You Could Win $1,500 on Friday and Stay in the Running for Even More Money With the Peterborough Humane Society 50/50 Lottery

By Scott Arnold

There’s $1,500 up for grabs Friday, and the best part is that winning the Early Bird doesn’t take you out of the running for the even bigger prizes still to come.

The deadline to enter the peterborough humane society’s first early bird draw in their fall 50/50 lottery is 3pm on Friday, October 8th. (photo by scott arnold)

The Peterborough Humane Society’s fall 50/50 Lottery is already off to a great start, and there’s an extra reason to get your tickets in now.

The first Miskin Law Early Bird Draw takes place Friday, October 9th, with $1,500 going to one lucky winner.

And if you’re thinking that winning Friday means your PHS 50/50 journey is over, think again.

If your name is drawn for the $1,500 Early Bird, you remain eligible for the second Early Bird Draw, which will be worth $2,000 on Friday, October 23rd, as well as the grand prize draw on Friday, November 6th.

In other words, one ticket could potentially put you in the running to win all three.

Friday's $1,500 Early Bird

Tickets for Friday’s Early Bird Draw will be available until 3pm.

The draw will take place at approximately 3:30pm, when the winner will be selected and PHS will make the call to deliver the good news.

Miskin Law is the official Early Bird sponsor this year, making Friday’s prize possible while also supporting the second Early Bird Draw later this month.

“Because of them, we’ve got $1,500 to give away this Friday and another $2,000 in two weeks’ time,” said Kevin MacKenzie, Director of Fund Development at PHS.

So if you want your name in the running for Friday’s prize, you have until 3pm to get your tickets.

And remember, those tickets don't disappear after the Early Bird.

The Jackpot Is Already Climbing

While Friday’s draw is the immediate focus, the main PHS 50/50 is continuing to grow.

MacKenzie says the lottery is currently ahead of pace compared to last spring, when the PHS 50/50 set a record with a $137,510 jackpot and awarded $68,755 to its winner.

“So if we continue to stay ahead, we might beat that 137k that the 50/50 got up to,” MacKenzie said.

That would mean another potentially massive jackpot for one lucky winner while providing critically needed funding for the Humane Society.

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Every Ticket Helps an Animal in Need

The excitement surrounding the prizes is only one part of the story.

The Peterborough Humane Society does not receive government funding, meaning community support is essential to keeping the organization operating and caring for the animals that come through its doors.

“It’s really critically needed funding,” MacKenzie said. “We don’t receive any government funding.”

That funding helps make sure animals leaving PHS for their forever homes are healthy and ready for the next chapter of their lives.

“They’ve all been either spayed or neutered,” MacKenzie explained. “We want to make sure that we are supporting responsible pet ownership.”

It is part of the broader work being done at PHS every day, where animals receive the care they need before finding their forever homes.

And with the Humane Society busy from the moment its doors open, that support is needed.

How to Get Your Tickets

If this is your first time hearing about the PHS 50/50, there’s still plenty of time to get involved.

Tickets can be purchased online at PHS5050.ca, or with cash in person at the Peterborough Humane Society or Miskin Law.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery is open to players across Ontario and runs until Friday, November 6th.

The two Early Bird draws are just the beginning, with the $1,500 prize Friday, October 9th, the $2,000 prize Friday, October 23rd and the main 50/50 draw taking place Friday, November 6th.

And if your phone rings on Friday afternoon, it might just be PHS calling with some very good news.

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

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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

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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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TSN Host Sends Special 85th Birthday Wishes to Peterborough Humane Society

By Scott Arnold

A familiar face from TSN helped deliver a special birthday message to the Peterborough Humane Society as the organization continues celebrating 85 years of caring for animals in the community.

Bryan Hayes, host of TSN’s OverDrive, sent a special 85th birthday message to the Peterborough Humane Society (screenshot of video posted by peterborough humane society)

The Peterborough Humane Society received a special shoutout this week from TSN personality Bryan Hayes, who helped mark the organization’s milestone anniversary with a message of support.

Hayes is best known as the host of OverDrive, Canada’s #1 sports talk show on TSN, alongside Jamie “Noodles” McLennan and Jeff O’Neill.

The Peterborough Humane Society shared the video on social media, saying having Hayes take part in its birthday celebration was “an honour” and a moment the organization was excited to share.

The organization was established in 1941 and is celebrating 85 years of supporting animals across Peterborough and the surrounding area. Today, the Humane Society operates out of the Peterborough Animal Care Centre on Technology Drive, where it provides care, adoption services, humane education and community support programs.

As an open admission, For Life organization, the Peterborough Humane Society cares for approximately 1,500 pets each year and relies on community support to continue its work.

