Help Fill the Fords and Support Local Students This Back to School Season

By Scott Arnold

The community is invited to help fill two classic Ford trucks with school supplies during a fun-filled fundraiser supporting local students on Saturday, August 8th.

United Way Peterborough & District Campaign Officers Adeline Murphy and Elyse Belsey join Auto Connect Sales owners Cheryl Watson and Martin Tempelman, along with Tessa the four-legged greeter, in front of one of the classic Ford trucks that will be filled with school supplies during the Fill the Fords fundraiser on August 8th. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Getting ready for a new school year is an exciting time for many families, but for others, buying even the most basic school supplies can be a challenge.

That's why Auto Connect Sales and United Way Peterborough & District are once again teaming up to help local students through the Fill the Fords school supply drive.

The community is invited to bring donations to Auto Connect Sales, located at 1175 Lansdowne Street West, on Saturday, August 8th, from 10 am to 2 pm, where two classic Ford trucks will be filled with essential back-to-school supplies for students across Peterborough and the surrounding area.

The event grew out of the successful partnership between United Way Peterborough & District and Auto Connect during last year's community donation drives.

"We saw such generosity from our community last year," said United Way Campaign Officer Adeline Murphy. "We wanted to build on that and do something even bigger this year."

The need continues to grow as more families seek help with back-to-school essentials. Donations of items such as pencils, pens, binders, calculators, notebooks and other school supplies will help ensure local students have what they need to succeed when classes begin.

"We're hearing from schools and community agencies that more families are needing support with these essential supplies," said United Way Campaign Officer Elyse Belsey. "These are items many of us take for granted, but they can make a huge difference for a student heading back to school."

Helping bring the fundraiser to life are two eye-catching classic Ford trucks, including a 1996 Ford F-150 and a 1951 Mercury pickup. The vintage vehicles have become a signature part of Auto Connect's community fundraisers, serving as the collection points for donated school supplies while giving visitors something special to see.

A vintage 1951 Mercury pickup is ready to be filled with school supplies as part of the Fill the Fords fundraiser, helping support local students ahead of the new school year. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

A classic 1996 Ford F-150 will once again help collect school supplies during the Fill the Fords fundraiser, serving as one of two donation vehicles for the community-wide back-to-school drive. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

While the goal is to fill the trucks, organizers say the day is about much more than collecting supplies.

Visitors can enjoy a community BBQ featuring generously donated food from King Street Market, while the first 100 eligible donations will receive a free scoop of Central Smith ice cream. Community mascots are expected to stop by, along with a Peterborough Police Service cruiser for children to explore.

For Auto Connect owners Cheryl Watson and Martin Tempelman, giving back to the community has always been a priority.

"This community has welcomed us, so we want to do what we can to give back," said Watson. "It shouldn't be hard to be a kid. Every child deserves the chance to be excited about going back to school and to have the same opportunity to succeed as everyone else."

Watson says no donation is too small.

"It doesn't matter if you bring a whole bag of supplies or just one pencil," she said. "Every little bit helps, and everyone is welcome."

Tempelman says helping others is simply the right thing to do.

"If there's anything we can do to help others, I believe it's our responsibility," he said. "Bringing joy to others brings joy to us."

Those unable to attend the August 8th event can still support the campaign. School supplies can be dropped off at several locations throughout Peterborough and the county until August 14th, including Auto Connect Sales. United Way also has an Amazon Wish List available for those who prefer to donate online, with items shipped directly to the organization.

A complete list of requested school supplies and drop-off locations is available on the United Way Peterborough & District website.

Whether it's a backpack full of supplies or a single pencil, every donation will help local students head back to school with confidence.

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

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Hospice Norwood Receives Big Boost From $8500 Donation

By Scott Arnold

Hospice Norwood is thanking the Masons of Peterborough District and the Masonic Foundation of Ontario after receiving an $8,500 donation to support hospice care in the community.

