Peterborough Humane Society Issues Virtual Challenge For Shelter Needs Fundraiser

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) is calling the community to participate in the month-long “Strutt Your Mutt” fundraiser all September to help raise funds for animals in need announced Monday.

A puppy showing affection to Emily Craigen. Funds raised from Strutt, support greatest shelter needs as well as special programs such as the Milo Fund and Safe Nights for Pets (SnooPy) program. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The challenge encourages anyone to register on PHS’s website then get active by running, cycling, yoga or any physical activity to raise money for animal wellness.

Community members and local businesses can sign up online as an individual or team and set their personal wellness and fundraising goals. Prizes are available for the highest individual and team fundraiser.

“One benefit to a virtual event is that people and animals that don’t like crowds could participate from a distance,” said Emily Craigen, PHS’s communications and development coordinator.

There are roughly 115 animals that are housed at the PHS. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This year’s goal is to raise $25,000 that will go towards providing essential vaccines, veterinary care, food and socialization of the hundreds of animals that come to PHS according to their press release.

“Don’t let the name “Strutt your Mutt” mislead you,” says Shawn Morey, PHS executive director. “We’re calling on all community members, pet owner or not, cat and dog lovers alike. We want to get folks active while supporting our four-legged friends.”

PetSmart often takes PHS animals to their store for display to be available for adoption. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Not only does doing this benefit the animals at the PHS but is a way to improve your own physical health according to Craigen.

“One of our participants in last year’s event lost 15 pounds through her evening walk with her daughter and their family dog,” she explained.

Registration has begun with the challenge taking place from Sept. 1 to 30. To sign up or donate, visit the Strutt Your Mutt website.

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New Foundation Music For Minds to Host Fundraiser at The Venue

Local musician Maxwell McWilliams is launching his new mental health foundation, Music for Minds, with a live performance at The Venue on Sept. 11.

Photo courtesy of Maxwell McWilliams

McWilliams started his journey as a local musician when he was 11 years old. He played in local bars and at Market Hall, opening for Max Gomez from Taos, NM.

In February 2020, McWilliams launched his solo headline campaign ‘The Maxwell McWilliams Music Administration for Mental Health Awareness’ which sold out Market Hall.

After his success in last year, McWilliams plans to continue fundraising for mental health.

“Mental health doesn’t stop regardless of what is going on in the world,” he said.

On Sept.11 at 7:30 p.m. McWilliams will perform at The Venue to kickstart his new foundation.

Music for Minds aims to improve the lives of young people suffering from mental illness through the power of music, says McWilliams.

“We just saw the tip of the iceberg with community support and raising awareness last year when we ran our campaign,” he explained. “We can’t stop at one show and one donation when there are so many seeking support in our local communities.”

This is an all-ages event with limited ticket sales due to COVID-19 restrictions.

To purchase tickets call the ticket hotline number at (705) 768-7036.

There are event sponsorship opportunities available, call the ticket hotline to inquire.

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Canal Pursuit on Track to Run Over 700km While Ending the Stigma Around Mental Health

The Canal Pursuit is an annual relay race aiming to raise awareness of depression and to end the stigma of mental illness. The run started on Saturday in Port Severn and will continue until Aug. 28, when it will end on Parliament Hill.

Clay Williams holds the Canal Pursuit flag with Julie-Anne Wideman. Wideman describes herself as Canal Pursuits Communications Manager, chauffeur, chef and any other title they may need. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Runners set off from the Peterborough Lift Lock on Tuesday morning at 8:00 a.m. to complete a 40 km leg of the over 700 km journey.

A familiar face in the running and mental health scene in Peterborough was gearing up to run on Tuesday. Julie Vallières has been participating in the Canal Pursuit for five years and this year is joined by her daughter Maya Poulin. Jonel Boyko joins Vallières’s team called ‘Running is Fun.‘ This is Boyko’s second year participating.

Team ‘Running is Fun’ poses with Williams. Photo By Angela O’Grady

Canal Pursuit has been raising awareness and fundraising for mental health for seven years.

Organizer Clay Williams created the run in memory of his two older brothers who took their own lives and to honour his wife, daughter, and his sister who live with mood disorders.

Williams ran his first marathon in 2005 and raised money for a different charity each year.

During the summer of 2014, he was beginning to notice the growing media coverage of mental health in Canada.

“I knew my next fundraiser had to be for mental health,” he said. “But the more I learned about Canada’s mental health care system and how fragmented and in its infancy it was the more I realized I needed to stick with it.”

