Couture Candy PTBO Celebrates Grand Opening on Saturday

Couture Candy PTBO’s second location on Lansdowne Place hosted its grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday.

Lisa Couture and Family cut ribbon in opening ceremony of their new location. Photo by Luke Best

The new storefront is located between Journeys and Claire’s at the bottom of the escalator. Couture Candy PTBO has been donated the space from the mall until Oct. 3 to aid in their ‘Cancer Care is Sweet’ fundraiser.

$1 from select products will go towards the Peterborough Regional Health Center Foundation for cancer care with a goal of $10,000.

Before the new location opened on saturday, they had already raised $8,500 according to Couture. Photo By Luke Best

“We're gonna crush it. I know we will,“ said owner Lisa Couture. “We actually have some fun challenges for the community to get more donations. There's a cool hair-cutting challenge that's will be coming up.”

Donations can also be made at both stores or online.

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Local Woman Tackling Halliburton Forest 100 Miler For One Roof Community Centre

Krystal LeBreton, a Peterborough woman, will be be attempting to run 100 miles (160km) in less than 32 hours through the Haliburton Forest, in support of One Roof Community Centre, on September 10.

Photo courtesy of Krystal LeBreton.

The Haliburton Forest 100 Miler is an annual event that invites trail runners to complete four laps of 42 km - which ultimately results in having run more than 100 miles.

The race begins at 6 a.m. on September 10 and runs until 3 p.m. the following day. LeBreton says there will be no time for breaks and she will have to run through the night to complete it on time.

“I’ve ran for most of my life,” said LeBreton. “As a kid I ran a lot of marathons but I’ve gotten more into trail running lately, its more camaraderie than competition and I like that.”

Though the 100 Miler isn’t traditionally a fundraising event, LeBreton thought that receiving pledges per kilometer would be encouraging and that One Roof would be the perfect recipient.

LeBreton was first introduced to the work that One Roof Community Centre did because her neighbor is the coordinator.

When she and some friends hosted a fundraiser for relief efforts in Ukraine in April, One Roof allowed them to use their kitchen to prepare.

“One Roof opened their kitchen for us, they even had one of their staff members come and help us. It’s amazing how much this organization cares and how much support they provide.”

As a dietitian LeBreton says it’s clear to her to see the cost of living is rising and people are struggling to make ends meet.

“I’ve really noticed a difference the last couple of years,” she said. “It’s not abut what’s nutritious, it’s about what they can afford and what’s accessible to them. One Roof offers great meals in a supportive place that’s non judgmental.”

LeBreton has started a Facebook group where friends and family are supporting her run.

Some donors are pledging per km ran while some are pledging per lap, LeBreton has left it up to the donor to decide the amount.

Those interested in donating are invited to join the Facebook group or message Krystal LeBreton on Facebook.

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Trent Student Hosting Second Annual Sleep Out To Raise Awareness And Funds For Homelessness In Peterborough

Simal Iftikhar, a Trent University student, is hosting the second annual Sleep Out in support of the Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) and the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC) on Sept. 10.

Simal is currently pursuing her master’s in education at Trent University. Photo courtesy of Simal Iftikhar.

Last year Iftikhar slept outside during the winter to highlight the struggles of homeless people sleeping outside in the cold.

Due to COVID restrictions she invited others that wanted to participate to do so on their own but this year she is inviting anyone that wants to participate to join her at the Lion’s Club in East City.

In contrast to last year, this years event will be hosted in the summer to demonstrate the unique challenges that come with being unhoused in the summer heat.

Part of the reason Iftikhar is hosting this event can be attributed to her time working in the mental health sector.

“We’re experiencing a crisis within a crisis,” she said. “We know the pandemic has increased mental health inequities. and those that experience that the most are already marginalized.”

She also notes the impact that COVID-19 has had on shelters.

“I’ve talked with shelter workers and they have to turn people away when they never have before, we can’t let that happen. These people are just like us, they’re people who lost their jobs, who just can’t make ends meet.”

While working in mental health Iftikhar says she spoke with many young people experiencing homelessness that were also victims of human trafficking.

She hopes that through this event she can raise awareness of the challenges homeless youth face, while fundraising for YES and KSAC.

During last years event she raised over $5,000 and she hopes to do that again.

Iftikhar says in speaking with employees at the YES Shelter, she learned that a large portion of their funding comes from the municipality and the rest comes from individual donors.

She will split the funds 50/50 and leave it up to each organization to decide what they will do with the donation.

