Annual Fundraiser Issues Virtual Water Challenge To Peterborough

The Carl Oake Rotary Splash Challenge launched Monday, challenging Peterborough families to flim aquatic activities such as water balloon fights, pool dives and water guns among many things to get wet.

Photo Courtesy of

The challenge replaced the 35th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swimathon typically held at the Balsillie Family YMCA pool. It could not be held due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

The fundraising challenge runs from May 17 to June 19 where proceeds go towards Easter Seals helping physically disabled children and rotary projects in Peterborough.

Participation includes sharing photos and videos on social media while using the hashtag #CarlOakeRotarySplashChallenge.

With the Rotary Victoria Day Fireworks cancelled for the second year in a row, funds to help disabled children are needed more than ever according to event organizers.

Over $1.2 million has been raised during the 35-year span helping Rotary projects such as the Habitat for Humanity Youth Program, Homeward Bound Program, Family Day at Del Crary Park and Strong Kids program at the YMCA.

On their centennial anniversary, the Rotary Club has built a shade shelter on the Rotary Greenway Trail, contributing to refurbishing transitional housing units with the YES program, and a new health centre at Camp Kawartha.

Oake’s daughter and Century 21 United Realty broker Vanessa Hogan Oake has organized the event with her firm as she takes over the partnership.

“I’m honoured to carry on this event that was started by my father,” she said.

“It’s fun and to be safe and follow the rules until everything opens up,” said Rick Storey of the Rotary Club of Peterborough. "Use your imagination, the sky is the limit, the water is the limit.”

Donations can be made online at the Rotary Club’s official website.

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

#PtboSignWars T-Shirts Now Available For Order (And You Don't Have To Go To Aisle 15 To Get Them)

It has been quite the week in Peterborough, Ontario as #PtboSignWars dominated the local social media scene and won over the hearts of the community at the same time. 

The “Meet me in Aisle 15” T-shirt is a reference made by Merrett’s Home Hardware that the product sold in that aisle could ambiguously be things that could be at a party. Photo by PTBOCanada.

PTBOCanada got the ball rolling last week after posting a sign war inspired from a town in Virginia. From there, they challenged a few local businesses to fire their signs up and get the #PtboSignWars started. 

Anden Kitchen & Bath, Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre and Friendly Fires were the first three Peterborough businesses to exchange shots. Five days and hundreds of fantastic witty signs later, #PtboSignWars was making headlines across the country on social media and has motivated other cities in Canada to do the same.

Pete Dalliday of Fresh Radio played a big role in the campaign, encouraging Peterborough to participate in #ptbosignwars and helping the “Kids For Lids” fundraiser that benefitted Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Peterborough.

“After 14 months of pandemic life this was exactly what the community needed,'' he said. “Reading the signs made me laugh out loud but reading the thousands of comments from viewers and listeners was perhaps my favourite part.” 

As always, PTBOCanada is always looking to give back to the community. Following a very successful PTBOCanada “Lids For Kids” campaign, Kirtus Evoy, owner and Publisher of PTBOCanada, is pleased to announce that even more money will be raised for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Peterborough. 

Based on one of the most popular and shared sign exchanges this past week between Anden and Merrett’s, PTBOCanada is launching a limited edition #PTBOSignWars “Meet Me In Aisle 15” T-shirt. 

$10 from every T-shirt sold will go directly to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Peterborough as they will benefit from all the proceeds. Anden, Merrett and Friendly Fires have already committed to buying T-shirts for their staff and customers while Kori Malakos and Matt D’Agostini from Ricart Promotions have quickly made this idea a reality. We thank all of them for their support to kick this campaign off. 

T-Shirts can be ordered by going to ptbocanada.com/shop. Shirts can be purchased until Wednesday, May 5th at 9:00 a.m. where pickups can be done in roughly two weeks.

For more information, contact Kirtus Evoy at kirtus@ptbocanada.com.

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

Community Rallies to Create Fundraiser For Dirt Bike Accident Victim

Jake MacDonald may have suffered the worst accident of his life but his community has rallied together and arranged a fundraiser for his recovery on Tuesday.

Donations as far as Alberta have come in to support MacDonald. Photo courtesy of Crissie Morrow.

The Facebook group “Let’s Help Jake MacDonald” has already raised approximately more than $1,500 with over 280 members in the group. All proceeds go towards MacDonald for any incidentals that the accident cost and to help him get back on his feet during the recovery.

Crissie and Josh Morrow, close friends and next-door neighbours created the fundraiser two days after the accident had occurred on Sunday.

