competed in the classic playoff games in the early 2000s that started the rivalry. 

“We are really excited to be hosting Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario, with the Peterborough Memorial Centre,” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “Ottawa and Toronto were a huge playoff rivalry in the early-2000’s. We still see the rivalry in regular-season games and the playoffs today. Most recently in the playoffs in the spring of 2025. It is a great rivalry with a passionate fan base. We are excited to host the Toronto and Ottawa fans at Peterborough Memorial Centre.  Proceeds from the event will support our concussion fund. This fund helps to provide education and awareness for youth sport concussion through funding Peterborough Athletics Concussion Awareness (PACA) and providing the HOPE Bursary in Honour of Steve Montador.”

“Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario is going to be an exciting evening for hockey fans and a wonderful opportunity to support an important cause in our community,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Bringing the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni and Ottawa Senators Alumni to the Peterborough Memorial Centre will showcase the passion and excitement of this historic rivalry while helping raise funds for concussion education and awareness initiatives that support local youth and families. I encourage residents and visitors alike to come out, enjoy a great night of hockey and support the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation.”

A full roster for each team will be announced closer to the event.

Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. online, in person at the PMC Box Office or by phone at 705-743-3561. Tickets start at just $30 each, with a limited number of VIP upgrade tickets available, which include a pre-game meet-and-greet with either the Ottawa Senators or the Toronto Maple Leafs.

PMC Scoop and GPHSF mailing list members have early access to tickets with a pre-sale on Wednesday and Thursday.

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TASSS Student Named Recipient of H.O.P.E. Bursary 2026 Steve Montador Bursary

Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School (TASSS) student Clare Hutchinson has been named the recipient of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) and Helping Others Participate Equally’s (HOPE) 2026 Steve Montador Bursary, announced on Tuesday.

(From left to right) Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director; Kristine McCracken, TASSS Coach and teacher; Clare Hutchinson, TASSS student and Mike Keating of H.O.P.E. Photo courtesy of Susan Owen and GPHSF.

The H.O.P.E. Bursary, in honour of Steve Montador, was established to support students transitioning from high school to college/university who suffer the long-term effects of a sports-related concussion and require a reduced academic course load due to injury.

Over the past three years, Hutchinson has suffered concussions while playing several sports. This includes wrestling, hockey and rugby. These concussions have effectively ended her ability to play contact sports. She continues to be physically active, playing several non-contact sports and coaching Rugby.

“Through it all, she has demonstrated a strong work ethic, resiliency and leadership, both on and off the field,” said Kristing McCraken, TASSS coach and teacher. “She is resilient and adaptable; if she couldn’t be on the field, she would support in another way. That’s Clare, a true leader that supports her team in whatever capacity she can.”

Hutchinson plans to attend Georgian College to become a Paramedic in the fall.

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Peterborough Butterfly Run Sets Records On 10th Anniversary

Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF), in partnership with Partners In Pregnancy Clinic (PIPC), has broken its fundraising record for the tenth-annual Peterborough Butterfly Run, raising over $97,000 and counting at Millennium Park on Sunday.

Since 2017, the event has supported families and individuals who have experienced a loss during pregnancy, the loss of a child or are unable to conceive. Photo courtesy of Harrison Perkins and the GPHSF.

The event had over 1,400 people registered in the 1K Memorial Walk, 1K Kids Fun Run and 5K Run/Walk.  The 5K Run/Walk record was also set with 840 participants.

The top three individual fundraisers are Lori Brock, Baldeep Paul and Alex Lloyd. The top three fundraising teams are ‘Angels’ by Our Side,’ ‘Team Jess and Angeline Dalliday’ and Friends of Frederick.

According to Ashley Weir and Kori Zwarych, co-chairs of the Peterborough Butterfly Run Executive Committee, over 1,000 bereavement kits have been made and distributed throughout the community. 

Funds from the run will support the Compassionate Care Symposium at Peterborough Regional Health Centre in June, an educational opportunity for clinicians in our area to learn how to better support Perinatal Bereavement Care. 

The Committee says they are working to hold more bereavement retreats and to expand the support available in our area. Money will also continue to be reinvested in the Peterborough Butterfly Run to ensure future events.

