A Peterborough Girl With Type 1 Diabetes Just Rocked Parliament Hill To Give Voice To Kids For A Cure

Peterborough's Matt Stimpson and his daughter Tilly, 8—both of whom have Type 1 diabetes—just returned along with her mother Jo from an amazing two days on Parliament Hill where Tilly was one of 25 children from across Canada selected to attend Kids for a Cure Lobby day at Parliament Hill.

Bottom row: Tilly pictured second from left at Parliament Hill

During her visit there, Tilly met with Members of Parliament and Senators to show them the face of diabetes, share her personal journey with them about living with diabetes, and ask them to invest in clinical trials to help find a cure.

Tilly (pictured far right with her father, Matt) meeting with MPs

The Stimpson family have been advocating for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) since Tilly was diagnosed at the age of two and a half. They raised more than $20,000 for JDRF over the past five years with the tremendous support of the giving community in Peterborough.

Tilly bottom row (second from left) pictured with the rest of the kids and their parents from across Canada

Tilly wants to make a difference for those living with Type 1 diabetes, and she's having a great impact. Her goal was to raise $500 for JDRF this year but with the help of this amazing community, she far exceeded it, raising a whopping $2,739.

"I'm very proud of the work that Tilly Stimpson and her family are doing to raise awareness about Type 1 diabetes," says Maryam Monsef, who met with Tilly during her visit. "Many of my colleagues told me that they were impressed with Tilly's advocacy work, and that she is a great ambassador for all Canadians who live with Type 1 diabetes every day."

Tilly meeting with Maryam Monsef on Parliament Hill

The Stimpson family and the other families even got a wave from Prime Minister Trudeau during Question Period when they were sitting in the Gallery:

"I wanted to be sure to share Tilly's story with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau so on Monday just before Question Period, I pointed out the family as they were sitting in the gallery," Monsef tells PTBOCanada. "As I shared their story with him, he gave the Stimpsons and the other families participating in 'Kids for a Cure Day' a wave from the floor of the House of Commons. I can't wait to see the good work that Tilly will do in our community."

It was a trip to Ottawa Matt and Jo Stimpson will never forget, as these proud parents witnessed their daughter Tilly give voice to Kids For A Cure on Parliament Hill.

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450 People In Peterborough Witnessed One Of The Most Powerful Mental Health Events Ever In Canada

About 450 people packed into Trentwinds International Centre in Peterborough on Monday night (November 21st) for an Intimate, special night called "An Evening With Landsberg and Friends" in support of Sick Not Weak and Team 55 Tackles Suicide Awareness.

Celebrities such as Michael Landsberg, Theo Fleury, Jennifer Hedger, Andrew Jensen and Clint Malarchuk spoke with raw honesty to the hushed crowd about their mental health struggles, and the need for compassion and acceptance. "People are fighting battles that you know nothing about, so be kind," Malarchuk said.

The event was trending on Twitter in Peterborough, and here are just a few of the tweets that went out last night and today...

I wanted a story of hope healing & inspiration. The power of "Me Too" @TheoFleury14 No words #SickNotWeakTeam55

— Coach Amy (@amyh44) November 22, 2016

Amazing night with @Team55Tackle! Thanks @heylandsberg and everyone else who inspired mental health awareness in the community #SickNotWeak

— Hannah (@hann_johnston) November 22, 2016

@cmalarchuk Thank you for being brave. Thank you for everything tonight. #SickNotWeak #team55

— Pat McAuley Realtor (@PatrickHMcAuley) November 22, 2016

Powerful stories. It's OK to say #MeToo & ask for help. @Team55Tackle @cmhahkpr @TheoFleury14 @jenniferhedger @heylandsberg @cmalarchuk pic.twitter.com/WWprofCtER

— Mark Porter (@rmarkporter) November 22, 2016

The incredible @wick_22 takes the stage to share how mental illness has impacted her life. #SickNotWeakTeam55 pic.twitter.com/UgFh4OKCIm

— SickNotWeak (@SickNotWeak) November 22, 2016

@TheoFleury14 discusses childhood trauma, mental health & being an NHL hockey player @Team55Tackle #SickNotWeakTeam55 @Ptbo_Canada pic.twitter.com/lrxP9dlnoG

— Ashburnham Realty (@AshRealty) November 22, 2016

Clint Malarchuk speaks about his career & mental illness. Suffered OCD & severe anxiety. @Team55Tackle #SickNotWeakTeam55 @Ptbo_Canada pic.twitter.com/tznNutIjok

— Ashburnham Realty (@AshRealty) November 22, 2016

“People really fear and hate the things they don’t understand. I am a suicide survivor”. @cmalarchuk #SickNotWeakTeam55

— SickNotWeak (@SickNotWeak) November 22, 2016

Big shout-out to @heylandsberg #SickNotWeak & @Team55Tackle 4 bringing 450 people together to share and support each other! Well done! #ETFO

— Sam Hammond (@ETFOpresident) November 22, 2016

A night of courage, laughter, and tears with @heylandsberg @jenniferhedger @cmalarchuk @TheoFleury14 Thanks for all you do. @SickNotWeak 💜