Hayes’ birthday message adds to a year of celebrations for an organization that has been part of the Peterborough community for more than eight decades.

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

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Peterborough Humane Society Partner With Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward For The Big Apple Pet Festival

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) and Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward (HSHPE) are hosting a free community day, The Big Apple Pet Festival, on July 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Big Apple in Colborne.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society

Funds raised throughout the day will support both organizations.

The Can-Pet Mobile Care Unit will be on site, hosting a mobile clinic and offering rabies vaccinations and microchipping for a pay-what-you-can donation. There will also be free nail clipping available from Tail Trackers.

Guests can browse the Can-Pet Pet Market, let their dogs stretch their legs in The Big Apple's dog park, watch a lure course and agility demonstration and visit The Kibble Project booth to learn how the organization supports shelters and rescues across Ontario. Kibble Project founders Gladys Orozco and Elvis Stojko will both be in attendance. Stojko is a three-time world figure skating champion and Olympic silver medallist. He will also have his race car on site for visitors to see and meet him in person.

Festival guests can also enjoy the on-site bakery and pie factory, restaurant, gift shop, cider brewery, mini golf and petting zoo. A portion of wine and pie sales at The Big Apple support PHS and HSHPE that day.

“We are so thrilled to be hosting an event like this at The Big Apple. There's nothing better than seeing the whole community come together for a great cause; it's exactly why we love doing this work,” said Nick Nicoloff, Can-Pet vice president. “Every dollar raised on a day like this helps animals waiting for their second chance, in our community and beyond.”

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Peterborough Humane Society Invites Public to Celebrate Animals With Pet Fest 2026 This Saturday

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) is inviting the community to celebrate animals at Pet Fest 2026 this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Peterborough Animal Care Centre.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

The free event features a Meow Market with local makers and shops, plus free ice cream and live music throughout. Restaurants such as Hanoi House, The Vine, or Till Death BBQ & Catering are selling food at the celebration.

Activities such as a scavenger hunt and a stuffed-animal checkup station will be available for children. Author Judi Barr will also be on site for storytime, sharing her book The Tale of Eileen The Timid Housecat, a heartwarming story inspired by a real adopted cat.

The Peterborough Humane Society is also unveiling its new Memorial Garden & Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m.

This year features the first-ever Pet Fashion Show at 1 p.m. and hosted by MC Tiffany Arcari. There are three categories: Sun's Out Paws Out, Twinning is Winning, and Off the Leash. Each category has just eight spots available and prizes will be awarded to the winners. Registration is required and spots are limited. Participants can sign up at peterboroughhumanesociety.ca.

“Pet Fest is one of our favourite days of the year because it is really just about bringing people together," said Shawn Morey, PHS CEO. "We are so grateful to this community for everything they do for the animals in our care, and Pet Fest is our way of saying thank you. This year we have so much to share, from our first-ever Pet Fashion Show to the unveiling of our Memorial Garden & Park, and we cannot wait to celebrate it all with the community.”

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Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign Raises $136,711.96 For Peterborough Humane Society and Five Counties Children's Centre

The community came together for the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign, raising $136,711.96 to be split between Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) and the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS), announced on Tuesday morning.

Nationally, the 2026 Smile Cookie Campaign raised a record‑breaking $23.3 million in support of more than 700 charities and community groups across Canada. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Each organization received $68,355.98 from the campaign, which ran from April 27 to May 3. Funds were collected from Smile Cookie purchases at any of the 18 participating locations in Peterborough, Bridgnorth, Lakefield and Curve Lake.

Five Counties is putting its proceeds towards its ‘Building Abilities for Life’ campaign that ensures kids can more easily access high-demand treatment services that will benefit them as they grow up.

@ptbo_canada This spring’s Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign raised $136,711.96 to be split between the Five Counties Children’s Centre and the Peterborough Humane Society. #p#ptbocanadaj#journalismf#fypn#newss#smilecookie ♬ Smile - Official Sound Studio

“Our community truly came together to make this all possible,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “We are grateful to everyone who volunteered their time, helped spread the word, purchased Smile Cookies, and supported this initiative. We are also very appreciative of Tim Hortons and its staff, who warmly welcomed our volunteers. Their ongoing generosity and commitment to community organizations is truly inspiring, and it was a pleasure to work alongside them and the Peterborough Humane Society.”

The Peterborough Humane Society is using its funds towards its animal care programs, including sheltering, medical care and adoptions for animals in need.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Tim Hortons owners for selecting us as a Smile Cookie beneficiary and for the opportunity to partner with both Five Counties throughout this campaign,” said Shawn Morey, PHS CEO. “We're proud to have more than 100 volunteers lend their time throughout the week. We extend our sincere thanks to the Tim Hortons staff who made us feel like part of the team. With the support of our community, many children, families, and pets will benefit.”