Donations can be made online. Those interested in joining Iftikhar on September 10 are asked to register for free on Eventbrite and bring their own sleeping bag and cardboard sign.

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Down Syndrome Association Looking For Volunteers At Annual Kawartha Tri Sport Tournament

The seventh annual Kawartha Tri Sport Tournament to benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough is looking for volunteers for Sept. 10 from 12 - 8 p.m.

Photo from Kawartha Tri Sport.

Kawartha Tri-Sport is a three day, three sport tournament that challenges teams with golf, three-pitch and ball hockey.

There is a division for men and women.

Since it’s inception, Kawartha Tri Sport has raised over $115,000 for local charities.

Proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough, Five Counties Children’s Centre and the Alzheimer’s Society of Peterborough.

Representatives from the Down Syndrome Association will be on site on Saturday and are looking for volunteers to run 50/50, umpire ball games, offer support as needed and to cheer for athletes.

Those interested should email info@downsyndromepeterborough.ca.

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8U Peterborough Tigers Host Fundraiser In Support Of Local Family After The Loss Of Their Son

The 8U Peterborough Tigers Baseball team are hosting an online raffle to raise money in support of the Birkhof family, after the passing of their son Steve Stapley this month.

Photo courtesy of the Birkhof family.

Stapley and the Birkhof family were very involved in the Peterborough sports community.

Before his unexpected passing Stapley was a valued defenseman with Lakefield Rage Sr Lacrosse Club and helped take the team to the 2021 Ontario Championships.

Stapley was an advocate for youth sports so to honour his memory the family is asking for donations to the Peterborough Minor Lacrosse Association in Steve’s name in lieu of flowers .

Those interested in donating can etransfer pmlavpfinance@gmail.com with the info note ‘Steve Stapley Registration Fund’.

Stapley’s nephew is a member of the 8U Peterborough Tigers, so in hopes to support his family during this time, the team is hosting an online raffle.

Prizes include $1,200 of gift cards to a variety of stores, a Gyroor EBike (worth $650), and a Google Nest Hub.

Tickets are one for $5, three for $10 or eight for $20. They can be purchased by etransferring money to Birkhofdonation@gmail.com and including a full name and email in the comment.

The draw will be held on Sept. 3 and the winner will be contacted directly.

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Lemonade Stand Raises Over $200 For Mount Community Centre Affordable Housing And Food Security Programs

On Sunday five-year-old Loretta Cameron raised $242.00 for The Mount Community Centre by hosting a by donation lemonade stand.

left to right Andi van Koeverden,Strategic Advancement Director, The Mount Community Centre, Steve Kylie, Board Chair,The Mount Community Centre, and Donna Kylie. Seated Loretta Cameron, Mike Gauthier, Manager, Stenson Family Market. Photo courtesy of Nancy Sharpe.

Cameron, who is from Kingston, was visiting her grandparents and spent the weekend preparing for her fundraiser.

“It's never too early to teach children the value of empathy, volunteering, and charitable giving,” said Mike and Sue Gauthier, Cameron’s grandparents.

Mike is a manager at Stenson Family Market in Peterborough, where the lemonade stand was held.

Cameron provided free lemonade, chips and candies in exchange for donations to The Mount Community Centre to help them continue their work in the development of affordable housing and food security.

“Helping our kids experience the happiness that comes from giving to others is probably one of the most valuable ways we can nurture generosity in them,” said Gauthier. “By giving, children truly understand what kindness is and the importance of giving, not just receiving.”

“Children naturally love to help others, so getting them involved in donating to charity or volunteering when they are young is a great idea,’ said Stephen Kylie, Board Chairperson at The Mount Community Centre. “We sincerely thank Loretta and her family for their involvement in helping raise money for The Mount Community Centre.”

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"Stand With Tim" Campaign Raises Over $14,000 For Non-Profit Organizations to Benefit Children

Community organization Peterborough Cares’ “Stand With Tim” campaign raised $14,270.59 for the New Canadians Centre (NCC) and United Way Peterborough & District’s "Backpacks for Success" program.

Backpacks are being stuffed at Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute on Tuesday. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service.

The funds were received by both organizations at the Peterborough Police station on Saturday with Mayor Diane Therrien and Coun. Lesley Parnell in attendance.

The one-day fundraising event began on Aug. 19 on the corner of King and George Street where local musicians performed a free concert while volunteers collected donations. Musicians included SJ Riley, Shawn Hully, Cole LeBlanc, Baz Littlerock, Ariel Riley, High Waters and Joe McCulley.

