Rotary Club of Peterborough's Annual Holiday Lunch Puts Giving Spirit On Display; Donation Amounts and Breakfast Club Awards Announced

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The Rotary Club of Peterborough’s Annual Christmas Lunch had its share of fun and giving at the Northminster United Church on Monday afternoon.

Rotarians and a FCCC representative with the cheque presented to FCCC of $8,500 from the Rotary Club’s “Fore the KIds” golf tournament. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The organization announced a total of $17,000 raised from its Fore the Kids Golf Tournament, held at the Katchiwano Golf Club on Sept. 25. Those funds are split equally ($8,500) between Five Counties Children’s Centre and the Rotary Club for their projects.

“I believe our portion of that is going towards the zoo legacy project, which is making an accessible playground at the (Riverview Park & Zoo) zoo a reality,” explained Tony Grady, Rotary Club of Peterborough president.

The Koeslag Cup was awarded to the Breakfast Club team that prepared the most nutritious, delicious, and elaborate breakfast for the children at Prince of Wales Elementary School. The Friday Breakfast Crew captured the cup, with Rotarians Nick Avlonitis and Doug Armstrong, as well as friends of Rotary, Linn Thain, Donna Burley-Chestnut, Jeff Clark, Dale Wilson and Brian Wilson on the team.

The team served the students Nick’s “world-famous” pancakes with chocolate chips, whipped cream, sprinkles, fresh fruit and chocolate milk.

The cup was named last year in honour of its creator, the late Peter Koeslag, a dedicated volunteer of the Prince of Wales Breakfast Club.

Before last year’s school calendar, Prince of Wales School had received two new ovens from the Rotary Club and Leon’s Peterborough. The breakfast program serves over 500 students and has a positive impact on their learning according to Brad Conlin, Prince of Wales vice-principal.

“We noticed a huge difference in kids having a full belly. They're coming down, and they're ready to learn when they get into class,” he explained. “When kids get into their classrooms without something to eat, we often see them disregulated and it’s hard for them to concentrate.”

Brad Conlin, Prince of Wales vice-principal (left) with Rotarian Nick Avlonitis, being presented with the Koeslag Cup. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Club also awarded prizes for the best Christmas Sweaters:

  • Funniest sweater: Bruce Gravel

  • Most creative sweater: Marie Press

  • Best overall sweater: Bruce Clark

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Photos: Peterborough Police Service Roll Up Their Sleeves By Giving to Canadian Blood Services In Holiday Blood Drive

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The Peterborough Police Service contributed to the community beyond their duties, earning the title ‘Holiday Heroes’ from Canadian Blood Services for donating blood and plasma.

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

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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.

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U14 AAA Jr. Petes Work With YES Shelter to Sponsor Families in Need For the Holidays

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The U14 AAA Jr. Petes team filled their carts for those in need this holiday season, working with the YES Shelter to sponsor two local families.

The U14 Petes are playing the Heron Perth Great Lakes Cup in Stratford from Jan. 16 to 18 in their next major event. Photo courtesy of Chad Birkhof.

The Petes chose to put gifts under the tree for others this year instead of their traditional secret Santa gift exchange.

Through the YES Shelter, the team was given two local families to buy for. The boys shopped for winter gear, toys and festive pyjamas.

“It’s the one time of the year for us to really help out where it's meaningful to someone’s family,” said Chad Birkhof, U14 Petes head coach.

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East Peterborough Lions Club Seeking Turkey and Hams Donations For 2025 Great Turkey Exchange

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To continue the East Peterborough Lions Club’s Great Turkey Exchange, the organization is seeking community support for turkeys and hams this season.

The Great Turkey Exchange operated from 2009 until 2020. The program went on hiatus in 2021 after supply chain shortages made it difficult to get donations. The East Peterborough Lions Club has picked up the torch to continue the grassroots program. Photo courtesy of the East Peterborough Lions Club.

