Ennismore U15 Athletics Qualify For Nationals After Fourth-Place Finish At Provincial Qualifiers

After a fourth-place finish at the OASA Provincial Qualifiers in Wilmot, Ont., the “Ben Smith Sells” Ennismore U15 Athletics (A’s) have qualified for the National Competition in Quebec from Aug. 14-19.

Photo courtesy of Katy Fallis.

The A’s had an undefeated regular season with several players as OMHA champion Ennismore Eagles U15 team members this year.

“These boys have shown incredible dedication and teamwork throughout the season,” said Coach Brett Stevenson, A’s coach. “We're honoured to have the opportunity to compete at the national level and represent Ennismore and the province of Ontario. Community support will be crucial in helping us make this journey.”

The team is seeking community support to help with travel and accommodation costs. The Ennismore U15s are reaching out to local businesses, organizations, and individuals for donations to help ease the financial burden and ensure all players can participate.

Financial donations can be transferred to ennismoreathletics2024@gmail.com.

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PRHC Foundation Launches $60 Million Campaign Publicly For Enhancing Healthcare

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation has officially launched its $60 million campaign publicly to enhance healthcare which was announced at the facility on Tuesday morning.

(Left to right) Dr. Heather Cox, PRHC vascular surgeon; Dan Moloney, PRHC Foundation Board Chair; Jennie Ireland, PRHC Foundation campaign ambassador and grateful patient; Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO; Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President & CEO and David Morton, PRHC Foundation campaign ambassador. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The money is to ‘reimagine healthcare delivery at the hospital, propelling innovation and elevate care for patients from across the region' according to Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President and CEO.

“Our hospital is at a crossroads,” she said. “Our hospital and the communities we serve are facing severe problems. We need creative, inspired, efficient solutions to tackle them. Without advancements in technology and increased capacity, we risk leaving our patients behind. Today, we choose to design our healthcare future.

The following are the PRHC’s campaign key objectives:

• Empowering World-Class Care: Bringing advanced medical care closer to home

• Fuelling Innovation: Introducing new lifesaving services and pioneering treatments

• Attracting Top Healthcare Professionals: Cultivating an environment that attracts the brightest minds in medicine

• Inspiring Solutions: Addressing critical hospital challenges head-on

“The hospital, they identify for us the hospital's priority needs that link to their annual planning but also link to their strategic plan and their bold vision for the future,” said Heighway.

“The Foundation and the hospital work really closely,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President and CEO. “We're in conversation all the time about what are the needs of today, what are the needs of the future and what do we need to fundraise for in the immediate term and then what can we do in the middle of the road. It's that kind of collaborative planning with the needs of our community and our patients at the forefront that lead to the goal that has been set.”

The campaign started in 2020 and the funds were acquired through donor support. Already, the Campaign has totalled $45.5 million of its $60 million goal.

The money has already seen improvements in the hospital, such as upgraded Cath Lab suites, state-of-the-art CT scanners, a second MRI machine, the new Scotiabank Youth Eating Disorders Day Treatment Program, and ongoing renovations to enhance patient care facilities.

According to Heighway, the campaign will be heavily marketed to attract attention and garner donations to complete the final 25 per cent.

“Over the summer months, you'll start to see some additional awareness being raised and as we head into the fall, we'll have a large community kick off and we'll be hoping to inspire people through third-party events,” she explained. “We'll be appealing to the community in a variety of ways: digitally, by mail, TV, radio. Just a number of different ways that we hope people will engage with us.”

The following is a list of the investments of the $60 million:

• $11 million for cardiac care, unlocking new opportunities and ensuring the people, infrastructure, systems and programs are in place to allow world-class cardiac care across the spectrum

• $12 million for cancer care so our experts can treat more patients with more types of cancer, supporting earlier diagnosis, and ensuring safer, more effective treatments are available close to home

• $14 million in minimally invasive surgical and interventional radiology services to treat more urgent and chronic conditions – safely, quickly, so patients can go home sooner

• $4 million in support for mental health will help address the surge in demand for emergency mental health services in our region, while making hope & recovery possible through new, innovative therapies and modern, healing environments

• $2 million endowment fund to support the Physician Innovation Accelerator, fostering a culture of innovation and empowering PRHC to invest in physician-driven research and ingenuity that will result in game-changing advances in patient care

• $17 million will continue to fund PRHC’s top emerging priorities as they’re identified by the hospital, with many millions of dollars in lifesaving investments already made

The remaining money, once obtained, will be used to fund projects such as expanding PRHC’s cardiac labs to include the introduction of electrophysiology, improving the Emergency Department’s mental health and addictions Crisis Response Unit, establishing a hybrid operating room for vascular disease, and introducing digital pathology to expedite cancer diagnosis.

“Our community has stepped behind us,” said Heighway. “They've really rallied and has supported us across the spectrum of care, Our donors have helped us fuel innovation, bring new life-saving services to PRHC and really help the hospital attract the best physicians and staff for our hospital.”

“One of the reasons I am so honoured to be the CEO of this hospital is because this community is unbelievable in their support, in their generosity and their willingness to engage with us and looking to the future,” said Dr. Mikula. “There's no community I'd rather be working in as a hospital CEO and I'm so proud of Peterborough and the region.”

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Fourth Annual Lakers Alumni Golf Tournament Returns To Support Peterborough Grassroots Lacrosse Programs

Over 90 golfers got their clubs out at the Keystone Links Golf & Country Club for the fourth annual Peterborough Lakers Alumni golf tournament held on Friday.