— Mandy Nadeau (@mandynadeau) November 22, 2016

Had an incredible evening w @heylandsberg & Friends, laughing, crying & being inspired by talented, resilient speakers. #SickNotWeakTeam55

— Brent Hughes (@Brent_N_Hughes) November 22, 2016

Tonight was a huge life hilight for me. So many memories, one that will will stay with me 4ever was the @jenniferhedger speech#sicknotweak

— Michael Landsberg (@heylandsberg) November 22, 2016

What a great night n #Peterborough an evening I won't soon forget. Hope inspiration. @jenniferhedger @SickNotWeak @heylandsberg @cmalarchuk pic.twitter.com/kYaIUaBrSs

— Theo Fleury (@TheoFleury14) November 22, 2016

One of the guests in attendance, Laura Crann, summed up this powerful night this way:

"It was truly inspiring when the whole room of 450 people quietly listened to each guest share their stories. Every single person in that room truly reflected on their own lives or thought of someone who lives with mental illness."

Theo Fleury

Perhaps the most impactful line of many on the night came from the resilient final speaker Theo Fleury, who said this: “You can’t help if you don’t have compassion. Please tell someone about what you experienced tonight.”

It was a cathartic night for all in attendance, giving another huge step forward for the mental health movement in Canada. One can imagine this "An Evening With Landsberg & Friends" in Peterborough becoming a sort of travelling roadshow across Canada, having an impact across the country and keeping the conversation going.

Watch these vlogs Landsberg did shortly after the event talking about what this night meant to him...

Uploaded by SickNotWeak on 2016-11-22.

Uploaded by SickNotWeak on 2016-11-23.

Learn more about the mental health resources available in the Peterborough area by visiting the Canadian Mental Health Association's local chapter here.

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Beautiful Peterborough Trillium Project In The Works At Cenotaph For Vimy Ridge 100th Anniversary Commemoration

A commemoration ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge will be held at the War Memorial, known as the cenotaph, in Confederation Square starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 9th, 2017.

In what will be a powerful and visually stunning display, ceramic trilliums will cover the front of the mound at the Memorial, with each trillium representing a person from the County and the City of Peterborough who was killed in the First World War—16 red trilliums for those killed at Vimy Ridge and the Battle of Hill 70, and 600 white trilliums for those killed in the rest of the war.

“The reason behind the trilliums is both to commemorate the casualties from the First World War, but especially the 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge and the Battle of Hill 70,” says Councillor Henry Clarke, Deputy Mayor, who is a retired Lieutenant Colonel.

Councillor Clarke got the inspiration for the initiative from the major art installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red at the Tower of London, in London, England, in 2014 that marked 100 years since the first full day of Britain’s involvement in the First World War. The 888,246 poppies, each representing a British military fatality during the war, encircled the Tower to create a spectacular display.

Kawartha Potters Guild has partnered with Councillor Clarke to support this community initiative. Councillor Clarke is asking the community to support this act of remembrance by purchasing a trillium for $30 (with the trilliums delivered to their owners after the commemoration ceremony), or by giving a donation for the project through the City of Peterborough, which is eligible for a charitable tax receipt. It will cost about $18,000 to create the trilliums for the display at the memorial.

Money raised through the initiative will go toward the repair of the masonry base of the War Memorial.

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A Sulawesi Forest Turtle Hatched At Riverview Park & Zoo

The Riverview Park & Zoo's latest addition is a recently hatched Sulawesi forest turtle.

This was an exciting announcement for the zoo as it is only their second successful hatching (and they think only the second in Canada) of this critically-endangered species.

Check out more pictures below of the birth...

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Peterborough Police Offer A Vulnerable Person Registry

The Peterborough Police Service offer a Vulnerable Person Registry for families and caregivers of vulnerable persons that they want the public to spread the word about. The information provided to police is entered into a secure database that will be used by police and other emergency services during a crisis situation.

In the event of an emergency, responding officers will have immediate access to this information, improving police understanding and response.

A Vulnerable Person is defined as a person who due to a medical, mental health or physical condition may exhibit patterns of behaviour that may pose a danger to themselves. This may include:

-> A tendency to wander

-> The inability to communicate

-> Fascinations or attractions (water, construction sites etc.)

-> Social responses (fear of strangers, aggression)

Examples include (but are not limited to) individuals with Alzheimer’s, Autism Spectrum Disorder or an acquired brain injury.

To use the registry, the vulnerable person must live in the jurisdiction of the Peterborough Police. (The family or caregiver who registers the person need not reside within the jurisdiction.)

You can register a vulnerable person either by using their online form or by attending the Peterborough Police station in person.

For more information or to fill out the online form, click here.

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A Bunch Of Kenner Students Did Freeze Flash Mob At Lansdowne Place To Raise Awareness About Domestic Violence

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton and United Way of Peterborough & District have joined forces with women’s shelters across Ontario to take part in the annual Wrapped in Courage campaign. This year’s campaign was launched with a powerful Freeze Flash Mob Tuesday morning (October 16th) in the food court at Lansdowne Place.

