Local Man Collects Donated Lacrosse Equipment For Local Clubs and Abroad

After gathering over 1,200 pounds of community-donated lacrosse gear, John Davis Jr. is giving the equipment to local clubs and underprivileged Ugandan children this fall.

Anything deemed unusable has been discarded from being donated. Photo Courtesy of John Davis Jr.

Davis Jr. has collected gear since the start of the pandemic in the spring of last year through a Facebook campaign. Sticks, helmets, gloves, shoes and more are many of the things given to the cause.

Peterborough, the rest of Ontario and Quebec have donated their gear to Davis Jr. in honour of the cause. The Peterborough Minor Lacrosse Association and Peterborough Lakers have given two sets of home and away jerseys as part of the collection.

The equipment will go to the Uganda Lacrosse Foundation to provide underprivileged Ugandan youth to have access to play lacrosse. Any leftover gear that will not be sent overseas will be donated to local clubs and organizations according to Davis Jr.

“I intend on reaching out to different communities who need equipment for their house leagues,” he said. “I probably have 1,200 to 1,300 pounds of gear.”

Majority of the gear intended for Uganda will be field lacrosse equipment as opposed to box lacrosse. Photo Courtesy of John Davis Jr.

The Davis family have been born with lacrosse in their blood. Davis Jr. is the son of Peterborough Sports Hall of Fame inductee Johnny “Shooter” Davis —who has the Major Series Lacrosse playoff MVP trophy named after him — who won the Mann Cup in his rookie year in 1966.

John Davis Jr. (pictured) is a contributing writer for the New Jersey-based lacrosse website, crossecheck.com. Photo Courtesy of John Davis Jr.

Though Davis Jr. opted not to play professional lacrosse, his desire and passion for the game remained. He got the idea of helping Uganda lacrosse through contacts he made working as a writer for crossecheck.com.

After meeting with Ugandan players and Jaffari Makanda Ibrahim, president of the Ugandan Lacrosse Network and hearing their stories, inspired Davis Jr. to help a campaign with the University of Michigan.

Johnny “Shooter” Davis (pictured) has won two consecutive playoff MVP awards in 1966-67. Photo Courtesy of John Davis Jr.

Davis Jr. has been grateful for the generosity of the communities that have supported his cause since he started it last year.

“The people are just unbelievable, it’s been endless,” he explained. “I had to put a stop on equipment because of how much I’ve been getting.”

The lacrosse writer would have people drop off donated gear at his house or he would come to pick it up himself when people wanted to donate. Lacrosse sticks are something he will always accept and wants to send 50 sticks in the fall. He noted that he has yet to receive any goalie sticks.

A GoFundMe organized by the University of Michigan has been launched to pay for the shipping costs of the gear to Uganda. Click here if you would like to donate.

“Lacrosse is in my blood,” said Davis Jr. “Peterborough is the lacrosse capital, there’s no doubt about it.”

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Local Artist Turns Creativity Into a Fundraiser for Millbrook Food Share

Millbrook local Tracy Campbell is putting her creative juices to work for good by selling art prints to raise funds for the Millbrook Food Share.

Produce grown at the community garden in Millbrook. Photo courtesy of Tracy Campbell.

Campbell, originally from Nova Scotia, moved to Millbrook from Bowmanville with her family about three months ago.

“I was looking for some way to get connected, some way to get involved - kind of looking for that social outlet that’s been missing over the last couple years,” said Campbell.

She saw an ad in the newspaper calling for plot holders and volunteers at the community garden.

Plot holders at the garden pay a small fee to ‘own’ a part of it where they can grow their own flowers or produce.

The center of the garden is filled with flowers grown by the local garden club and the rest is maintained by volunteers who grow produce for the Millbrook Food Share, a member agency of Kawartha Food Share.

Campbell, who took up digital art in December as a way to give Christmas gifts to her family, began to take pictures of flowers at the community garden and transform it into digital art.

She is now selling a limited number of prints for $20 and donating the profit to the Food Share. She has nine copies left and will be selling them until August 1.

One print being sold by Campbell. Inspired by the flowers at the community garden. Photo courtesy of Tracy Campbell.

Prints are 8.5 x 11 and can be bought by messaging Campbell on Instagram @trayseelynne or @tracycampbellcreations.

Campbell will deliver the prints to anyone local to Milbrook, the Durham Region or Peterborough.