“I bawled my eyes out. I couldn’t believe it,” said Crissie. “I felt like I needed to do something and I didn’t know what to do so I got talking to a bunch of my girlfriends, we talked about it and we ran from there.”

Several local businesses have donated goods for a charity auction that will take place next Friday with details to follow. Items such as gift cards, a television, purses and cups are some of the many prizes that will be auctioned.

“The response from people and a lot of local businesses in Havelock, Madoc, Marmora and other places have been phenomenal,” said Crissie. “Over 50 different items have been donated for the auction we’re having next week.”

MacDonald has been a hockey referee for minor hockey in the past four years for Havelock and Norwood. Photo courtesy of Crissie Morrow.

The 22-year old crashed face-first resulting in brain hemorrhaging and a fractured left foot while dirt biking at Cordova Lake just north of Havelock on Sunday late afternoon.

He was airlifted to Kingston General Hospital and was sedated since the accident. The Havelock resident had a successful overnight craniotomy on Wednesday.

There is no timeline on when MacDonald will make a full recovery but it could be up to a year at least according to Crissie.

“We had a Zoom call with him and his mother last night (Wednesday),” said Crissie, “He’s breathing on his own and has been responsive to touch and the voices from his family.”

MacDonald grew up playing baseball, soccer and hockey in his teenage years. Photo courtesy of Crissie Morrow.

MacDonald is a licensed mechanic and was studying to be a diesel mechanic at Centennial College in Scarborough.

He has played minor hockey for Havelock and Norwood and has refereed for the same leagues for the past four years.

All cash donations can be e-transferred to close friend Kaitlyn Carriere at k.carriere@hotmail.com. Leave a memo that the donation is for MacDonald.

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

Lids for Kids Will Match More Children With More Mentors, Making PTBOCanada Proud

PTBOCanada’s new line of funky ballcaps is topping up a new fundraiser for a children’s charity that serves kids across Peterborough.

Alex Ouimet (left) and Thomas Jenkins (right) met through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough program where the two went to a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game as their first outing in 2018. Photo Courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough.

Lids for Kids will see $10 from every hat sold go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough, an agency that matches kids with mentors to help them better cope with the challenges of growing up. The hip hats sell for $29.99 via PTBOCanada’s site and can be picked up at Ricart’s Promotions on Lansdowne Street East.

This BIG partnership celebrates #PTBOCanada proud as city residents can show off their loyalty to the city while supporting children living here.

Big Brothers Big Sisters already has 47 Little Sisters and 25 Little Brothers matched with “Bigs”, mentors who meet with them weekly, plus 22 virtual mentoring matches. Yet, another 18 girls and 22 boys are still waiting to be paired up with adults of any age.

Funds from the Lids for Kids campaign will support weekly virtual programs to keep children on the waiting list connected to the agency. So far, the staff have been running weekly trivia games and craft nights, including painting pictures and decorating pots in which they plant seeds.

PTBOCanada has five different styles to choose from to support the fundraiser. Photo Courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough.

This has been a tough year for kids, who have been cut off from their friends and their school routines, on top of sports and other activities that keep them engaged and learning. For children in vulnerable families, the strain is even harder.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has been matching up mentors and children in Peterborough since 1964, one of the first 10 agencies in Canada to do so. Like PTBOCanada, it focuses on working with local partners to bring out the best in people in this community.

Jenkins and Ouimet often travel to parks, woods and other geographical places of interest as part of their Big Brother adventures. Photo by David Tuan Bui

Recently, has the Bigs’ Board of Directors developed a new strategic plan to revitalize the organization. The organization is infused with new energy and is looking to recruit new volunteers for its mentorship programs and its new committees for fundraising, volunteer management, building, and communications.

“We have an incredible executive director and two dedicated caseworkers who are focused on the core programs that support our Littles and their families,” said Tom Jenkins, who serves as chair of the board and a Big Brother for 18 years.

“Our staff and board are united in building a brighter future for the kids who need us most.  We thank everyone who helps our kids, including Kirtus at PTBOCanada,” Jenkins continues. “We are grateful for your support and look forward to working with you in the coming weeks and years as we have big plans in our future.”

­­Big Brothers Big Sisters offers traditional matches, mentorships in local schools, and tailored programs Go Girl! and Game On! to encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Volunteers are needed for all these programs, with an emphasis on traditional matches, where the need is greatest.

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

Dragon Boat Festival Celebrates 20th Anniversary With Virtual Races

It is dry land for the Dragon Boat Festival this year but organizers have created a virtual event to celebrate the 20th anniversary announced on Monday.

Each year, the Dragon Boat Festival meets at Little Lake off Crescent Street. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival.