Williams says people have started to say ‘see you next year’ at the end of the run each year so there is no end in sight.

On each leg of the run, Williams packs a Canadian flag into the backpack of a participant. Before he started the run Williams asked participants and supporters to write the name of someone that struggles with depression, anxiety or any mood disorder on his flag. That flag is carried the whole stretch of the run and then displayed at Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

“We sign the flag, then carry it the full distance of the run as a symbol that you don’t have to carry your burdens alone,” he says. “I’ve had the honour of carrying it up Parliament Hill six years in a row and I’ll run the last leg again this year.”

Williams packs the flag into Vallières backpack before she starts her run for the day. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Those that participate are welcome to do so individually or as a team. Funds raised by donation during the run are given to the Mood Disorders Society of Canada, a non-profit health charity committed to those struggling with mental health.

The fundraising goal for Canal Pursuit is $15,000, those interested in donating can do so here.

For more information contact Clay Williams at canalpursuit@gmail.com.

Follow along on their journey via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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GoFundMe To Help Grieving Family of International Fleming Student

A GoFundMe has been started for Lakshay Sehdev, a security guard at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and a former Fleming College student after his unexpected passing.

Photo courtesy of Savita.

The money raised will help to cover the costs of transporting his body to India, his last ritual expenses and repay his student loans.

The 26-year old came from India to Peterborough to attend Fleming where he took part in the Sustainable Agriculture program and the Global Supply Chain and Logistics program.

He began working at PRHC as a security guard in 2020 during the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sehdev collapsed while at work on Aug. 2. Doctors pronounced him dead later that morning after he suffered from cardiac arrest.

“I just want to tell everyone he was a very funny person, he could make friends in minutes,” said Savita, Sehdev’s girlfriend. “Even the Tim Hortons girls were always giving him free donuts. Everyone loved him he was just that kind of person.”

Friend and fundraising organizer Inderpreet Singh Bhasin says Sehdev was a cheerful and happy soul who never missed an opportunity to make anyone's day better. He says Sehdev always kept others first and himself second.

Sehdev had celebrated his 26th birthday a few weeks before his passing and gotten a new car as a gift to himself.

Photo courtesy of Savita.

Savita says Sehdev was the oldest of two and took care of his family even while in Canada.

Sehdev will be transported home to India on Friday.

To donate to the Sehdev family click here.

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Local Family Hikes for Hospice to Honour Late Mother

After Lenore Shiels was admitted to end-of-life care at Hospice Peterborough, her children say they had no idea that what they had thought would be a very difficult time would end up creating so many beautiful memories.

Photo courtesy of the Shiels family.

From having the ability to be with her family, to candlelit baths and homemade quiche, to singing songs, laughing and sharing stories, the 92-year-old Peterborough woman was at peace, in comfort and surrounded by love and expert professional care.

After her death, the family was profoundly touched that staff had gotten to know the mother-of-five so well that they placed in her hands a single yellow rose – her favourite flower and one that was symbolic of her deceased son.

“I honestly cannot think of a single thing that would have made her time there any more special,” says her daughter Sheila Crook. “We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful hospice in Peterborough.”

In a nod to Mrs. Shiels’ favourite slot machine, the family created the ‘Lenore’s Blazing 7s’ team and is supporting this year’s 19th annual Hike for Hospice fundraising event from September 11-17, 2021.

The event is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser and supports 26 programs and services. It is a way to connect families, friends, neighbours and co-workers to support and recognize this community’s palliative and bereavement struggles.

Last year’s Hike brought in $56,538 to keep the programs and services running throughout COVID-19 and at no cost to the recipients. One hundred per cent of the proceeds stay in the community.

“We are so thankful to Lenore Shiels’ family, and all of our supporters, for continuing to generously support us throughout yet another unique and challenging year due to the pandemic,” says executive director Hajni Hős. “Our programs and services are all offered free of charge and we depend on the generosity of the community, and events like Hike for Hospice, to help us continue to do so.”

Registration is open for this year’s Hike. Those wanting to donate can find a form here.

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Local Man Andrew Parnell Is On a Mission To End Nation Wide Hunger With Panda Feeds Canada

Peterborough local, Andrew Parnell, has his sights set on ending nation wide hunger - and he is going to do it on Instagram.

Photo courtesy of Panda Feeds Canada.

In early March of 2021 Parnell started the Instagram page PandaFeedsCanada.

The name comes from the nickname ‘Panda Parnell’ given to him in elementary school.

