A $2,000 Prize Is Up for Grabs Friday as Peterborough Humane Society 50/50 Jackpot Keeps Growing

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Humane Society’s second Early Bird draw takes place Friday, October 23rd, with one winner taking home $2,000 and every ticket helping support animals and veterinary services in the community.

Every animal deserves a chance at a healthy, happy life, and the Peterborough Humane Society relies on community support to help make that possible. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

There’s another chance to win big in the Peterborough Humane Society’s Fall 2026 50/50 Lottery, and the jackpot is continuing to climb.

Si Grobler of the Peterborough Humane Society says the second Early Bird draw takes place Friday, October 23rd, with a $2,000 prize sponsored by Miskin Law.

“Now is the best time to get tickets,” Grobler said.

The draw takes place at 3pm Friday, so anyone hoping to win the Early Bird prize should get their tickets before then.

Whether through shelter care or community veterinary services, support for the Peterborough Humane Society helps animals get the attention they deserve. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

The Jackpot Is Growing

When Grobler spoke with PTBOCanada on October 22nd, the jackpot had reached $55,000, meaning the eventual 50/50 winner would take home more than $25,000 if the total stayed at that level.

The final amount will depend on ticket sales, but the growing pot is another sign of how much community support means to the Humane Society.

“It’s so incredible that our community supports us like this,” Grobler said.

Even if you don’t win the Early Bird prize, your ticket remains eligible for the main 50/50 draw on November 6th. The lottery also includes the Marlin Travel and Transat Ruffle, offering one winner a $5,000 travel voucher.

The first Early Bird draw awarded $1,500, while Friday’s draw offers the second Early Bird prize of $2,000.

Cats are among the many animals cared for by the Peterborough Humane Society, which remains busy throughout the year helping animals in need. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Where the Money Goes

For the Humane Society, the lottery is about much more than giving someone the chance to win a large cash prize.

“All the funds raised go to providing love and care to our pets, our dogs, our bunnies that come through,” Grobler explained. “We’re standing outside of our mobile care unit. And so this is a space where we perform veterinary services for our community.”

The money also helps support veterinary services for pets throughout the community, including vaccinations, rabies shots and veterinary care programs.

The mobile unit provides a range of services for local pets, including routine checkups and dental care.

“Besides veterinary care, which means, by that I mean routine vaccinations and checkups, there is a dental unit in here,” Grobler said. “So for any community member that's interested in or concerned about their pet's teeth, we do it in here. So we've got a mobile X-ray and equipment for dental care.”

Grobler noted that dental health can affect more than an animal’s teeth and gums.

“One of the things that people might not know about plaque, gingivitis, plaque on the teeth, gingivitis on the gums can lead to heart disease in dogs and cats,” Grobler explained. “So if you have, if you're suspecting of that, it's best to have it looked after. Our clinic is a good place to do that.”

The lottery helps the Humane Society continue providing these services while caring for animals that arrive at its shelter.

Si Grobler stands in front of the Peterborough Humane Society’s mobile care unit, which provides veterinary services for pets in the community, including routine checkups, vaccinations and dental care. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Helping Animals of All Kinds

While dogs and cats may be the animals people most commonly associate with the Humane Society, Grobler says the shelter cares for a wide range of creatures.

As an open-admission shelter, the organization takes in animals when it has the space to do so. That can include rabbits, birds, turtles, bearded dragons, chinchillas and even rats.

“We are an open admission shelter, meaning if we have the space, we will take it,” Grobler said. “So we've had turtles, birds, bearded dragons, chinchillas, you name it.”

The work continues throughout the year, with the spring and summer months bringing an additional influx of kittens.

“The spring to fall and summer seasons is what we call kitten season,” Grobler explained. “So the outside cats give birth. Those kittens come to us. A lot of them do. So this is especially busy, but no, we're at capacity 12 months of the year.”

Community support through the 50/50 helps the Humane Society continue that work, from caring for animals at the shelter to supporting the health of pets already living with families across the region.

Bertha the cat in the care of the Peterborough Humane Society, where community support helps provide animals with the care and attention they need while they wait for their next chapter. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

How to Get Your Tickets

Tickets for the Fall 2026 Peterborough Humane Society 50/50 Lottery are available online at phs5050.ca. Cash purchases can also be made in person at the Peterborough Humane Society or Miskin Law. You can also CLICK HERE to check the amount of the jackpot.

The lottery is open to eligible players across Ontario and runs until November 6th.

The second Early Bird draw for $2,000 takes place Friday, October 23rd at 3pm. The main 50/50 draw and the $5,000 Marlin Travel and Transat Ruffle draw are scheduled for November 6th.

