YWCA's Walk a Mile In Their Shoes Event Raises Over $38,000 to Support Those Who Experienced Gender-Based Violence

To maintain support for victims of gender-based violence, the YWCA’s Walk a Mile in Their Shoes event raised $38,341.71.

Men and Women participated in the downtown walk on Friday Afternoon. Several men sported red high heels in solidarity for the cause. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“This is more than we ever could have hoped for and we are beyond grateful to all who helped make this possible,” said Sarah Perkins, YWCA philanthropy communications coordinator.

Groups or individuals could sign up and raise funds for the YWCA prior to the march. The funding supports the YWCA’s Journey of Care which covers its signature programs and services offered.

“(It covers) The shelter —which is open 24 hours a day, — supportive counselling, transitional housing support, our family court support program and a hub on Mondays that a lot of organizations participate in,” said Kim Dolan, YWCA executive director.

Roughly 70 people joined in the downtown march on Friday afternoon. It started at Confederation Square and circuited back after turning onto King and Water Street.

@ptbo_canada The YWCA’s Walk a Mile in Their Shoes event raised $38,341.71 to support its programs for those who have experienced gender-based violence. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #women ♬ Strong Woman Stand Up - Chris B Harris & Jasmine T Harris & Daniel Kenneth Solovitz

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.

PHOTOS: YWCA's Walk a Mile In Their Shoes Event Marches Through Downtown For Awareness For Gender-Based Violence

To raise awareness and funds for gender-based violence, the YWCA held its annual Walk a Mile in Their Shoes and marched through Downtown Peterborough on Friday afternoon.

Roughly 70 people marched down George Street to raise awareness of domestic violence while raising funds for its life-saving programs. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Roughly 70 people joined in the downtown march. It started at Confederation Square and circuited back after turning onto King and Water Street.

“It takes a community to end violence against women; it takes all of us,” said Kim Dolan, YWCA executive director.

Groups or individuals could sign up and raise funds for the YWCA prior to the march. While a final tally has yet to be released, the top team had raised over $4,400, while the top individual had raised just under $1,700 at the time of publication. The funding supports the YWCA’s Journey of Care which covers its signature programs and services offered.

“(it covers) The shelter —which is open 24 hours a day, — supportive counselling, transitional housing support, our family court support program and a hub on Mondays that a lot of organizations participate in,” said Dolan.

While most of the march was composed of women, several men were part of the downtown walk, sporting red high heels in solidarity with the cause.

“The men who are here today are representative of a larger group of men who understand that violence against women are happening and largely men who are responsible for that violence,” explained Dolan.

Donations are currently being accepted and can be made online.

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.

YWCA Accepting Applications For the 2026 Hazel Education Bursary

The YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Education Awards Committee is now accepting applications for the 2026 Hazel Education Bursary.

photo courtesy of the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, facebook.

YWCA Hazel Education Bursary is intended to help women who have experienced gender-based violence reach their goals through education or training.

Since 1998, the YWCA has honoured Hazel’s vision of helping women pursue their dreams and overcoming barriers related to their experiences of violence and abuse. Hazel was a consumer, advisor and volunteer of several community services. Hazel passed away in 1996 after a long struggle with breast cancer. Soon afterwards an education fund was created by friends and admirers to honour her legacy.

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Board of Directors, through the Education Awards Committee, and with donations from the community, offers bursaries between $500 and $2,500 to women who:

• have experienced barriers related to the impact of violence and abuse

• have a dream to strengthen their economic security

• are a resident of Peterborough or Haliburton County

• seek to further their education or develop skills

Applications for the Hazel bursary can be submitted online before 4 p.m. on May 1.

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.

The Morton Family Foundation Upped Annual Donation to $60,000 for YWCA Peterborough Haliburton

As YWCA Peterborough Haliburton observed increases in gender-based and Intimate Partner Violence instances, the Morton Family Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to making a difference with a $60,000 donation.

Patricia and David Morton have been donors to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton for 13 years, and while they have previously given $50,000 since 2020, the Mortons saw the need for even further support this year. Photo courtesy of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton.

According to Statistics Canada, in 2024, police services across the country reported 349 victims of family violence per 100,000 individuals and 356 victims of IPV per 100,000 individuals aged 12 and older. These statistics motivated the Foundation to continue its donation, said Patricia Morton.