"We invite the generosity of local residents and businesses to help us provide the centerpiece of holiday dinners for individuals and families who might otherwise go without. Together, we can bring comfort and cheer during this festive season,” said Frank Hewitt, East Peterborough Lions Club president.

In previous years, the Club has assisted over two hundred families by providing a turkey or ham, an essential part of many festive celebrations during the holiday season. To address the increasing demand, the Lions Club seeks community support for the Great Turkey Exchange according to Hewitt.

"Our Club is encouraged by the growth of this initiative and the tangible benefits it brings to those facing hardship,” he said. “This year, once again, we have witnessed a significant increase in requests for assistance throughout our community. Even before the launch of the program, appeals began to arrive; we are currently managing over 125 requests for help with Christmas dinner.” 

The community can help in the following ways:

  • Donate turkeys and hams (including options for those without access to an oven)

  • Donate cash or gift cards to facilitate the purchase of these items 

Donations can be brought to Kawartha Food Share or arranged for collection by via email to greatturkeyexchange@gmail.com .

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United Way Peterborough and PATH to Keep Everyone Warm With Coats For Community Campaign Launch

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In an effort to address the needs of adults for the upcoming colder weather, United Way Peterborough & District, in partnership with Peterborough Action For Tiny Homes (PATH), has launched its annual Coats for Community campaign, announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Jim Russell, United Way CEO (far left); Bev Assinck of PATH (second from left) and PATH volunteers in the coat room in preparation for cleaning and repairing before being redistributed to the public. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The campaign is an expanded version of the original Coats for Kids initiative which was started in 1986.

The Coats for Community campaign collects winter essentials—coats, boots, sleeping bags, blankets, and more-for infants, children, youth, families, seniors, and unhoused individuals across Peterborough. Items are distributed through United Way agency partners and other local organizations throughout the winter.

Donations are collected and distributed continuously throughout the season, rather than through a single-day pickup event.

Participating agencies include: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Children's Foundation, YWCA, One City, Good Neighbours, New Canadians Centre, Elizabeth Fry Society, YES Shelter For Youth & Families, among others.

Last year, 2,200 coats were collected and distributed, surpassing the 1,844 in 2023. While there is no specific goal for the number of items to be collected, Beverly Assinck of PATH says the campaign aims to gather as many as possible for this year’s campaign.

“We really are asking people to dig deep, as deep as we can,” she said.

In addition to winter jackets, the campaign is also asking for donations of the following:

  • Extra-large boxes or bins for collection sites

  • Heavy-duty coat racks

  • Sleeping bags and blankets

  • Winter boots

PATH is hosting a special three-day public drop-off event from Oct. 16 to 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at their facility located at 385 Lansdowne St.

Ongoing donation hours, starting Oct. 19, run on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at their facility.

The majority of the donated items are being distributed through agencies in Peterborough and the County. PATH is open for community members to pick up coats individually on the first Saturday of each month at their facility, starting on Nov. 1, with April 4 as the last date.

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United Way Giving Kids a Back-to-School Head Start With "Backpacks For Success" Initiative

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The United Way Peterborough & District’s 22nd Backpacks for Success initiative filled hundreds of backpacks with supplies to help kids get a head start on the back-to-school season at the Calvary Pentecostal Church on Tuesday.

Rhonda Gilchrist, United Way senior director of operations and revenue generation (left) and Tonya Kraan, United Way director of Community Impact (right) stuff one of hundreds of backpacks to be shipped off for kids in time for school. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

New this year was an incentive for the community to be involved. This included ‘Good Apple’ certificates that gave families the chance to thank educators while supporting local students to 25 donation drive drop-off locations throughout Peterborough and the County.

“Every backpack tells a story of collaboration,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “When individuals purchase a Good Apple Certificate, when businesses sponsor, when families drop off supplies at one of 25 donation drive locations, they’re all contributing to a circular investment that comes back to support our kids, our schools and our partner agencies.”