The goal is to gain enough followers to have the ability to present advertisements and sponsorships via the social media platform. Once he is able to do so 100 percent of revenue generated on Instagram will be donated to food shares across the country, he says.

Before he started on this journey a close friend of his passed away and he was laid off from his construction job for the winter.

“I just decided ‘you know what, I need to do something more productive with my time,” Parnell said. “ I figured this was the best way I could possibly make an impact of my community, follow in my parents footsteps and be a hardworking volunteer.”

Parnells parents, Don and Lesley Parnell, spend much of their time volunteering around the community. Lesley represents the Otonabee Ward on City Council and plays a major role in the Festival of Lights. She is a recipient of a Peterborough Volunteer of the Year Award.

Don is a recent inductee into the Peterborough Pathway of Fame having played a major role in the staging of the annual Victoria Day fireworks presentation over Little Lake and serving as a full-time member of the Pedal For Hope support team.

Amanda Shaw from Real Canadian Superstore, Ashlee Aitkins from Kawartha Foodshare and Andrew Parnell from Panda Feeds Canada. Parnell often stands outside of grocery stores accepting monetary and food donations for Kawartha Food Share. Pictures is Aitkins accepting a $1000 donation to Kawartha Food Share on June 10, 2021. Photo courtesy of Panda Feeds Canada.

“Most donations to this point have been my close friends and family really wanting to help out and launch the name Panda Feeds Canada,” said Parnell.

Panda Feeds Canada does not currently accept donations, but Parnell directs those interested in donating to Kawartha Food Share and will celebrate the donor on his Instagram page.

“If a small business wants to make a donation to the Food Share, I can do a little write up and post their business on my page,” he said. “I’m starting small but I’d love to get some bigger companies on board when I gain more followers.”

Panda Feeds Canada also hosts giveaways and raffles on Instagram with any monetary proceeds going directly to the Kawartha Foodshare.

In June Parnell hosted the first annual Panda Feeds Canada Golf Tournament at Keystone Links Golf and Country Club and donated $6100 to Kawartha Food Share.

Parnell presents the Kawartha Food Share with $6100 raised at the first annual Panda Feeds Canada Golf Tournament. Photo courtesy of Panda Feeds Canada.

“I’d love for people to put some energy into this, and encourage their friends to follow us on Instagram,” said Parnell.

While Parnell’s main goal right now is building his following on Instagram to help launch his idea, he hopes if anything he is able to inspire others to pursue their own aspirations.

“Try and make a difference. You might put some hard hours into it but you’ll feel good about what you’ve done, even if you only make a minor change and help one person it’s worth it,” said Parnell. “There’s too much negativity in this world right now so any kindness and compassion that we can put out into the universe is only going to help everyone in the long run.”

To donate to Kawatha Food Share click here. To be featured on Panada Feeds Canada send a screenshot of your donation via direct message.

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Stony Lake Private Island Concert Raises $10,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charity

A local couple, Bruce and Susan Hodges hosted Spoons, a JUNO award winning band, and Images in Vogue, at their island property on Stony Lake to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House charity on Saturday.

Spoons and Images in Vogue pose with Bruce and Susan Hodges. Photo by Andrew Clowater.

The Spoons perform at an annual concert for the Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC) but had to cancel in 2020 due to COVID.

“They needed to raise money for Ronald McDonald House and couldn’t. So we wanted to help out,” said Hodges.

RMHC gives families with sick children a place to stay closer to the hospital their child is receiving care at. According to their website over 26,000 families received assistance last year.

A recent study found that RMHC programs saved families a total of $48.3 million in out-of-pocket expenses like lodging, food, and other essentials in 2019.

In 2020 Hodges contacted the band and hosted them at their island on Stony Lake. Due to COVID restrictions at the time it was a small event and they were able to raise a few thousand dollars, according to Hodges.

Because of the success of last years concert the Spoons returned for a second concert this year.

“People had a great time, so this year we decided to do it again - make it the second annual,” Hodges said.

In hopes to make this years concert bigger and better Hodges brought in an opening band, Images in Vogue. He also invited guests to watch from a second island while both bands played on a barge in the lake. This allowed more ticket sales, while still complying with the provinces COVID restrictions.

Hodges announced on Saturday that this will be an annual event, and has already booked the band Honeymoon Suite for next year.

This years concert raised $10,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charity and Hodges hopes that they are able to maintain that donation every year.

Spoons pose with Bruce and Sandy at Saturdays concert. Photo by Andrew Clowater.

