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

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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

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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

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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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Peterborough Humane Society Celebrates 85 Year Anniversary

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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.”

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Peterborough Humane Society Pet Pantry Supports 155 Local Families and Their Pets

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The Peterborough Humane Society’s (PHS) Community Pet Pantry Distribution event provided families with pet food, supplies and other essential items this holiday season at the Peterborough Public Library on Friday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

The event supported 155 community members and over 350 pets. It saved each household over $100 and helping families redirect those funds toward other essential needs according to said Shawn Morey, PHS CEO.

“Pet Pantries are a critical part of our commitment to keeping people and pets together,” he said. “Financial hardship remains one of the leading reasons families are forced to consider surrendering a beloved pet. By offering proactive support, we can reduce that pressure and prevent unnecessary heartbreak.”

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Peterborough Humane Society's Fall 2025 50/50 Lottery Shatters Previous Fundraising Record

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The Peterborough Humane Society’s (PHS) Fall 2025 PHS 50/50 Lottery has achieved a new all-time high of $57,575, over $7,000 above the previous fundraiser.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery has given away over $97,000 in cash prizes, $15,000 in travel vouchers from Marlin Travel Peterborough and a luxury patio chair set from Stoney Lake Furniture Co., since it launched in the spring of 2024. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

This had broken the past spring’s record jackpot of $50,245 set back in May.

Allyson Allin of Lakefield, won the 50/50, taking home the $28,787.50 grand prize.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery also featured the Marlin Travel & Transat Ruffle, offering a $5,000 gift certificate for use at Marlin Travel Peterborough toward any Transat travel package. It was won but Michael Walker of Highlands East.

The lottery ran from Sept. 26 to Oct. 31 with proceeds towards PHS for animals in need.

“Our community’s love for animals continues to shine through,” said Shawn Morey, PHS CEO. “From those who bought tickets to the local businesses and media who shared our message, everyone played a part in this success. We’re so thankful for the incredible support that makes our work possible.”

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Instagram Reel Goes Viral For Peterborough Humane Society; Gets Over 1.2 Million Views

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The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) is going viral after an Instagram reel got 1.2 million views, which was originally posted on Sept. 20.

The video was created in collaboration with Kate Ward of SimplyStrongMBC. It takes a fun and unexpected approach to promoting pet adoption showing that adopting just one kitten can leave you ‘off balance,’ even leading to ‘back pain’ from holding only one cat. The cure is to adopt two kittens which will help you regain your balance and protect your back.

“The message may be playful, but it carries an important truth,” said Désirée Kretschmar, PHS communication and development coordinator. “Kittens thrive when they have a companion, and this video captures that in a way that makes people smile, laugh, and think about adoption."

Since being posted, the video has gained over 43,800 likes and over 280 comments.

“We’re so grateful to Kate for her creativity and partnership,” said Kretschmar. “This collaboration shows the power of humour and community in helping spread an important message: there’s always room for more love and more kittens.”

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Peterborough Humane Society's Spring 50/50 Lottery Raises All-Time High Number

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The Peterborough Humane Society’s (PHS) Spring 2025 PHS 50/50 Lottery has reached a new all-time high of $50,245, announced on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

This third edition saw the first time the 50/50 draw break the $50,000 milestone.

Buckhorn’s Suzanne Cunningham was the grand prize winner of $25,122.50.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery also had the Marlin Travel & Collette ‘Ruff’le, for a $5,000 gift certificate, for use at Marlin Travel Peterborough on any Collette travel package. Peterborough’s Debra Amos won this year and says she has not had a vacation in over 10 years. She also adopted her two cats, Melvin and Jane, from PHS. 

The Lottery ran from April 7 to May 14 with proceeds towards PHS for animals in need.

“Once again Peterborough and the entire region have shown us just how important animal wellness is to them,” said Shawn Morey, PHS CEO. “We are so grateful to everyone who bought tickets, the small businesses that promoted the lottery, and to the community who helped spread the word. Everyone had a hand in making this a great success.”

Plans are already underway for the fourth iteration.   

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Peterborough Humane Society Launches Animal Wellness Services

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The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) is offering basic animal wellness services at the Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of PHS.

The service is to help increase accessibility for veterinary care for Peterborough according Shawn Morey, PHS CEO.

“Over 90 per cent of individuals surrendering their pets to Peterborough Humane Society cite the main reason as being due to the financial impact of veterinary care, and costs associated with caring for a pet,” he said. “The introduction of basic wellness services at PHS supports one of the main organizational focuses of enhancing and providing access to affordable care for the community.

PHS hosted its first Wellness Clinic on Friday. Services offered include but are not limited to: wellness exams, deworming, flea/tick prevention, microchipping and several vaccination offerings. 

“We are just getting started,” explained Morey. “Our goal is to keep people and pets together, and the introduction of wellness services from our clinic will play a vital role in helping achieve that goal.”

Animal wellness clinics will happen weekly as PHS plans to expand to additional wellness clinic days as soon as this Spring.

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Peterborough Humane Society Recieves $100,000 Grant to Improve Accessibility Vet Care From PetSmart Charities

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The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has received a grant of $100,000 from PetSmart Charities to help support the expansion of basic animal wellness services offered by the Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

“This grant from PetSmart Charities will enable Peterborough Humane Society to begin providing even more support to people and pets in Peterborough and the entire Kawartha Region,” says PHS Executive Director Shawn Morey. “As an important part of our 3-year Strategic Plan, helping improve access to care is a real priority and focus for us. This is an important next step in that strategy.”

This is part of a $100 million commitment from PetSmart Charities over the next five years toward improving access to veterinary care. These grants support the expansion of low-cost veterinary care by funding growth and operations for up to four years for nonprofit clinics looking to expand their services, serve their communities better and inspire other veterinary providers by sharing their experiences according to PHS.

“Our veterinary system is in crisis,” said Kate Atema, director of community grants and initiatives at PetSmart Charities.  “Rising costs are putting standard veterinary care out of reach for as much as 50% of pet-owning families. We need innovative solutions that make veterinary care affordable for the families in every community who want the best for their four-legged companions but struggle to meet the cost of vet care. We’re inspired by the incredible work Peterborough Humane Society is doing to create solutions that will build strong families and a healthy community.”

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