About 50 Kenner students gathered in the food court along with YWCA and United Way staff, supporters, volunteers and board members, holding up signs to onlookers with alarming stats showing the toll domestic violence takes.

“Wrapped in Courage is an amazing advocacy project that makes a real difference for women and children right here in our community,” says Lynn Zimmer, Executive Director of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. “Proceeds from every scarf sold [see info below on how to purchase them] in Peterborough stay local to help women and children in desperate need of shelter and support.”

“The courage of a woman alone is not enough,” says Lisa Smith, Director, Philanthropic Impact with United Way of Peterborough & District. “United Way is proud to stand in solidarity with women who have experienced violence and to partner with the YWCA for the Wrapped in Courage Campaign again this year.”

Together, YWCA and United Way invite everyone to purchase and wear a purple Wrapped in Courage scarf in support of local women and children fleeing violence. Scarves are available for $20 at Lansdowne Place at the customer service desk, and at YWCA and United Way from October 18th to November 18th.

For more info on YWCA, go here.

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Why The Creepy Clown Hoax Is Stupid And Police Are Taking It Seriously

PTBOCanada have heard of local creepy clown sightings on social media platforms such as Snapchat, so we reached out to Peterborough Police to get their take on this stupid hoax that has spread across Canada and North America and only serves to frighten people.

"We are aware of and keeping an eye on the 'creepy clown' hoax that is circulating on social media. While we have had no official reports or sightings made to our Service, there are many rumours circulating in our area," Lauren Gilchrist, Communications Coordinator at Peterborough Police Service, tells PTBOCanada. "We emphasize that these are just rumours."

Clowns are supposed to make kids and adults happy, like this poster...

Happy clown poster via zazzle.ca

Right now, the creepy clown phenomenon is ruining it for the good clowns who bring joy to people's lives.

Peterborough Police say they have a zero tolerance stance on this type of behavior aimed at shocking and disturbing children and the public all in the name of a joke. People need to be aware that their behavior and the intent of their actions while wearing the costume will dictate police response and action.

Police remind the public that, depending on the person’s intent and behavior, criminal charges could apply. These charges could include the following:

-> Disturbing the peace
-> Public mischief
-> Trespassing
-> Enticing/luring a child
-> Uttering threats
-> Criminal harassment
-> Assault
-> Assault with a Weapon
 
"We encourage parents and caregivers to have serious conversations with their children or teens about the impact and consequences of this sort of hoax and the possible criminal consequences," Gilchrist tells PTBOCanada.

If anyone is concerned about their safety at any time or wants to report a suspicious person or activity, police encourage you to call 9-1-1 in an emergency or their non-emergency line at 705-876-1122.

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The Canadian Canoe Museum Needs Your Help To Win Important Community Funding

The Canadian Canoe Museum has successfully submitted a project into the 2016 AVIVA Community Fund, an initiative that has been investing in charitable community initiatives across Canada since 2009.
 
The museum has applied for resources to purchase a van, trailer hitch package, vehicle wrap and enclosed trailer. These items would see the museum’s award winning, on and off-water programming become more accessible to schools, community groups, outreach events and the general public.

This new equipment would transport children to summer paddling camps. It would also allow the museum to travel to schools and other locations off-site to deliver educational programming and workshops, transport the museum’s public paddling fleet for use on-water, and allow for transport of artefacts to exhibits at partner museums.

From October 11th to the 28th, you can vote online here to help the museum become a finalist in the competition. Each registered participant has 18 votes they can use at any time and can vote for the same idea more than once and/or for multiple ideas.

The 15 ideas that receive the most votes in each of the two funding levels (small and large ideas) will become finalists. Winners are picked from the finalists by a panel of judges and announced on December 6th, 2016.

Judges will rank ideas based on the following criteria: longevity and sustainability, votes, impact, originality, likelihood of success and submission quality.

Here's how you can help: Invite your friends, families and coworkers to also vote for the project. There will also be a voting kiosk set up in the museum’s lobby.

Spread the word on your social media channels!

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A Bunch Of Immaculate Conception Students Just Showed How Anyone Can Have Great Impact

It doesn't matter who you are. Anyone can make a difference and have a great impact on the lives of others.

Students at Immaculate Conception School gave further proof of this with a Thanksgiving food drive they did in Peterborough's East City.

The grade 6/7 and 7/8 students began the food drive by delivering notes (see note below) to 300 homes in the neighbourhood of Immaculate in East City.

They then returned to gather up all the donations.

The students collected and organized all the food on Tuesday (October 11th), and in total an amazing 1,250 pounds of food was donated.

The food was dropped off at St Vincent de Paul this morning.

"We were overwhelmed by the generosity of our little East City community," teacher Mitch Champagne tells PTBOCanada. "This is a great example of servant leadership and shows how many people, each contributing a little, can come together to make a big difference."

Many hands do God's work. #Ptbo #PVNCserves pic.twitter.com/bPOC9an3cc

— Mitch Champagne (@MitchChampagne) October 7, 2016

Well done Immaculate Conception students!
 

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