Whether you’re hoping to take home the jackpot or simply want to support the animals and pet owners who rely on the Humane Society, every ticket helps make that work possible.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Peterborough Humane Society Celebrates 85 Year Anniversary

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) celebrated their 85th anniversary milestone with an open house event Saturday.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

Founded in 1941, the Peterborough Humane Society has spent more than eight decades serving animals and the people who care about them. Approximately 1,500 animals come through the doors of PHS each year to receive veterinary care, vaccinations, microchipping and spay or neuter services prior to adoption.

@ptbo_canada Happy 85th birthday, @Peterborough Humane Society! 🐶🐈‍⬛🥳 #ptbocanada ♬ Summerdays - Truenoys

“This milestone belongs to the entire community,” says Shawn Morey, CEO of the Peterborough Humane Society. “For 85 years, animal lovers across Peterborough and the Kawarthas have supported PHS and its mission in many ways. Caring for both ends of the leash means supporting animals and the people who love them.”

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

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.

Havelock Metal Co Announces In-Kind Support For New Animal Care Centre In Peterborough

Havelock Metal Co has announced its generous commitment to supplying and installing the metal roof at the Peterborough Humane Society’s new Animal Care Centre. Our Pet Project, PHS’s campaign to build this one-of-a-kind facility, is well underway and community partners such as Havelock Metal Co getting involved moves the vision even closer to reality.

Todd Lawson, President of Havelock Metal and his partner (in work and life) Jennie Lawson are big animal lovers and for them, the choice to support Our Pet Project was an easy one. “We are always on the lookout for opportunities where we can help building projects taking place within our community,” says Todd. “Being able to combine our love of animals with our ability to provide a safe, durable roof on a facility that will be integral to animal wellness in our community was a no-brainer!”

The Lawson children with their family dog Echo

Havelock Metal Co was founded in 1993 in Havelock and relocated to Peterborough in 2018 to better serve their customers. By providing a metal roof to Peterborough Humane Society, Havelock Metal Co is ensuring a durable, long lasting roof is in place to keep local animals in need safe and dry while under their care.

The Lawson family is particularly excited about the purpose-built dog kennels. In the new Centre, dog kennels will be arranged in pods of four to aid in noise and stress reduction. These kennels will be significantly larger than the Humane Society’s current kennels and will be interlinked with sliding guillotine doors to allow for kennels to double in size, should the need arise (e.g. bonded dogs that need to stay together). Each glass-fronted kennel will also have its own outside run, allowing dogs continuous access to fresh air and the ability to enjoy both outdoor and indoor spaces.

Rendering of what the new Animal Care Centre's kennels will look like.

In recognition of their generous support, a Dog Adoption Kennel at the new Centre will bear the company’s name. These new dog kennels will be indoor/outdoor, providing the dogs with more space and will be grouped in pods to reduce noise and stress.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Todd, Jenn and the team at Havelock Metal to supply the roof for our new Centre,” says Shawn Morey, Executive Director at Peterborough Humane Society. “This is another example of the amazing support that our community is showing us as we work to build our new home.”

To learn more about Our Pet Project, click here.

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

Peterborough Humane Society Announces New Partnership With Halifax Humane Society

Peterborough Humane Society (PHS), in continuing with a commitment made to give each and every animal that comes into their care the best possible future, has established a new partnership with the Halifax Humane Society in Nova Scotia to find new homes for two pit bulls that have recently come into their care.

Pit bulls are a breed of dog that are banned in Ontario, and both of the dogs that have been transported fell under the Bill 132 of the Dog Owners Liability Act.
 
This transport with their new East Coast partner was made possible by the efforts of Officer Darryl Porter—a member of the PHS animal control team—as well as a PHS valued volunteer who travelled to Nova Scotia to deliver the dogs. 

Darryl Porter from PHS (at right) with woman from Halifax SPCA (photo courtesy PHS)

On the return journey, the transport picked up three new dogs that were part of the most recent rescue from the Korean Meat Market through Humane Society International (HSI). 

"By facilitating transport of these animals, it gives them the opportunity to live without restriction of breed, and enjoy life with new loving and caring homes," says Officer Porter. "I am proud to be a part of transport, and glad to see these beautiful dogs enjoy their new start.”

Jindo dogs photo courtesy PHS

“I am excited to see this great new partnership with Halifax Humane Society come to light, as it continues our focus of collaboration with our animal welfare affiliates from coast to coast," says PHS Executive Director Shawn Morey.

"We are very happy to have so many great partnerships established, and continue to develop opportunities to further expand our affiliations, both locally and abroad. Our mission is to provide care and compassion to every animal that requires our services," adds Morey.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.