James Dunn, John Muise, Gary Ballard, Trever Donnelly, Andrew Henderson and Bill Osborne with Hospice Norwood representatives Jan Darling and Glenda Johnson. (photo via hospice Norwood)

The donation was part of a larger fundraising effort that raised more than $25,000. The proceeds were shared between Hospice Norwood, Hospice Peterborough and The Bridge Hospice in Warkworth.

Hospice Norwood recently welcomed representatives from the Masons to recognize their contribution and thank them for supporting the organization's work serving Norwood and surrounding communities.

The organization says community generosity plays a vital role in making hospice care possible, helping provide programs and support for people living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their caregivers, families and those grieving the loss of a loved one.

Hospice Norwood expressed its appreciation to everyone who contributed to the fundraising effort, saying donations from individuals and community partners continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves.

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

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Where Light Grows Bringing Music and Hope to Peterborough

By Scott Arnold

A special afternoon of music at Market Hall will raise support for Camp Kerry Ontario this fall, helping provide grief support programs for children, families and individuals navigating the loss of a loved one.

headlined by julian taylor, the concert will also feature an outstanding lineup of local performers, including Victoria Yeh, Maria Leahy, Rye Whetung, and Julie Fallis, with Kerry Griffin serving as Master of Ceremonies (photos provided by the lumara society)

Lumara Society and KS & Co. Productions are presenting Where Light Grows: A Camp Kerry Fundraiser on Sunday, September 13 at 2 p.m. at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in Peterborough.

The event will feature JUNO Award-nominated singer-songwriter Julian Taylor, along with performances from Victoria Yeh, Maria Leahy, Rye Whetung and Julie Fallis. Kerry Griffin will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Taylor has earned recognition for his heartfelt songwriting and live performances, including multiple Ontario Folk Music Awards and Country Music Association of Ontario Awards.

Funds raised through the concert will support Camp Kerry Ontario, which provides grief support programs for children, youth, adults and families who are dealing with the loss of a loved one.

Through its programming, Camp Kerry helps participants connect with others who understand their experiences while building resilience and finding support during difficult times.

The fundraiser takes place Sunday, September 13 at 2 p.m. at Market Hall. Tickets are $40 for tiered theatre seating and $60 for cabaret table seating.

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

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Masons Show Support for Hospice Peterborough with Generous Donation

By Scott Arnold

Hospice Peterborough is thanking the Masonic Foundation and Peterborough District Masons after receiving an $8,500 donation to support its work in the community.

representatives from hospice were presented a cheque for $8,500 by masons brethren james dunn, john muise, bharat maini, lorne mitchell, larry castle and john hewitt (photo via instagram @hospiceptbo)

The generous contribution will help Hospice Peterborough continue providing care and support for individuals and families, with the organization recognizing the impact community partnerships have on its services.

To mark the donation, members of the Masonic Foundation and Peterborough District Masons recently visited Hospice Peterborough for a tour of the facility. The visit gave them an opportunity to see firsthand the work being done and what is made possible through community support.

Hospice Peterborough also thanked the Masons for their ongoing commitment to giving back, noting the important role they play in helping local organizations make a difference.

The organization says it is grateful for the $8,500 donation and the continued support of the Masonic Foundation and Peterborough District Masons as they invest in the well-being of the community.

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

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Dunsford Golfers Raise More Than $3K for Ross Memorial Hospital

By Scott Arnold

A charity golf tournament hosted by the Dunsford Golf & Country Club Ladies League has raised $3,247 in support of critical capital projects at Ross Memorial Hospital.

Since 2015, the Dunsford Ladies League has supported needs across the hospital, including the expansion of the Emergency Department and creation of a Mental Health Emergency Services Unit, the new fleet of IV pumps, the Mental Health Inpatient Unit and the 3D mammography unit (photo via ross memorial hospital foundation)

The league's annual tournament was held June 23, with members of the "Girls on the Green" embracing the event's green-themed tradition while raising money for local health care.

Organizer Shirley Grills recently visited Ross Memorial Hospital to present the donation.

The latest contribution brings the Ladies League's total support for the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation to $11,800, earning the group Provider-level recognition on the Foundation's Donor Recognition Wall.