He continues to state that the program was designed to respond to a growing need in the community. Schools and agencies across the region.

“The impact goes beyond the backpacks themselves,” he explained. “This program reduces pressure on teachers, helps principals support families, and strengthens our partner agencies like the YWCA and the New Canadian Centre. It’s about setting kids up for success while also reinforcing the community supports that help families thrive.”

Community members can still participate by making a monetary donation to help cover the higher costs of items such as scientific calculators and math kits.

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The 66th Annual Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament To Be the Finale

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A continued Peterborough hockey tradition hits the end of the road as the 66th edition of the Annual Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament will be the last, announced on Tuesday evening.

Last year’s U11A Petes competed in the “Chris Fee Cup”, defeating the U11A Toronto Wolverines. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Formerly known as the Peterborough Liftlock Atom Hockey Tournament, the decision came down to two contributing factors: a lack of volunteers and the shifting landscape of minor hockey.

The tournament has relied heavily on local volunteers, but organizers say, “finding and retaining enough individuals to manage the extensive logistics, from scheduling to arena operations, has become increasingly difficult.”

Organizers also state that “changes within the broader minor hockey landscape may have also contributed to the challenges faced by the Peterborough Liftlock Atom Tournament.”

The tournament began during the 1958-59 season as a one-day, eight-team affair for Pee Wee players. Over the years, it adapted to age-grouping changes by the OMHA, eventually settling on the ‘Atom’ (now U11) designation in 1974.

In 1969, a group including Jack Guerin, Lloyd Hardy, Don Dorsett and Howie Eastman proposed an expansion to a two-day, 16-team event, laying the groundwork for its significant growth.

“(It’s) Not just a hockey tournament...It's a community affair,” said organizers. The Liftlock Tournament was one of the largest Atom-level tournaments in North America. Attracting more than 100 teams from across Ontario, Quebec and even the United States, the tournament proceeds went to lower hockey costs for local minor players and assisting numerous local and national charities, as well as capital projects like the Evinrude Centre and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

There are 87 alumni who participated in the tournament and went on to make the National Hockey League.

They include:

  • Wayne Gretzky - The Great One and was one of hockey’s greatest goal scorers

  • Eric Lindros - NHL MVP

  • Bob Gainey - Multiple Stanley Cup winner and successful coach

  • Corey Perry - Hometown Stanley Cup champion with the Anaheim Ducks

  • Steve Larmer - An ‘iron man’ forward who played 884 consecutive games for the Chicago Blackhawks

  • John Vanbiesbrouck - Stanley Cup goaltender and finalist

  • Tie Domi - Renowned Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer

  • Mickey Redmond - Montréal Canadiens forward and Detroit Red Wings colour commentator

  • Cory Stillman - A two-time Stanley Cup champion

  • Mike Fisher - An 18-season NHL veteran

Organizers made a final statement regarding the last edition of the tournament, “While the 2026 edition promises to be a celebratory send-off, it will undoubtedly mark the end of an era for a tournament that has been a cherished tradition and a vital part of Peterborough's identity for over six decades. Its legacy, however, will continue to resonate in the memories of those who played, volunteered, and cheered on the young hockey hopefuls at the Peterborough Liftlock Atom Hockey Tournament.”

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A3 and A16 Lions Clubs Raise Over $100,000 For Pediatric Cancer Care at PRHC

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Lions Clubs from Districts A3 and A16 with 21 Clubs from across the two Districts, have collectively raised more than $100,000 in donations to the Foundation’s Campaign for Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Representatives from Lions Club Districts A3 and A16 as well as individual Clubs present PRHC Foundation President & CEO, Lesley Heighway (front right), with a donation of $100,000 in support of the Campaign for PRHC and the expansion of the pediatric cancer care clinic at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation.