This year’s points-based virtual races will include activities such as 20 minutes of physical activity, a colouring contest, submitting a cheer, dressing up in registrants’ best pink outfits and many more.

Points will be awarded for participation, fundraising and/or submitting videos or photos.

The event is on June 12, with the first day of registration —can only be done online — on Thursday. Signups are free and the first three teams and individuals to register will earn bonus points.

the festival in 2019 donated $241,738.54 to the PRHC Foundation in support of breast cancer treatment and care. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival.

Proceeds of the fundraising event go towards the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation who supports world-class breast and other cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

The money is for a new ultrasound machine for the Peterborough Breast Assessment Centre.

“We realize we have come full circle and we are so proud of the incredible impact that Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival has had since its inception,” said Gina Lee, festival chair. “The pandemic has forced us to rebuild the event and our goal is to match the $84,509.18 donation we made 20 years ago.”

This is the second consecutive year the festival will go virtual. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival.

The festival has raised over $3.6 million to date.

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

Local Musician Gives Parkinson's Disease a Knockout With Music Video

Peterborough Singer/Songwriter Taylor Abrahamse is ready to give Parkinson’s disease the one-two punch.

The 29-year-old is raising money and awareness for Parkinson’s disease with his music video, “Out Like a Light” on his self-titled debut album.

The song debuted on YouTube on Feb 22 which features Abahamse’s mother and other elder community members diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the “TKO” boxing program at Goodlife Fitness in Portage Mall.

“My mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s a few years ago, she was looking for things to help her with that,” said Abrahamse. “We found out about this boxing program that helps that so my father suggested making Out Like a Light at this boxing place.”

Taylor Abrahamse has professionally voice acted with roles such as Fangbone in the self-titled Disney series and Luke Stanley of YTV’s The Stanley Dynamic. Photo Courtesy of Taylor Abrahamse.

The video was made to create awareness of the disease and how Parkinson’s sufferers are socially affected. Since the disease is visible in a variety of different forms, it gets difficult to distinguish if people have it or not says Abrahamse.

“One of the hard things that affect the quality of life is the stigma around it,” he said. ”There can be a lot of frustration and shame about that.”

Abrahamse has collaborated with three different charities for funding Parkinson’s research: Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson Canada and David Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s.

Taylor Abrahamse was a top 30 finalist at Canadian Idol when he was 16 years old. Photo Courtesy of Taylor Abrahamse.

The song's name came from a change up to Abrahamse’s style. “Out Like a Light” has a greater rock-and-roll feel and Abrahamse describes it as taking a break and “shutting out the light”.

His album can be bought on his official website. It took him roughly three years to complete his debut album.

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

Man Runs Through Peterborough to Support Local Charity

After running 50 miles in the cold, Peterborough’s Cory Priaulx raised over $2,500 for the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough charity for their COVID-19 relief fund this past weekend.

The money will be given to Peterborough businesses that have struggled through the pandemic. Priaulx’s campaign goal is $5,000 and created a GoFundMe page on February 1.

“I wanted to make sure the funds raised stayed in Peterborough and were going to those affected by this pandemic,” said Priaulx. “I chose $5,000 cause I knew it would be difficult. I figured if I was going to try and raise money (to) go big or go home.”

Cody Priaulx is a huge fan of actor and former professional wrestlier Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Photo courtesy of Cody Priaulx

The run called the “4x4x48 Challenge” was invented as an endurance challenge by former Navy SEAL, David Goggins. Runners travel four miles every four hours for 48 hours totalling 12 four-mile runs in two days. Priaulx began on Friday at 8:00 a.m. and finished Sunday at 4:00 a.m.

“The run was a mental struggle more than a physical one. Getting up and going every four hours became harder and harder,” said Priaulx. “My legs hurt and I had blisters all over my feet but I had so much support from friends, family and the community through social media. It really kept me going.”

He ran through several parts of Peterborough that had struggling local businesses such as Parkhill Road, George Street and Lansdowne Street.

Priaulx wanted to inspire others to have hope, promote mental health awareness and making healthy choices.

Cody Priaulx recorded 104,490 steps during his 4x4x48 challenge. Photo courtesy of Cody Priaulx

“I at one time about seven years ago weighed 300 pounds. I was very unhappy with myself and how I looked,” said Priaulx. “I was struggling with mental health so I decided to change everything. Started weight lifting and started to become stronger. I still have a long way to go but I'm trying to strive for optimal human performance.”

He lost over 100 pounds during that span, exercising regularly while eating a healthy diet. Priaulx had trained rigorously for the endurance run.