“I would love for this to be a repeat fundraiser,” said Campbell.

She says that she hopes to be able to create more pieces of art inspired by things in her community and share the money with other local organizations.

The Millbrook Food Share is open on the second, third and fourth Tuesday of every month.

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Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament Raises $7,500 for Alzheimer's Awareness

The first annual “Golf for Loved Ones” tournament raised $7,464 for Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton (PKLNH) at The Quarry Golf Club in Ennismore announced Thursday.

Photo Courtesy of Alzheimer Society of Peterborough.

The tournament hosted 98 golfers on June 26. Lori Banks and her family ran the event in honour of her mother Edna Banks as she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s for a decade before passing away in 2017.

“The tournament was about raising money, but also about raising awareness,” said Lori. “I don’t think people realize how many people in our area have dementia.”

The intention was not just to raise money but to raise awareness about the 8,590 people living with dementia in PKLNH. Organizers gave each golfer a purple bracelet and purple ribbon to wear for their round to aid in the campaign.

The event was considered a great success according to both the Banks and Kevin Carter, Quarry Golf Club owner. The event has already been booked for next year.

“Lori and Ron ran a great event,” said Carter. “They were very organized and managed to get a great turnout. The golfers had a great day with excellent weather. Lori and her family raised a lot of money for the Alzheimer Society and the tournament will continue to grow and raise more money down the road. The Quarry was thrilled to be involved with such a great cause.”

“Hopefully we can make it bigger and better. We got a lot of feedback from the golfers saying they would be coming back next year,” said Lori. “We raised a lot of money, but we’d like to double it next time. We’ve already booked the course for next year.”

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Showplace Launches New Initiative to Raise Funds for Renovations

Showplace Performance Centre is getting a new look after being open for 25 years.

Linda Kash - Ambassador, Pat Hooper - Champion, Beth McMaster - Champion, Megan Murphy - Ambassador. Photo Courtesy of Showplace.

The Take a Seat for Act II project is underway and aims to replace the tired seats that Showplace reports millions of spectators have sat in.

This initiative is led by Showplace Champions Pat Hooper and Beth McMaster and Ambassadors Linda Kash and Megan Murphy and hopes to allow community members to enjoy a space where music, live theatre and professional presentations will come to life for many years to come.

A donation of $1000 will allow donors to have their name or the name of someone they would like to honour on a seat. Donations will also go towards floor replacement, lighting and electrical work and painting.

Donations and seat purchases can be made by calling the box office at 705-742-7469 or by clicking here.

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Ice Cream Parlour Serving Up Smiles for Children's Charity

Central Smith Ice Cream served charity ice cream cones for Five Counties Children’s Centre’s “Do It For The Kids” campaign on Saturday.

(Left to Right) Allison Zomer, Central Smith server; Jennifer Scates, Central Smith co-owner; Linsay Kampf, Five Counties communications coordinator and Olivia Stevenson. Central Smith server. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The creamery was selling $2.50 single-scoop vanilla ice cream cones with blue and green sprinkles — the Five Counties’ colours — where proceeds go towards the charity. They also sold $2 donation cards as another method to raise money.

The one-day event is a wrap-up of a campaign that the creamery runs monthly. The events were organized by the creamery staff including a cakewalk, bake sales, 50/50 draws and a “Do It for Dad” ice cream day.

“It’s really been a grassroots organization and it’s been driven by the staff,” said Jennifer Scates, Central Smith co-owner. “It’s been phenomenal.”

Central Smith has over 60 flavours of ice cream, sherbet or sorbet that are available in cones, cups or sundaes. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The ice cream parlour has raised roughly $1,800 towards their $5,000 goal to be donated on Halloween. Central Smith has unaccounted funds in the past month that has yet to be counted toward the total.

The staff chose Five Counties as their charity of choice back in September. The creamery runs a charity campaign every two years where Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Team55 and Terry Fox have been past recipients.

Central Smith began exclusive production of premium ice cream in 1952. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The store plans to run future campaigns until September such as charity walks, 50/50 draws and bake sales. Several of the events run have been organized and initiated by the staff.

“We’ve just been slowly building momentum through the year,” said Scates.

Central Smith was founded in 1896 and celebrates its 125th anniversary in mid-July.

