It Takes a Community to Feed a Community: Kawartha Food Share in Need of Volunteers for Porch Pirates for Good

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By Scott Arnold

Kawartha Food Share is calling on Peterborough residents to help make its 7th Annual Porch Pirates for Good food drive a success on Saturday, October 24th, with volunteers needed to collect donations on the day of the food drive and distribute flyers the week prior, which will help get food to local families and individuals who need it.

Kawartha Food Share is looking for volunteers and food donations for its 7th Annual Porch Pirates for Good food drive on Saturday, October 24th. (photo courtesy of Kawartha Food Share)

The annual event brings the community together for a citywide food drive, with residents leaving non-perishable food donations on their doorsteps for volunteers to collect. Since the event began, Porch Pirates for Good has collected a combined 180,000 pounds of food.

But an event of this size takes plenty of helping hands to make it happen.

“We are absolutely still looking for help,” says Kawartha Food Share General Manager Mackenzie McIlwain. “We need our community to also help us support our community and those community members who are experiencing food insecurity in Peterborough.”

A Citywide Food Drive With a Big Impact

Porch Pirates for Good will cover 57 routes across Peterborough, with volunteers collecting donations beginning at 9am on Saturday, October 24th.

In the days leading up to the event, flyers will be distributed throughout the city from Monday, October 19th to Thursday, October 22nd. Residents can attach the flyer to their food donations and leave them on their doorstep for volunteers to pick up on Saturday morning.

The donations will go directly to Kawartha Food Share, which supports 37 member agencies and 51 schools across Peterborough City and County.

McIlwain says the food drive plays an important role in helping the organization replenish its warehouse heading into the fall and winter months.

Why October Is Such a Critical Time

With Thanksgiving behind us and the Christmas season approaching, this is an important time for Kawartha Food Share to build up its food supply.

“The need is very, very high for us here and for our community as well,” says McIlwain.

“This is a very critical period of time for us to be able to get donations into the warehouse and then get those donations out to our 37 member agencies and the 51 schools that we support here in Peterborough City and County.”

Some of the most-needed items include pasta, pasta sauce, noodles, tuna, peanut butter, canned vegetables, canned fruit and fruit cups. Peanut butter can be particularly difficult to obtain, while peanut-free snacks are also needed for schools.

Every donation helps Kawartha Food Share continue supporting the local organizations and schools that rely on its food supply.

The People Who Make It Happen

While food donations are essential, volunteers are just as important to the success of Porch Pirates for Good.

Volunteers are needed both to distribute flyers ahead of the event and to collect food donations on October 24th. McIlwain recommends teaming up with friends or family to distribute flyers, noting that covering a route alone can involve a lot of walking.

“It does turn into a lot of steps if you're just by yourself,” she says.

High school students are also welcome to volunteer and can use the opportunity to earn community service hours.

The work continues at Kawartha Food Share's warehouse, where volunteers help receive donations and unload vehicles throughout the morning. Typically, 30 to 40 volunteers help at the warehouse between 8am and 1pm.

“We usually have about 30, 40 volunteers just here to make all of that smoothly go well and to ensure that our porch pirates who are dropping off don't really have to lift a finger to pull out the food out of their cars. That's what we have our volunteers here for,” says McIlwain.

“Without our volunteers and without our generous community to help us out, we won't be able to run the food drive.”

Yes, You Can Dress Like a Pirate

As the name suggests, Porch Pirates for Good is meant to be fun, too.

Volunteers are encouraged to embrace the pirate theme and dress up while collecting donations or helping at the warehouse.

“If you do end up being a porch pirate, please dress up. It always adds to the fun of the day,” says McIlwain.

“It's going to be a really fun and impactful event.”

How to Get Involved

Anyone interested in volunteering for Porch Pirates for Good can contact Kawartha Food Share's office administrator at porchpirates@kawarthafoodshare.com for more information.

Residents can also take part by preparing a bag of non-perishable food donations, attaching the flyer distributed to their home and leaving the items on their doorstep for collection starting at 9am on Saturday, October 24th.

With 57 routes to cover, donations to collect and a warehouse to replenish, the success of the event depends on people throughout Peterborough stepping up to help.

Because feeding a community takes more than food. It takes people willing to show up for one another.


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

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2025 Downtown Holiday Parking Program Raises Over $16,000 For Kawartha Food Share

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The City of Peterborough’s free holiday downtown parking program raised $16,627.85 for Kawartha Food Share (KFS) which was collected from voluntary parking payments, announced on Wednesday.

The Kawartha Food Share currently assists 14,000 people each month through its 36 member agencies, and supports 17,000 schoolchildren at 51 area schools through breakfast and nutrition programs. The free two-hour program first began in 2003. Since then, downtown patrons have helped donate $268,255.50 to Kawartha Food Share. Photo courtesy by David Tuan Bui.