There was $2,000 from the Peterborough Police Service to kickstart the fundraiser. The police service board gave $1,000, the police senior team gave $500 and the police board chair gave $500.

A GoFundMe was set up to aid in the fundraising efforts for those who could not attend the event.

Proceeds were split between the NCC and United Way. The latter’s campaign was using the proceeds to fill 690 backpacks with school supplies for children returning to class in September. They needed $15,000 to complete their goal since the demand for school supplies increased by 90 per cent according to the United Way.

During the last three years, proceeds went to homeless shelters. Acting police chief Tim Farquharson took a preventive approach this year by using the proceeds for children’s education. He says prison incarceration rates, crime and imprisonment correlate with the number of kids who fail to graduate high school.

“Anything we can do to encourage that chance to reach a potential by staying in school as long as possible, the better,” he said in a prior interview with PTBOCanada.

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"Stand With Tim" Campaign Raising Money For "Backpacks for Success" Program and New Canadians Centre

Community organization Peterborough Cares hosted its fourth annual “Stand With Tim” fundraiser to aid the New Canadians Centre (NCC) and United Way Peterborough & District’s "Backpacks for Success" to give backpacks to needing children on Friday.

Jamie Emos (pictured) collecting donations from the corner of King and George Street in front of The Venue. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

In years past, proceeds typically go towards homeless shelters. This time, acting Peterborough Police chief Tim Farquharson is taking a preventive approach with this year’s fundraiser. He says prison incarceration rates, crime and imprisonment correlate with the number of kids who fail to graduate high school.

“Anything we can do to encourage that chance to reach a potential by staying in school as long as possible, the better,” he said.

Funds are shared between the United Way and the NCC with none going towards administrative costs. Roughly 690 backpacks with school supplies are needed for the former to get to schools in time for September.

The charity is gathering volunteers to stuff the backpacks on Aug. 30 to be available for pickup from schools the following day. No generic donor funds go towards the campaign but are collected separately.

United Way requires $15,000 to complete its goal since the demand for school supplies increased by 90 per cent according to Sara Mountenay, United Way communications officer.

“There are a lot of students whose parents simply can't afford to purchase the school supplies that everyone else has and take for granted because they're too focused on, let's face it, putting a roof over their head or paying for groceries so the demand this year was unprecedented,” she said.

NCC was chosen as the fundraiser beneficiary as the organization is in need of funding. He says he wants those families including the children to get off on the right foot and in a new country.

“We want new Canadians to come here and feel comfortable and reduce any challenges we can and set them up for success,” explained Farquharson.

The police service board gave $1,000, the police senior team gave $500 and the police board chair gave $500, totalling $2,000 to kick off the fundraiser.

A GoFundMe has been set up to aid in the fundraising efforts for those who could not attend the event.

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The War in Ennismore: Amateur Boxing Returns to The Kawarthas

Corcoran’s Boxing Club is hosting its first-ever show as a fundraiser for the club’s youth program and competitive team on Saturday.

Pete Dalliday (left) throws some punches with Jay Corcoran (right). Photo by Luke Best.

The War in Ennismore: Revival is held at the Robert E. Young Recreation Complex in Ennismore. The Ontario Boxing sanctioned event will feature 12 amateur fights from boxers across the province.

At least one women’s match will take place, as well as fights featuring boxers as young as eight years old. Corcoran’s Boxing Club features a youth program that is run in conjunction with the Ennismore Optimist Club.

Ennismore was chosen as the location to host the event due to multiple club members’ ties to the area. This includes Jay Corcoran, the club’s founder, who was born and raised there.

This is the first amateur boxing event in the Kawarthas since the start of the pandemic.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first fight at 7 p.m. Admission is $20 at the door.

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Spinning Wheels Tour Riding Its Way to Peterborough This Monday For Parkinson's

The Spinning Wheels Tour that brings awareness for exercise benefits for people with Parkinson’s while fundraising is coming to Peterborough at the Wild Rock Outfitters parking lot on Monday.

The Spinning Wheels Tour has covered over 5,000 kms since June 25. Photo courtesy of Spinning Wheels Tour.

The tour consists of four friends with three cyclists living with Parkinson’s Disease and one dedicated RV driver who are cycling across Canada.

The group is in town from 1:30 - 3 p.m. in the back parking lot at Wild Rock Outfitters on 169 Charlotte St.

Anyone is welcome to attend the meet and greet prior to the team cycling on the tour. Visitors can make donations, purchase tour apparel and enjoy light refreshments during the event.

Cyclists are welcome to ride along with the group. Full route details can be found online.

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