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H.O.P.E Steve Montador Student Bursary Applications Now Open

Applications are now open for the GPHSF Your Family Health Team Foundation’s H.O.P.E. Bursary in honour of Steve Montador, established to support new college or university students that suffer long-term effects of a sports-related concussion, and require a reduced academic course load as result of their injury.

Vince Bierworth of GPHSf with 2025 Steve Montador Bursary recipient Lara Cottam. photo courtesy of gphsf.

To be considered for the bursary, you need to be:

• A student at a Peterborough City/County-based high school and registered in a first-year program at college/university

• Suffering from post-concussion syndrome sustained from a sports-related injury

• Be in satisfactory academic standing

• Have financial need

Applications will close on May 1 at 11:59 p.m. All applicants will be reviewed by a committee consisting of H.O.P.E. and GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation. Applicants will be notified of their status by May 20.

Those interested in applying can download the application here, and submit by email.

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5th Annual Darkness to Light Event to Take Place at Del Crary Park December 21

Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) is hosting its fifth annual Darkness To Light event at Del Crary Park for community members impacted by suicide and overdose this Sunday.

Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

The event is an outdoor sunrise gathering, marking brighter days ahead after the solstice, the day with the least daylight. The ceremony will take place at the entrance to Del Crary Park off Rink Street.

The event will be rain, snow or shine and is free to attend. Organizers ask guests to arrive by 7:30 a.m., as sunrise is expected at 7:45 a.m.

Julie Brown, who has led the event each year, will return to lead the group with a message of support and a moment of silence as the sun rises over Little Lake.

“Our community has been significantly impacted by suicide and overdose and we hope that this gathering will help create a space where those directly touched can come together for a quiet moment,” she said.

New this year, Hospice Grief Listeners will be at the event. Grief listeners are specially trained volunteers who lend a sympathetic ear and sit with people in their grief.

“The holidays can be a difficult time for those struggling with bereavement,” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “After feedback about how impactful the last four ceremonies have been, we are glad to be able to offer once again some comfort for people impacted by suicide and overdose in our community.”

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GPHSF 2025 Senior Care Microgrant Open Until Sept. 30

The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) Senior Care Microgrant program to support senior care projects and healthy aging initiatives in the Peterborough area is open for applicants.

These grants have been made possible due to funding provided by the June Towle Trust. She passed away in 2023. Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

This is the second year that GPHSF is offering the microgrant.

“2024 was the first year we offered the Senior Care Micro Grants program, and it was a great success” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “We had a number of really great projects submitted for funding and we truly wish we had more grants available to offer. We are excited to see who applies for the grants and what project they are working on in 2025.”

Two grants are available, with an application deadline of Sept. 30.

The new Senior Care Microgrant program is meant to be a low-barrier applicant process according to GPHSF. The grants can be used as seed money to address a new need or as financial support to an existing program in Peterborough, Peterborough County, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation. 

Two grants are available, with up to $5,000 in funding available with each grant.

Applications are open to community and not-for-profit organizations, including medical organizations, that run programming and services or propose to run programming and services within the boundaries of Peterborough City and/or Peterborough County, as well as Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation.

Proposed projects must be general in scope (including and impactful on as many people as possible). Project completion must occur within one year of approval unless GPHSF grants an extension. Grant funding can be applied to existing projects or used as seed money for new projects.

A maximum of $5,000 is available for each grant, and a maximum of $10,000 is available across all grants (two total).

The project timeline and budget must be provided.

Senior Care Microgrant projects may include.

• Research

• Equipment

• Nutrition

• Physical Activity

• Mental Health

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Have a lasting impact on our community.

• Support emerging needs in our community.

• Improve the quality of life for seniors in the community.

Applications can be submitted online.

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GPHSF 2025 Senior Care Microgrant Now Open

The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) Senior Care Microgrant program to support senior care projects and healthy aging initiatives in the Peterborough area is open for applicants.

These grants have been made possible due to funding provided by the June Towle Trust. She passed away in 2023. Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

This is the second year that GPHSF is offering the microgrant.

“2024 was the first year we offered the Senior Care Micro Grants program, and it was a great success” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “We had a number of really great projects submitted for funding and we truly wish we had more grants available to offer. We are excited to see who applies for the grants and what project they are working on in 2025.”

Two grants are available with the application deadline on Sept. 30.