Since 2015, the Dunsford Ladies League has supported a number of projects at the hospital, including the expansion of the Emergency Department, the creation of the Mental Health Emergency Services Unit, a new fleet of IV pumps, the Mental Health Inpatient Unit and the hospital's 3D mammography unit.

The fundraiser is the latest example of the group's ongoing commitment to supporting local health care and helping fund important equipment and improvements that benefit patients across the region.

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

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United Way Peterborough & District Marks the End of 2025 Fundraising Campaign After Raising Over 1.5 Million Dollars

United Way Peterborough & District has wrapped up another successful community fundraising campaign, marking the $1,560,075 achievement at its annual Campaign Celebration April 9.

The county of peterborough was awarded the “Making it Rain” award for delivering an increase in employee event donations. photo courtesy of the united way peterborough & District.

The organization brought together local partner agencies, workplaces and community members to unveil its 2025 fundraising total and recognize the collective effort behind a successful campaign. Held at the McDonnell Street Activity Centre, the evening offered an opportunity for peers and colleagues to reflect on their shared impact, celebrate achievements and honour outstanding contributions through awards.

Award recipients included the County of Peterborough, Trent Valley Learning Association, Tiffany Arcari, the John Howard Society of the Kawarthas, the City of Peterborough, the New Canadians Centre, Jeannine Taylor, the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board, Trent University and Laken MacFarlane.

“As I look back on my time with United Way, I am so overwhelmed with gratitude for the people who continue to show up each year for their community,” CEO Jim Russell shared. “It’s not our organization alone that makes this work possible, it’s a shared responsibility, brought to life by our dedicated partners and workplaces from across the region. This year especially was a true show of community spirit, with so many new partnerships forming and more people stepping forward to get involved whether it was events like Backpacks for Success, Period Promise, or the ever-popular Peterborough Performs championed by our incredible Campaign Chair Paul Rellinger.”

In coming months, United Way will usher in their 85th campaign year, continuing to build on community partnerships while welcoming new opportunities to create lasting change. Upcoming initiatives, including Day of Caring and Backpacks for Success, will return later this summer to support local needs. 

The team celebrates this year’s fundraising total of $1,560,075, representing a 3 per cent increase over last years campaign.

“As Campaign Chair I’ve had the honour of being a part of the United Way team, and let me tell you, fundraising is no easy task,” said Rellinger. “It really is nonstop all year long, trying to meet goal to ensure our Peterborough community is receiving the much-needed support that it deserves. Although, I am chair for only a year, I am a supporter of United Way Peterborough always.”

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Community Care Peterborough Launches their 2025 Annual Appeal: Because We Care

Community Care Peterborough (CCP) has launched its 2025 Annual Appeal, “Because We Care,” inviting Peterborough and surrounding areas to support community services that help seniors and adults with disabilities remain independent at home.

The inspiRation behind because we care: Meals on Wheels volunteer Patty Tipton. Photo Courtesy of Community Care Peterborough.

CCP credits Patty Tipton, a long-time Meals on Wheels staff member, as the inspiration behind this year’s campaign. After years of service with Community Care, Tipton volunteered following her retirement, returning to greet callers and visitors at the organization’s Peterborough office.

“Patty’s dedication shows what caring looks like in action,” said Danielle Belair, CCP CEO. “When people give their time or their financial support, they help create stability and independence for thousands of neighbours. This appeal celebrates that spirit of generosity and invites new supporters to join us.”

In the past year, Community Care Peterborough volunteers contributed the equivalent of 48 full-time employees, donating tens of thousands of hours across the organization. Volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels, drive clients to medical appointments, make friendly visits and reassurance calls, support home help and maintenance services and more.

Because We Care celebrate volunteers and community generosity.