“As you get older you want to do things that matter, and this seemed to be a really good cause,” said Gord Deppe, lead singer of Spoons.

Both Deppe and Sandy Horne, vocalist and bass player in the band, said last years event was the first show they have played on an island and they were happy to be back.

Spoons also used Saturday night to celebrate their 40th anniversary and a new album release.

‘Echoes’ features different bands covering classic Spoons hits. The funds generated from this album will be donated to the Unison Fund, an organization that provides counselling and emergency relief services to the Canadian music community.

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Selwyn Township Office Receives $100,000 in Funding

The Township of Selwyn has received $100,000 through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan to support upgrades to improve the customer service entrance to the Selwyn Township Municipal Office.

Image courtesy of Selwyn Township

The COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream, implemented in response to the pandemic, allows the Government of Canada to invest up to 80 percent of total eligible costs for projects in provinces. The Ontario government will invest 20 percent of the eligible costs for projects across the province.

“The health and safety of our ratepayers, particularly during these uncertain times, is of the utmost importance,” said Andy Mitchell, Mayor of Selwyn Township. “This funding will allow the Township to retrofit its Administrative Office to provide a safer, more reliable atmosphere while ensuring the highest level of customer service now and in the future.”

The pandemic brought to light challenges that exist with the Municipal Office as it relates to adequate separation for customers to enter and exit the building. This funding will be used to retrofit the entrance of the Selwyn Municipal Office to support adequate physical distancing, and ensure that accessibility is maintained.

The Government of Canada is investing $200 million in municipalities through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is contributing $50 million.

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Virtual Hike For Hospice Registration Open Now

Registration is now open for the 2021 Virtual Hike for Hospice fundraiser.

Photo courtesy of Hospice Peterborough

Virtual Hike for Hospice is an event meant to connect families, friends, neighbours, and coworkers to support and recognize the palliative and bereavement struggles of individuals and families.

This year’s Hike will encourage participants to go for a walk, hike or bike at a time that works best for them between September 11-17, 2021.

An opening ceremony is planned for September 11 at 10a.m, and will be available to view on the Hike for Hospice Facebook, and YouTube.

Participants are encouraged to share their stories, photos, videos, and fundraising ideas on the Hike for Hospice Facebook page or send them to Aimée at aoreilly@hospicepeterborough.org.

The last day of the virtual hike will feature a closing ceremony to honour loved ones and thank participants.

Participants are invited to register individually or as a team by following this link.

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A Dash of Denney Invites Locals to Doodle Dash Around The Kawarthas

A Lindsay in-home bakery, Dash of Denney, is inviting locals to explore the Kawarthas with Doodle Dash - a scavenger hunt celebrating local businesses.

Photo Courtesy of A Dash of Denney

Bakery owner Leaha Denney is a mental health nurse who organized the event.

“When I started my own business a few months ago I started to connect with all these people and find out about all of these businesses around me and I thought ‘how did I not know about all of these?’" she said.

Denney decided something needed to be done to bring more attention to the businesses operating in the area.

Along with The Lunch Box, a food truck located in Rosedale, A Dash of Denney has planned “Doodle Dash.” It is a scavenger hunt-style game that will lead players to different store fronts in the Kawarthas.

Participants must order a Doodle Dash Kit and map for $50 from A Dash of Denny on Instagram. The map will act as a ‘key’ for participants to show at stops along the way. It will earn them discounts or free stuff at certain locations.

“This scavenger hunt is our way to share all of these businesses we have found and hopefully people will find ways to connect to their community that they didn’t even know existed before,” said Denney.

Prizes will be awarded based on a point system.

Participants can earn points by ‘checking in’ at participating locations on Instagram. There will also be riddles and games along the way to earn extra points.

10 per cent of proceeds will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kawartha Lakes, Kawartha Lakes Food Source, Womens Resources and Community Care Hospice.

Participants are also encouraged to bring physical donations with them on the scavenger hunt to leave at designated locations. A list of preferred items can be found on Dash of Denney’s Instagram.

Those wanting to participate in a 19+ version of Doodle Dash will add a $5 donation to the cost of their kit and map.

Doodle Dash will begin on Thursday and end on Sunday.

Prizes can be viewed at the ‘hub’ of Doodle Dash, Strike Point Bowling in Lindsay.

“You get to explore and reconnect,” said Denney. “People are reopening again so it’s just nice to remember where these locations are and go see what they have to offer.”

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