The new Senior Care Microgrant program is meant to be a low-barrier applicant process according to GPHSF. The grants can be used as seed money to address a new need or as financial support to an existing program in Peterborough, County, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation. 

Two grants are available, with up to $5,000 in funding available with each grant.

Applications are open to community and not-for-profit organizations, including medical organizations, that run programming and services or propose to run programming and services within the boundaries of Peterborough City and/or Peterborough County, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation.

Proposed projects must be general in scope (including and impactful on as many people as possible). Project completion must occur within one year of approval unless GPHSF grants an extension. Grant funding can be applied to existing projects or used as seed money for new projects.

A maximum of $5,000 is available for each gran, and a maximum of $10,000 is available across all grants (two total).

The project timeline and budget must be provided.

Senior Care Microgrant projects may include.

• Research

• Equipment

• Nutrition

• Physical Activity

• Mental Health

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Have a lasting impact on our community.

• Support emerging needs in our community.

• Improve the quality of life for seniors in the community.

Applications can be submitted online.

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St. Peter's Student Named Recipient of H.O.P.E. Bursary 2025 Steve Montador Bursary

St. Peter’s Secondary School (SPSS) student Lara Cottam has been named the recipient of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) and Helping Others Participate Equally’s (HOPE) 2025 Steve Montador Bursary, announced on Thursday.

Vince Bierworth of GPHSF (left) with Cottam (right) at SPSS. Photo courtesy of Susan Owen and GPHSF.

The H.O.P.E. Bursary, in honour of Steve Montador, was established to support students transitioning from high school to college/university who suffer the long-term effects of a sports-related concussion and require a reduced academic course load due to injury.

“Having first sustained a serious concussion in elementary school, Lara has consistently had to battle the lasting symptoms and reaggravation of the injury while balancing the demands of being a high performing student, athlete and community member” said Nick Beamish, SPSS chair of physical education and athletic director, in a reference letter. “As a student athlete she has been a role model and leader for others. Her peers look up to and respect her, as she is always one of the most dedicated athletes on all of her teams.”

Cottam is planning to attend Queen’s University in Kingston this fall.

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Applications Open For 2025 Steve Montador H.O.P.E Bursary For High School Students With Sports-Related Injuries

Applications for the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) H.O.P.E. Bursary in honour of former NHL defenceman Steve Montador are open with the deadline on May 2 at midnight.

(From left to right) Vince Bierworth (GPHSF), Amanda McInnes (St. Peter’s Secondary), Laura Kennedy (H.O.P.E.) Jack Crawford (last year’s recipient) and Dave Crawford. Photo courtesy of Susan Owen and GPHSF.

The bursary is for high school students who have a reduced academic workload due to the suffering effects of sports-related injuries and are transitioning into college or university.

A committee comprising H.O.P.E., Team 55, GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation, and the Canadian Mental Health Association will review all applicants. Applicants will be notified of their status by May 20.

To be considered for the Bursary, you need to be:

• A student at a Peterborough City/County-based high school and registered in a first-year program at college/university

• Suffering from post-concussion syndrome sustained from a sports-related injury

• Be in satisfactory academic standing

• Have financial need

Students can apply for the bursary by downloading the registration form online and submitting it via email to Vince Bierworth at Vince@GPHSF.ca.

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Road Closures In Place Sunday For GPHSF 2025 Peterborough Butterfly Run

A temporary road closure is in effect for the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) 2025 Peterborough Butterfly Run occurring from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Since 2018, 800 bereavement kits have been created to be provided to families and individuals by health care providers. Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

Affected streets will be:

• Engleburn Avenue from the south side of Charles Street to the north side of Maria Street

• Birdsall Street from the south side of Charles Street to the north side of Maria Street

Peterborough Butterfly Run Route. The Peterborough Butterfly Run supports families and individuals who have experienced a loss during pregnancy, the loss of a child or are unable to conceive. Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

Streets will be made available for local traffic butrunners will be coming through this area between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Additionally, a full road closure will be in place on Maria Street, between Burnham Street and Mark Street, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Detours will be in place at the intersections of Burnham Street and James Street, as well as Mark Street and James Street. Peterborough Police will be present to assist anyone affected by the Maria Street closure in leaving their homes. Delays are expected during this time.

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