During the 2024 to 2025 year, Community Care Peterborough supported more than 6,000 residents throughout the City and County of Peterborough by providing:

• More than 50,000 Meals on Wheels deliveries

• 31,000 rides to medical and essential appointments

• 20,000 friendly visits and reassurance calls

• 9,000 home help and maintenance visits

“Our volunteers make our work possible, and our donors make it sustainable,” said Chris LeBlanc, Director of Donor and Public Relations. “Every hour and every dollar ensures that seniors and adults living with disabilities receive the care, connection and support they need to remain independent. Community generosity is the reason we can offer these services without barriers.”

Those who wish to support the 2025 Annual Appeal can learn more about the campaign, read Patty’s story and make a donation by visiting their website. Donations can also be made by phone and in person at any Community Care Peterborough office throughout the City and County.

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Dooher’s Bakery Raises Over $5,500 for Four-Year-Old Hit By Vehicle While Leaving Norwood Fair

Dooher’s Bakery’s “Sophie Day” fundraiser, selling pink and purple sprinkle doughnuts, raises $5,567 for young Sophie Foley who suffered life-threatening injuries from a tragic accident in Norwood.

Foley suffered a fractured skull, extensive brain injuries and a laceration on her liver as a result of her injuries. Photos courtesy of Daniel Steven Foley and Dooher’s Bakery.

After being hit by a vehicle while leaving the Norwood Fair Thanksgiving Monday (Oct. 10), the Campbellford bakery contacted the girl’s family and organized the fundraiser for Oct. 18, rallying the community to support the four-year-old as she continues to fight for her life in Sick Kids Hospital.

Within a day of announcing the fundraiser, the bakery already had 100 dozen preorders. By Oct. 17 the bakery had “well over” 200 preorders, according to a Facebook post.

“We are blown away by all of the support of Sophie Day at the bakery,” Dooher’s Bakery said on Facebook. “This wouldn’t be possible without all of the amazing customers, donators and our great team here at the bakery!”

In total Dooher’s Bakery made and sold 3,540, or 290 dozen, pink and purple doughnuts (Sophie’s favourite colours) for Sophie Day.

Another 20 dozen have been ordered by the Peterborough Police Service for Thursday.

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Couture Candy PTBO Celebrates Grand Opening on Saturday

Couture Candy PTBO’s second location on Lansdowne Place hosted its grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday.

Lisa Couture and Family cut ribbon in opening ceremony of their new location. Photo by Luke Best

The new storefront is located between Journeys and Claire’s at the bottom of the escalator. Couture Candy PTBO has been donated the space from the mall until Oct. 3 to aid in their ‘Cancer Care is Sweet’ fundraiser.

$1 from select products will go towards the Peterborough Regional Health Center Foundation for cancer care with a goal of $10,000.

Before the new location opened on saturday, they had already raised $8,500 according to Couture. Photo By Luke Best

“We're gonna crush it. I know we will,“ said owner Lisa Couture. “We actually have some fun challenges for the community to get more donations. There's a cool hair-cutting challenge that's will be coming up.”

Donations can also be made at both stores or online.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough Children Receive 73 Fully-Loaded Backpacks From Local Accounting Firm

Getting back to school just got easier for local children of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough as accounting firm Gauvreau CPA gave them fully stocked 73 backpacks with school supplies on Friday afternoon.

Lily G., 11 (left), got her pick of the litter for backpacks as Caitlin Walker (right) of Gauvreau CPA Firm gives her one of 73 fully-loaded backpacks. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Several employees at the firm have grown up benefiting from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and the backpacks were a way to help the next generation of children.

“We have a team dedicated to helping advance our community,” said Robert Gauvreau, Gauvreau CPA CEO. “We have a few people on our team who are connected with the Peterborough Big Brothers Big Sisters so it's got a special spot in our heart.”

Students attending high school or elementary school and part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program were eligible for the free backpacks.

Backpacks were filled with supplies such as a lunch bag, sandwich containers writing utensils, glue sticks, scissors and erasers.

Children and parents picked up the supplies throughout the afternoon and were able to select what bags they wanted on a first-come,first-serve basis.

“Everything isn't just about business all the time but the fact that our team is positively influencing the outcomes of our community to me, that is the biggest win,” said Gauvreau.

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