According to a press release, the money supports the construction of an expanded, purpose-built pediatric cancer clinic space at the hospital, meeting the growing needs of young patients close to home. The Lions’ donation meets the PRHC Foundation’s fundraising goal.

“It’s so exciting to be together here today to recognize the wonderful achievement of your collective pledge in support of the pediatric cancer clinic space at PRHC,” said Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation president and CEO. “We’re incredibly grateful for your commitment to your community, your regional hospital and the care of childhood cancer patients, and all the efforts it took to make this generous donation possible.”

Districts A3 and A16 and the following Clubs made contributions to the Lions for Pediatric Cancer Care initiative: Bobcaygeon District, Brighton, Campbellford, Chemung Lake, Bridgenorth & Ennismore District, Coboconk & District, East Peterborough, Fowlers Corners & District, Haliburton & District, Havelock, Keene, Kendal, Kinmount & District, Lakefield & District, Lakefield Village, Lindsay East & District, Marmora Crowe Valley, Millbrook & District, Norwood, Oakwood & District, Peterborough, and Stirling & District.

“The Lions’ childhood cancer focus came about because of a lack of services and care for kids with cancer in other countries,” said Lion Christine Weerdenburg, District A16 Chair for childhood cancer. “Now, we are very fortunate to be able to help support cancer services and care here. We want to do whatever we can to make a child's care easier. When we ask the Clubs for their support, they do everything they can to make it happen. District A16 and A3 are an amazing bunch of Lions who serve.”

“Not only has it been an honour to have been a part of this campaign, but it's also been a wonderful opportunity and learning experience to work with the many Clubs in District A3 and the organizing Club in District A16.” said Lion Lydia Elliott, District A3 Chair “The overall response from all the members has been spectacular and we’re thrilled that we’ve met our goal before the expected deadline.” She continued, “All the participating Clubs in both Districts A3 and A16 should be proud of their efforts in making this initiative for the much-needed expansion to pediatric cancer care very successful.”

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First Peoples House of Learning Grateful For Community Donations To Aid Sandy Lake First Nations Evacuees

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The community showed up for the Sandy Lake First Nation as Trent University’s First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL) is at capacity for accepting donations to help the evacuees.

Dr. Dawn Harvard, Trent University Director of First Peoples House of Learning, helps volunteers go through community donations at the Benedict Gathering Place (Ska'nikón:ra) to help refuged Sandy Lake First Nation residents. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Since Saturday, Sandy Lake First Nations residents have had to evacuate due to out-of-control wildfires spanning roughly six kilometres.

FPHL was supporting 300 evacuees and had collected community donations at the Benedict Gathering Place (Ska'nikón:ra in Mohawk, meaning ‘gathering our minds together’) that included clothing, food, towels, reusable water bottles, baby items and more.

“We’re grateful so many people has donated so many things. We really appreciate it,” said Dr. Dawn Harvard, director of the Trent University FPHL. “As of now, we’re good but if we need more things, we’ll reach out.”

A call was issued for donations on Wednesday but a day later, the Gathering Place placed a hold on donations due to overwhelming community outreach.

Despite putting a hold on donations, Harvard says FPLH are open to donation suggestions but is grateful for the quick response from Peterborough.

“I’m truly touched by the number of people at the very last minute to round up so many beautiful things,” said Harvard. “People have obviously have given from their hearts so we appreciate the community is all about and this is what Peterborough is all about.”

In addition to Trent, the City of Peterborough served as a host community. Emergency Management Ontario confirmed that approximately 200 evacuees arrived on Tuesday evening, with additional evacuees in the coming days. 

“When Peterborough was asked if it would be a host community for evacuees from areas that are threatened by the wildfires that are raging, there was no hesitation in opening the doors to our community,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Our community is quickly mobilizing to support those in need who are being forced to leave their homes because of the wildfires. Thank you to the numerous community agencies that are showing compassion and commitment to the well-being of the evacuees.”

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