“Fortunately, while these statistics remain distressing, so far, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton has been able to accommodate 100 per cent of the vulnerable rural women and children who are fleeing from domestic abuse and violence at its safe space in Haliburton County,” she said.

Patricia is a professor emerita who taught history and women’s studies for 26 years at Trent University. She believes that supporting women is vital to creating a safer, more equitable society where families can live and thrive.

“It is becoming almost a tradition for David and I to help support the wonderful work of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton,” she stated. “This year, we are increasing the amount of our annual donation because sadly, recent studies show that children who experience or witness domestic abuse and violence in their own homes have twice the rate of psychiatric disorders as children in non-violent homes.”

“The work that YWCA Peterborough Haliburton does to keep women who are at risk safe is obviously critical. As a man, I am always shocked and appalled at how many men continue to abuse their partners,” said David Morton. “I have never been able to understand why this happens so frequently, but it is something that must somehow be addressed more seriously by social and government agencies. And now, to learn that there have been a few human trafficking cases in Haliburton in recent years makes YWCA’s role even more crucial.”

This is the 13th consecutive year the Morton Family Foundation has donated to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton.

“We are so pleased to be able to continue to support YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s efforts as its activities in support of abused women are, unfortunately, more needed than ever,” said David.

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.

YWCA Opens Applications For Bursary For Women Who Have Experienced Gender-Based Violence

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Education Awards Committee has opened applications for its 2025 Hazel Education Bursary.

Photo courtesy of the YWCA.

It is intended to help women who have experienced gender-based violence reach their goals through education or training

The bursaries offer amounts between $1,500 and $2,500 to eligible applicants.

The following are the bursary requirements:

• Have experienced barriers related to the impact of violence and abuse

• Have a dream to strengthen their economic security

• Are a resident of Peterborough or Haliburton County

• Seek to further their formal or informal education or develop skills.

Applications are due on May 1.

The bursary is named Hazel, known as a consumer, advisor and volunteer of several community services. She passed away in 1996 after a long struggle with breast cancer.

Since 1998, the YWCA has honoured Hazel’s vision of helping women pursue their dreams and overcoming barriers related to their experiences of violence and abuse.

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

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

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

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

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

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

YWCA Seeks Board Directors and Volunteers

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton seeks volunteers to join the Board of Directors and committees.

File Photo.

“We are looking for volunteers who are passionate about women’s issues and have the desire to be involved with an organization that provides life-saving programs, tools and resources that help women and children thrive,” said Sherri Ireland, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Board President. “The YWCA plays a vital role in our community and its sustainability depends on women who will make impactful decisions in support of our mission: YWCA Peterborough Haliburton exists to help women and children in our communities live safely and know satisfaction and joy in their daily lives. We offer shelter, educational programming, counselling, and advocacy, in collaboration with the community and women themselves. The YWCA knows that its fiscal management, community reputation and most importantly, valued staff are the basis for these trusting relationships.”

"YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is committed to Reconciliation and encourages women from all backgrounds and age groups to join our organization; especially women 30 years of age and younger. As a learning board, we offer the opportunity to share our experience with those who may be new to Board governance. We know the value of having varied skillsets and experiences, and are particularly interested in the areas of finance, Truth and Reconciliation, governance and recruitment. As an organization, we will always be committed to ensuring diverse perspectives that reflect the communities we serve.”

Roles require roughly six hours a month. Applications can be submitted online.

Applications will be accepted until April 1.

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

Morton Family Foundation Makes $50,000 Donation to YWCA For the Fifth Consecutive Year

The Morton Family Foundation has donated $50,000 to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton for the fifth consecutive year to support the YWCA’s services for women and children in Haliburton County, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the YWCA.

Patricia and David Morton have donated to the YWCA for 12 years and have given $50,000 each year since 2020.

The money will support YWCA’s programs in Haliburton County, which provide rural women experiencing violence and abuse with vital services including safety planning, counselling, and legal assistance.

Patricia, a professor emerita who taught history and women’s studies for 26 years at Trent University, said that their commitment to the YWCA stems from the epidemic of gender-based abuse and violence against women in our country.