“We are so appreciative to be the recipients of this amazing campaign again this year and love to see community members shopping and visiting our wonderful downtown restaurants, organizations and businesses,” said Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager. “These funds will allow us to purchase nutritious food items for our member agencies, and help ensure everyone in our community has access to emergency food supports. Thank you so much to the City of Peterborough for their continued support in the fight against hunger,”

The program offered free, two-hour parking in all municipal spaces in the downtown core from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31 and was sponsored by Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers.

“We’re proud to have sponsored the downtown holiday parking program since 2021 and to continue supporting an initiative that brings people together during the holiday season,” said Bill Wolfe from Wolfe Lawyers. “Seeing the generosity of downtown visitors translate into meaningful support for Kawartha Food Share each year is incredibly rewarding, and we’re pleased to play a small part in helping make the holidays brighter in Peterborough.” 

@ptbo_canada The Downtown Peterborough Holiday Program (sponsored by Wolfe Lawyers) raised $16,627.85 for Kawartha Food Share! All voluntary parking fees collected from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31 went towards the campaign. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #fundraising ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

“Peterborough residents once again showed the true spirit of the holiday season through their generosity,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “By choosing to donate while enjoying free downtown parking, people helped raise vital funds for Kawartha Food Share and supported neighbours in need at a time when it matters most.” 

“The downtown holiday parking program demonstrates the incredible impact of community support,” said Town Ward Councillors Alex Bierk and Joy Lachica in a joint statement. “Visitors to the downtown core not only contributed to Kawartha Food Share through their generosity but also helped support local businesses during the busy holiday season. It’s a great example of how coming downtown strengthens both our local economy and our community.”

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Second Annual Mayoral Golf Tournament Raises $6,507 For Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation

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The second annual Peterborough Mayoral Invitational Charity Golf Tournament, held at Kawartha Golf Club, raised $6,507 for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation.

(From left to right) Nigel Lister, Regional Manager, Market Development of Cambium Inc; Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation president; David Feeley, senior manager at Cogeco and Mayor Jeff Leal. Last year’s event raised $9,710 for Community Living Trent Highlands and Kawartha Food Share. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event took place on Sept. 8 at Kawartha Golf Club and was originally announced on Aug. 7 by Mayor Jeff Leal at PRHC.

“I want to sincerely thank all the participants and sponsors who so generously supported the PRHC Foundation’s Campaign for PRHC, helping our regional hospital continue to deliver high-quality health care right here in our community,” said Leal. “Special thanks to Nigel Lister for organizing the tournament, and to the PRHC Foundation staff for their support.”

@ptbo_canada The second annual Peterborough Mayoral Invitational Charity Golf Tournament raised $6,507 for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation. ##ptbocanada##journalism##news##fyp##golf ♬ Mario like action game 2 - Jun Takahashi

The tournament drew roughly 100 golfers to support the cause. In August, the PRHC Foundation announced that it had extended its fundraising goal of $60 million to $70 million.

“We’re grateful to Mayor Leal and the organizers, participants and sponsors of the Peterborough Mayoral Invitational Charity Golf Tournament for supporting the $70 million campaign to reimagine health and care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre,” Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation president. “Your generosity will help fund state-of-the-art technology that drives innovation and empowers lifesaving care for our family, friends and neighbours. Not only that, but community-organized events help us spread the word about the importance and impact of donations, inspiring others to get involved.”

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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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Tim Hortons's Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign Raises Nearly $35,000 For Kawartha Food Share

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Kawartha Food Share (KFS) has got more happy faces this holiday season as Tim Hortons and its Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign raised $34,594.54, presented at the former’s facility on Thursday afternoon.

(From left to right) Jasmine Lacsote, Stephane Lacoste, Ashlee Aitken, Greg Blair and Jennifer McCall.Kawartha Food Share is a central collection and distribution warehouse that partners with 37-member agency food banks, food cupboards and other food action programs in the City and County of Peterborough. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The campaign ran from Nov. 17 to 23 at all Tim Hortons locations in Peterborough, Lakefield, Bridgenorth and Curve Lake. Over 43,000 cookies were sold and $69,189.08 was raised, split evenly between Tim’s Foundations Camps and Kawartha Food Share.

“A huge thanks goes out to the countless Tims guests who purchased Holiday Smile Cookies for their generosity,” said Axel Schwan, Tim Hortons president. “With 100 per cent of proceeds from every cookie sold donated to local charities, community groups and Tims Camps, you've helped make a real difference in your community.”

“This donation couldn’t come at a better time as we’re in the thick of the busy holiday season,” explained Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager. “We will use these funds to purchase much needed food items for our 37 member agencies and ensure that they are all well stocked for the holidays and beyond. Thank you to the many volunteers who helped us decorate cookies and make this campaign such a great success!”