“I run to and from work every day cause we don't have a car,” he said. “It’s roughly 6.5 kilometres there and back so I incorporate that as part of my training as well. I eat super clean and healthy and I try to promote that to all my friends and family.”

This run will hopefully inspire others to make positive changes in their lives as well as their communities Priaulx said. There was a mutual inspiration between all members of his family.

Cody Priaulx says he had only slept a total of three hours while doing this challenge. Photo courtesy of Cody Priaulx

“I really want to thank my girlfriend Stephanie cause she was literally my rock and so were my two young daughters Olivia and Arya,” he said. “Olivia is only three and a half and she already wanted to come and run some of the legs with me. She told me she wanted to help people like her dad. That was very inspiring to me. I want to set the best example for everybody and show them that hard work pays off.”

As difficult as this challenge was for Priaulx, he is looking forward to his next one.

“I'm not afraid of hard work or challenges,” he said. “I actually look for them and try and push my limitations as I believe everyone should. “The only limitations are the ones you put on yourself.”

If you would like to donate to Priaulx’s GoFundMe page, you can find it here.

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

Local Boy And Grandpa Hit The Trails After Fundraiser Goal Met

Hudson Wells, 10, and his grandfather Doug Fudge towed along the snowmobile trails in Lake St. Peter after a GoFundMe of $5,000 afforded them a sled on Friday afternoon.

Wells suffered from encephalitis since he was 13 months old that caused his physical disabilities. The sled would cater to his limitations while Fudge towed him with a snowmobile.

Brian Denena of Orillia, Ont. started the fundraiser on Feb. 11 where the goal was met in less than 24 hours. The community’s generosity was overwhelming for Fudge and his family.

“Just the overwhelming support was unbelievable,” said Fudge. “It was a dream come true. I never would have for it without the help of everyone.”

Hudson Wells excited to ride his sled for the first time. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Wells

Both of them rode the trails for an hour. The experience for Fudge was surreal and said it was mutual for Wells.

“He was over the moon,” said Fudge. “I don’t know how to explain it. It was so emotional.”

Hudson Wells (left) was limited to short rides in the driveway before obtaining his new sled. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Wells

The sled was purchased from Kijiji in Ottawa. Fudge drove there last weekend to pick up the sled. Fudge originally intended to purchase a used sled and fix it up himself.

”I had people offering to build me one (sled),” said Fudge. “I might have had 20 sleds of all types and sizes donated to me if I wanted to. In my wildest dreams, I never thought that this would happen.”

Hudson Wells typically gets to visit his grandfather two to three times a week. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Wells

Fudge will add wheels to the sled so Wells can enjoy it during the warmer months. The grandfather owns 220 acres of property and will use an ATV to tow the sled.

"Nothing compares to the sound of you child’s laughter and their happiness,” said Stephanie Wells, Hudson’s mother.

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

100 Women Peterborough Raise Vital Funds For Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre

On October 13th, the 100 Women Peterborough group came together for their second virtual meeting during the pandemic to raise funds for an organization in need.

Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre was chosen by majority vote (also presenting were Peterborough Pregnancy Support Services and Kawartha Youth Orchestra) to receive the funds, and 100 Women Peterborough is anticipating the total donation to be upwards of $5,000 based on feedback from the membership. 

“Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre is a feminist, not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to supporting those affected by sexual and gender-based violence and harm,” says Executive Director Lisa Clarke, who presented at the meeting.

Photo of 100 Women Peterborough meeting courtesy 100 Women Peterborough

At the Centre in Peterborough, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre offers individual clinical counselling, psychoeducational and therapeutic groups and workshops, advocacy and accompaniment services, 24/7 crisis support, peer supports, prevention education and professional training.

“With the incredible support of 100 Women of Peterborough, we will be building the sustainability of our new 24/7 crisis support text line that we launched this summer in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” adds Clarke. “We are so grateful to this group of committed, empowering women leaders in our community to invest in the healing of survivors of sexual and gender based violence.”

To learn more about the impact of the powerful, inspiring “100 Women Peterborough”, click here.

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

The Beer Store's Local Community Fundraiser Raises $56,000 For PRHC Foundation

On Wednesday (October 14th), the staff at PRHC Foundation made a trip to The Beer Store—not to pick up beer but to pick up a big cheque due to community efforts.

Indeed, The Beer Store's local community fundraiser in support of Peterborough Regional Health Centre over the past six months at six locations in Peterborough, Lakefield and Bridgenorth raised a whopping $56,296.68 as customers donated the proceeds of their empties.

Photo via PRHC Foundation Facebook page

The funds will be used to support front line healthcare professionals in their delivery of world-class patient care at our hospital.

To learn more about the PRHC Foundation or donate, click here.

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