“About 44 per cent of Canadian women (6.2 million people) have reported experiencing psychological or physical abuse in an intimate relationship,” she explained. “Gender-based violence has severe ramifications on the health of the victims – including traumatic brain injuries that can result in lasting mental health challenges and even death, as well as lasting traumatic impacts on their children. David and I feel very fortunate to be able to contribute again to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s vital support services and safe shelters for the many women who are endangered by gender-based abuse and too often deadly violence.”

Patricia notes that close to 200 women in Canada were killed by femicide last year with over 60 cases in Ontario. YWCA states that the true numbers are even higher, as many instances of violence and abuse are never reported,and statistics only include those cases ruled as femicide by authorities.

“Clearly femicide must be stopped, and all levels of government must enact legislation that provides protection, safety, support, and affordable housing for the survivors of gender-based abuse and violence,” said Patricia. “Isolated rural women are especially vulnerable to intimate partner abuse and violence and to femicide.

“The Morton Family Foundation has reached a milestone in their tradition of generosity, after five years of leadership giving,” said Kim Dolan, YWCA executive director. “I am truly grateful every day for Patricia and David’s dedication to supporting so many worthwhile community initiatives. I offer them thanks on behalf of every woman and child we serve in Haliburton County, for providing them with the resources and support they need to feel safe again.”

“I believe it is so important to support YWCA Peterborough Haliburton in their effort to protect women who are in very vulnerable situations,” said David. “I urge others to support the YWCA in this effort.”

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

100 Women Peterborough Raises Over $10,000 For YWCA At First Meeting

100 Women Peterborough in their first meeting, raised $10,000 for YWCA Peterborough Haliburton following a majority vote from the membership at the Venu on Monday.

100 Women Peterborough has supported local charities since 2018 donating over $190,000 to support local community causes. Photo courtesy of 100 Women Peterborough.

“I’d like to extend our utmost gratitude to 100 Women Peterborough for selecting us as the beneficiary for their first event of the year,” said Tina Thornton, YWCA director of philanthropy. “It was truly an honour to share our mission with some of our community’s most dynamic women, and we are so proud to be part of a city and region that clearly demonstrates its caring and commitment toward helping people in need.”

The funding supports YWCA's core programs and services that are meant to provide crucial assistance to thousands of women and children every year, where they offer support, shelter, counselling and crisis intervention for those dealing with the impacts of gender-prejudiced violence and abuse according to a press release.

“The generous donations from 100 Women Peterborough will support the YWCA’s core programs and services through our Journey of Care which helps thousands of women and children each year as they deal with the impacts of gender-based violence and abuse,” said Thornton. “Last year that included over 6,000 nights spent at Crossroads Shelter; almost 1,300 client contacts for the Court Support program; about 350 clients in our Outreach Support program; and more than 3,000 support and crisis calls by phone and text. Our key services also include the START program, which gives women access to over a dozen community support agencies through a centralized meeting; our Women’s Well-Being counseling and peer support program; and providing basic necessities and food for women and children staying in our safe spaces.”

“It’s incredibly moving to witness the collective effort of women in our community rallying together to support the vital cause of the YWCA,” said Rosalea Terry, 100 Women Peterborough founding member. “Our membership’s unified support is not only powerful but also a testament to the strength of our community’s solidarity.”

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

YWCA 'Walk a Mile In Their Shoes' Fundraiser Returns to Peterborough On May 24

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s Walk A Mile In Their Shoes returns on May 24 to raise funds for YWCA programs and services helping women and children recover from gender-based violence.

Photo courtesy of YWCA Peterborough.

The YWCA is asking everyone to dig out your red shoes, grab your friends, family or colleagues and join them at Confederation Park for a walk around downtown Peterborough. Check-in for participants will open at 11 a.m. and the walk will begin at noon.

Participants can sign up as solo walkers or with a team. Local groups and businesses are encouraged to join and challenge others to a fundraising contest.

Registration for the event is $40 for a limited-time Early Bird rate. The fee includes lunch at the event, a custom water bottle and a t-shirt.

Proceeds support the YWCA's Journey of Care, which encompasses each of the signature programs and services offered to the women, children and gender-diverse people it serves.

Registrants can go online to create their personal fundraising page or sponsor someone with a donation.

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