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Peterborough Humane Society and Five Counties Children’s Centre to Benefit From Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign

The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign returns from April 27 to May 3, with proceeds supporting the Peterborough Humane Society and Five Counties Children’s Centre.

photo courtesy of Five Counties Children’s Centre.

Area residents can purchase a Smile Cookie at any of the 18 participating Tim Hortons restaurants in Peterborough, Bridgenorth, Lakefield and Curve Lake. Bulk orders are also available by completing an order form and dropping it off at a local restaurant. Throughout the campaign, volunteers from the Peterborough Humane Society and Five Counties will be on site decorating cookies, greeting guests and thanking supporters.

“We are very grateful to the Tim Hortons locations in Peterborough and the surrounding area for selecting Five Counties and the Peterborough Humane Society as this year’s Smile Cookie beneficiaries,” says Scott Pepin, CEO of Five Counties Children’s Centre. “Support from this campaign will help ensure important services are available in our community at Five Counties to support children with physical, developmental and communication needs and at the Peterborough Humane Society to help animals in need of care in our community.”

All proceeds from Smile Cookie sales in Peterborough and the surrounding area will stay in local communities, supporting programs that promote health, wellness and compassionate care for children, youth and animals.

“We are incredibly grateful and excited to be included in this wonderful campaign alongside our friends at Five Counties.” says Shawn Morey, CEO of the Peterborough Humane Society. “By supporting this campaign, you are helping ensure animals that come into our care receive the support they need, while they wait to join their new forever homes, and supporting the great work that Five Counties does for children.”

Tim Hortons has been raising funds for local charities for over 25 years. Last year Tim Hortons restaurants across Canada raised $22.6 million for close to 700 local charities and community groups, contributing to the Smile Cookie legacy of over $151 million raised since the program’s inception.

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Peterborough Humane Society 50/50 Lottery Returns to Support Local Animals in Need

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has announced the 5th iteration of the PHS 50/50 Lottery, returning from April 9 to May 15.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

Last fall, the PHS 50/50 Lottery achieved a new high as the pot reached $57,575, with Allyson Allin of Lakefield taking home the $28,787.50 grand prize.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery also features the Marlin Travel & Collette Ruffle, offering a $5,000 gift certificate for use at Marlin Travel Peterborough toward any Collette travel package. Last fall, it was won by Michael Walker of Highlands East.

The lottery will now feature two Early Bird Draws. On April 17, the Miskin Law Early Bird Draw #1 will be for $1,500, and on May 1 the Miskin Law Early Bird Draw #2 will be for $2,000!

“We love holding the PHS 50/50 Lottery as an exciting campaign the entire community gets behind,” said Shawn Morey, Chief Executive Officer at PHS. “As the cost of animal care continues to rise, the Lottery raises important funding to help both pets and people in our community. We are grateful for the support and excited to launch it once again.”

Running from April 9 to May 15, the PHS 50/50 Lottery raises funds to support animals in need at Peterborough Humane Society. Tickets may be purchased online, or cash purchases can be made in person at Peterborough Humane Society or Miskin Law. The 50/50 grand prize and Marlin Travel & Collette Ruffle draws take place Friday, May 15 at 1:05 pm.

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The Peterborough Humane Society Marked World Spay Day with 36 Free Surgeries

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) completed 36 spay and neuter surgeries on cats and dogs for World Spay Day on Tuesday, provided at no cost to community members who had been identified through the organization's social services programming.

photo courtesy of the peterborough humane society.

Spay and neuter is the most effective way to reduce pet overpopulation. These surgeries help prevent unwanted litters, support rescue and animal welfare partners and reduce the number of animals entering shelters or living without homes.

By connecting families identified through this social services programming directly to free surgical care, PHS is addressing the issue at its source.

Since opening in 2023, the Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic has performed over 13,000 surgeries, cementing its role as a critical community resource for affordable and accessible veterinary care in the Peterborough region.

photo courtesy of the peterborough humane society.

"World Spay Day gives us a chance to highlight just how real and widespread the need for affordable spay and neuter services is, both here in our community and around the world," says Shawn Morey, CEO of the Peterborough Humane Society. "We are truly thrilled to be able to offer these services to families in Peterborough, and days like yesterday remind us why this work matters so much. Every surgery we perform is a step toward a healthier, more sustainable future for animals and the people who love them."

To learn more or to book an appointment, visit the website.

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