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Trent University Raises Over $150,000 for United Way

Trent University faculty, staff and retirees have raised a record-breaking $150,936 for the 2020/21 annual United Way campaign for community organizations and services in need announced Thursday.

Photo Courtesy of Trent University.

The campaign launched virtually in October as The United Way committee was thrilled with the result and donations from the fundraiser.

“The pandemic created a crisis for the United Way: community need surged while fundraising activities became enormously more difficult,” says Dr. Marcus Harvey, United Way Peterborough campaign chair. “Trent’s response was crucial to this year’s campaign. For people who rely on the services of United Way Partner Agencies, the generosity of the Trent community can be life-changing.”

Photo Courtesy of Trent University.

Funding will go to various initiatives including 325 counselling sessions; housing supports for 200 people; spaces for 200 women and gender diverse individuals in our community to access social supports to build self esteem, manage stress and navigate healthy relationships; court advocacy and service navigation for 100 women; as well as supporting a Peterborough agency the ability to support nine people with barriers to traditional employment and who have experienced homelessness.

“Each year, Trent faculty and staff come together to support the United Way and our local communities,” says Julie Davis, vice president of External Relations and Development at Trent. “This year was a particularly challenging for many as we navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been inspiring to see the generosity of our Trent community in support of the United Way, their partner agencies, and the people who rely on these vital supports and services – contributing to the largest gift to the United Way in Trent’s history.”

“Through the generosity of Trent University, the United Way and partner agencies successfully supported over 800 community members this year,” adds Jim Russell, CEO, United Way of Peterborough & District. “With thanks to Trent’s generosity community members struggling with mental health, emotional wellbeing, employment and housing received the support they vitally needed. We are truly grateful to the Trent University community.”

Trent has been supporting the United Way since 1965, raising over $2 million during that span. The campus has been Peterborough’s largest workplace partner in the Peterborough region.

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Splash Challenge at Peterborough Lift Locks For Easter Seals Fundraiser

It will be tough to top this water challenge!

Wayne Harding, Rotary Club of Peterborough president, his son Jackson Harding, Easter Seals ambassador Mitchell McCall and brother Eli McCall got blasted with a fire hose twice while paddling in the canal below the Lift Locks on Monday afternoon.

The soaking was part of the Carl Oake Rotary Splash Challenge encouraging Peterborough families to film or photograph aquatic activities such as water balloon fights, pool dives or anything to get wet. It began back on May 17.

The challenge doubles as a fundraiser where all proceeds will go towards Rotary projects in Peterborough and Easter Seals.

The challenge started on May 14 and runs until June 19. Photo By David Tuan Bui

“The needs of the community don’t go away, in fact, they probably increase as we all know,” said Rick Storey, Rotary Club of Peterborough. “This has been good to have some fun, having some smiles and we will raise some money for Easter Seals and Rotary Club which is fantastic.”

Rick Storey (left) with Peterborough Fire Services, the latter provided the firehose to spray the canoers. Storey did not get soaked during the event. Photo By David Tuan Bui

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

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.

Mitchell McCall (left) and Eli McCall (right) were one of two canoes that went through the fire hose provided by Peterborough Fire Services. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This fundraiser will help aid Easter Seals since their annual Peterborough Easter Seals telethon was postponed from June 13 to Sept. 26 because of the pandemic that was announced on June 4.

Wayne Harding (left) and Jackson Harding (right)

Challenges will be accepted until this Saturday for anyone willing to participate by using the hashtag #CarlOakeRotarySplashChallenge on social media.

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

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Online Charity Event Concerning Children's Mental Health During Pandemic

Local vlogger and content creator Michelle Ferreri will hold a free online fundraiser to support children's mental health during the pandemic announced on Wednesday.

Michelle Ferrari currently has over 24,000 followers on her Facebook Page. Photo Courtesy of Michelle Ferrari.

The event, “A Virtual Conversation On Youth Mental Health and the Current Pandemic Crisis,” featuring child psychiatrist Dr. Jean Clinton is scheduled for June 18 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

It helps parents with tips and tools to help themselves and their children navigate through the pandemic and mental health crisis.

All proceeds will go towards Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) as the event urges anyone to donate what they can for children’s mental health.

Dr. Jean Clinton is a Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University. Photo Courtesy of Michelle Ferreri.