The campaign raised $13 million in total, with proceeds donated to more than 600 charities and organizations nationwide.

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Kawartha Food Share Named Recipient For 2025 Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign Fundraiser

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There are a lot of happy faces at Kawartha Food Share (KFS) after they were selected as recipients of Tim Hortons’ Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign, announced on Friday.

Last year, Kawartha Food Share received $43,992.81 from the Holiday Smile Cookie fundraiser. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The campaign runs form Nov. 17 to 23 at all Tim Hortons locations in Peterborough, Lakefield, Bridgenorth and Curve Lake. The cookies retail for $2.00 each, and all proceeds will be split between Kawartha Food Share and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.

The Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie is a white chocolate chip sugar cookie, infused with red and green sprinkles, finished with a hand-decorated smile.

Last year, this campaign raised $87,985.62 locally, with half going to KFS.

“We are so thrilled to be partnering with Tim Hortons for this wonderful initiative. The funds raised during this campaign will assist us in purchasing much needed food items to keep our agencies shelves well stocked,” said Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager. “Our volunteers are excited to get to work decorating cookies for our community.”

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

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Kawartha Food Share to Pillage Peterborough In 'Porch Pirates For Good' Food Drive This Saturday

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Kawartha Food Share (KFS) is pillaging Peterborough for 2025 as part of its ‘Porch Pirates For Good’ food drive to restock its empty shelves, occurring this Saturday.

In the last five years, the campaign brought in over 185,000 pounds of food and over $20,000 in monetary donations. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Households are asked to leave a bag of non-perishable food items on their front porch with a flyer sent in mailboxes (or anything that makes the donation easy to identify) for the Porch Pirates to collect starting at 9 a.m.

The number of clients using food banks has reached an all-time high throughout the nation, according to KFS. They continue to state that the rising cost of food and supply chain shortages have affected their clients, donors and purchasing power.

The following are the most needed items requested for donation from KFS:

  • Peanut Butter

  • Canned tuna

  • Canned vegetables and canned fruit

  • Individually wrapped school snacks

  • Pasta and pasta sauce

  • Breakfast cereal

  • Gluten-free items – like pasta, cookies, oats etc.

  • Canned soup/stew

  • Feminine hygiene products

  • Monetary Donations (can be made online or during item collection)

For every one dollar donated, three dollars worth of food can be purchased, according to KFS. Volunteers can collect cheques or cash during their pickups on Oct. 25.

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Peterborough Lakers Asking For Donations For Kawartha Food Share For Thursday's Game

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With the Peterborough Lakers’ next matchup against the Brampton Excelsiors, the former is asking the public to bring non-perishable items to donate in support of Kawartha Food Share (KFS) at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

The donations support KFS in distributing it among its 37-member network of food banks. They will be accepted at the doors.

Thursday’s game will feature a special salute to all Peterborough Minor Lacrosse Association rep Lakers teams before the game. 

The Lakers are atop the standings with a 2-0 record after back-to-back wins over the Brooklin L.C. and the two-time defending-champion Six Nations Chiefs.

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Fill It Up With 'Burst the Bus' Food Drive For Kawartha Food Share

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To help stock the shelves at Kawartha Food Share (KFS), a ‘Burst the Bus’ food drive is happening this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Kawartha Food Share.

STC Bus Lines drivers will be at grocery stores collecting non-perishable food items, toiletries, feminine hygiene products and diapers for Kawartha Food Share.

Collections are at Greg’s No Frills, Chub and Nikki’s No Frills, FreshCo (Brock Street), and Foodland in Norwood (all food items collected at this location are delivered to the Norwood Food Bank).

The following are items in need:

  • Peanut Butter

  • Canned tuna

  • Canned fruit

  • Individually wrapped school snacks

  • Pasta and pasta sauce

  • Alpha-getti, Kraft Dinner and Chef Boyardee

  • Breakfast cereal

  • Gluten-free items – like pasta, cookies, oats, etc.

  • Canned vegetables

  • Canned soup/stew

  • Feminine hygiene products

  • Diapers

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Photos: Peterborough's Appetites Kept Full at YWCA Empty Bowls Fundraiser

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The YWCA hosted the 2025 edition of its Empty Bowls Fundraiser that aids food insecurity in our communities at The Venue on Friday afternoon.

Proceeds from the fundraiser were split between One City’s food programming and Kawartha Food Share.

Roughly 140 participants ate lunch from 11 restaurants while shopping for hand-crafted bowls created by local artisans of the Kawartha Potters Guild.

The following were participating local restaurants that served food at the event:

  • By the Bridge

  • Revelstoke Café

  • Vanilla room

  • La Mesita

  • Hard Winter Bakery

  • Ashburnham Ale House

  • Levantine Grill

  • St. Veronus

  • Fresh Dreams

  • Hanoi House

  • Sam’s Place


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