The announcement was made after the Government of Ontario announced that there would be no return to in-class school prior to September due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Questions can be submitted prior to the event at hello@michelleferreri.com. The event will be live-streamed on her official Facebook page and will be available on Ferreri’s official website after the event.

If you would like to donate towards the cause, you can visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/health-services-foundation/campaign/michelle-ferreri-presents-dr-jean-clinton/. The goal is set at $5,000.

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PTBOCanada Donates Sign Wars Funds to Children's Foundation

The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation (KHCF) received a cheque of $6,360 from PTBOCanada on Thursday morning.

Deb Aben (left) recieves the cheque of $6,360 from PTBOCanada owner Kirtus Evoy (middle) and Pete Dalliday (right). Photo by David Tuan Bui

The funds came from the Peterborough Sign Wars campaign PTBOCanada ran in late April, selling “Meet me in Aisle 15” t-shirts.

The PTBOCanada team including owner Kirtus Evoy, Fresh Radio 100.5’s Pete Dalliday and editor David Tuan Bui arrived at the charity to donate the proceeds.

Fresh Radio and The Wolf were one of several businesses that were highly active in the #PTBOSignWars. File Photo.

Deb Aben, Executive Producer of KHCF was there to accept the money on behalf of the charity and could not be happier to receive the donation.

“When the call came through was just so thrilled that it’s going towards helping kids who are in need of our community,” said “It’s going to make a huge difference this summer.”

“It was amazing to see the community come together over a quick period handing out thousands of smiles through the sign wars and raise money for a great cause,” said Evoy. “I’m proud to be part of an amazing community.”

KHCF sends kinds either for one or two weeks of summer camp every year with the exception of last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The money will go towards sending kids to summer camp and their “Soaking Up Summer” program. Developed last year, the program purchased athletic equipment, toys or anything designed for kids to play outside and be active. The campaign was created as an alternative to sending kids to day camp due to the pandemic.

“I felt I’d won the lottery,” said Aben. “How lucky these kids are to be the beneficiaries of something that engaged the community and made us smile, laugh and made us feel like a kid again.”

KHCF supports children in activities that are not government funded, provides money for families newly caring for extended family members, post-secondary bursaries and gift cards for youth transitioning to independent living who were formerly in youth care.

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Omemee Woman Gives Open Invite for Heart Health Awareness Fundraiser With Physical Activities

What started as a personal goal has developed into a worldwide movement and fundraiser for Annie Smith with the 3rd annual Annie's Pace Global Adventure (APGA) in a four-day event starting Friday.

Photo Courtesy of Annie Smith.

The event’s purpose is to raise heart health awareness, test people’s physical limits and promote activity with the motto, “Your heart is worth an hour a day.” Anyone is encouraged to do anything that gets them moving such as sports, walks or even as simple as gardening.

“Moving the body is number one,” said Smith.

Smith was diagnosed with cardiac sarcoidosis in 2016; an invisible, rare, incurable and life-threatening disease. Since the diagnosis, her physical capabilities have become limited.

Merchandise such as t-shirts and wristbands were made in past events. T-shirts have sold out but wristbands still remain available by contacting Smith. Photo Courtesy of Annie Smith.

Her campaign encourages others to post their heart stories and/or weekend activities on Smith’s Facebook or Instagram page while tagging themselves during the event.

Smith trekked 161 kilometres in 2019 through four days and 180 kilometres in 2020. This year, she will go an abridged distance on a treadmill due to her physical capabilities for Friday, Sunday and Monday. She will do a 26-kilometre walk with two friends starting from Jackson’s Park to Reaboro on Saturday.

“I don’t want it to be about me, I want it to be able to be about the people and bringing that awareness,” said Smith. “I want the world to unite for four days for heart disease awareness.”

Her inspiration came from her cardiologist Dr. Heather Ross who raised almost $1 million with Test Your Limits. She began APGA to aid in that goal for heart disease and heart failure research. Smith wants to raise $16,000 through three years where she already raised $10,875 in the first two ($5,500 in 2019 and $5,375 in 2020).

Not only has Canada partaken in the event, but it has also gained worldwide recognition including reaching countries as far as Hong Kong, Scotland, Greece, USA, Switzerland and Australia.

“I was crying the first day I started,” said Smith. I woke up and saw Hong Kong that already sent their video. It blew my mind. It was so much fun for me seeing them all doing it.”

Donations are accepted online or at Sunset Grill in Peterborough from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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