Johnny “Shooter” Davis taking the ceremonial tee-off before the event began. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The tournament was sidelined last year but returned this year, seeing more golfers than ever.

“It just shows that the community still likes to get out and have fun together,” said Dean Porter, Alumni president.

The event honoured the 1984 and 2004 Mann Cup Champion Lakers. Several alumni, such as Paul Evans and Johnny ‘Shooter’ Davis, were in attendance and performed the ceremonial tee-off at the first hole.

“Lacrosse brings together a group of guys that were together in 84',” said Porter. “We got a good turnout here; they all came back; most of these guys still see each other and they all come to the alumni box during the games throughout the season.”

All proceeds go towards the Peterborough Lakers Alumni who support the Peterborough area's sustainability and grassroots lacrosse programs.

“Lacrosse is huge in Peterborough,” said Porter.

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CMHA's 'Change the Cycle' Surpasses Goal Raising $25,500 For Mental Health Initiatives

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge’s second-annual ‘Change the Cycle’ fundraiser saw the wheels turning positively as they raised $25,500 at Nicholls Oval last Saturday.

Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

The funds raised go towards supporting Family and Youth Mental Health initiatives. The money raised barely surpassed the $25,000 goal set on April 9.

“This demonstrates the growing community support and dedication towards addressing mental health challenges among young people and families,” according to a press release statement.

This year’s edition saw 74 riders, doubling the number from the previous year.

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Riverview Park & Zoo's 13th Annual Fun Run Held On June 29 to Support Aviary Exhibits

Jog your way to helping the birds as the Riverview Park and Zoo’s (RPZ) 13th annual Fun Run takes place on June 29.

Last year’s event supported construction of the new outdoor meerkat exhibit. Photo courtesy of Riverview Park & Zoo.

This year’s proceeds will fund the aviary exhibits which include emu, peafowl, turkey and guineafowl species.

“The Fun Run began in 2011 by community members that wanted to help contribute to the Riverview Park & Zoo.” said Cathy Mitchell, RPZ manager and curator. “Jim and Jodi Mulder created and managed the volunteer-led RPZ Fun Run for seven years.”

The Fun Run's goal is to raise $5,000 to support the construction of a new outdoor aviary and the revitalization of indoor aviary spaces. All funds raised from the Fun Run will go toward this goal.

“The event has supported some significant and varied improvements to the Park and Zoo over the years,” said Mitchell. “The funds raised focus on accessibility, conservation efforts, and excellence in animal care standards. The Park and Zoo is proud to be such a key part of the Peterborough culture and is shaped and made better by the generosity of our community.”

Registration can be found online. The following is the race-day schedule:

Race Day Schedule:

• 8:10 a.m. - Yoga warmup in the Gazebo

• 8:25 a.m. - 1K runners at the starting line

• 8:30 a.m. - 1K race begins

• 9 a.m. - 1K racers pick up medals

• 9:10 a.m. - 5K runners at the starting line

• 9:15 a.m. - 5K race begins

• 10 a.m. - 5K racers pick up medals

In-person registration and race kit pick-up are available at the Rotary Education Centre at Riverview Park and Zoo on June 27 and June 28, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can also register in person on June 29 before the race begins between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. The 1k race begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 5k race starts at 9:15 a.m. There are prizes for kids under 12 in the 1k and the top three males and females overall in the 5k.

RPZ encourages those to dress up as birds for the event as there are additional prizes for the best animal costume and top three fundraisers.

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120 Golfers Tee-Off at the Fourth-Annual 'Be a Saint" St. Joseph's At Fleming Golf Fundraiser Tournament

The fourth-annual “Be a Saint” St. Joseph's at Fleming fundraiser golf tournament saw a huge increase in golfers with 120 at the Quarry Golf Club on Thursday afternoon.

Sarah Cox, St. Joseph’s at Fleming administrative coordinator puts all her trust in Celebrity golf entertainer and instructor Todd Keirstead’s trick shot. Keirstead was a guest entertainer at the first hole at the Quarry Golf Club. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This year’s event saw a massive uptick in attendance since the third edition yielded 80 participants.

“It's great to see how our fundraiser is growing,” said Sarah Cox, St. Joseph’s administrative coordinator. “It's a great way to bring awareness to the community, we have lots of new golfers out and it's also great to see that we have so many people coming back year after year to support St. Joseph's at Fleming.”

All proceeds go towards upgrading St. Joseph’s infrastructure which needs work since the long-term care home is over 20 years old. It also funds replacing aging equipment and vital programs and services.

Last year’s event raised around $26,000 which is toward the organization's goal of $3.5 million over the next few years.

@ptbo_canada We were here before once… Time for round 2 between editor David Bui and trickshot golfer Todd Keirstead. The fourth-annula “Be a Saint” golf tournament benefitted St. Joseph’s at Fleming care home! #ptbo #ptbocanada #journalism #journalist #peterborough #news #fyp #dailynewsupdate #dailynews #sports #sport #golf ♬ Ready - Official Sound Studio

“We're a little over two-and-a-half million now,” explained Cox. “We're still working towards that goal, still raising money and even outside of the campaign, once we reach that 3.5 million, we're still going to keep fundraising because there's always going to be needs in the home.

After the tournament, a silent auction was held to raise additional funds for the not-for-profit long-term care home.

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Five Counties Children's Centre Brings the Fun With Annual Backyard Summer Social On June 22

Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is bringing the heat for its Backyard Summer Social fundraising event which will take place on June 22 from 1 to 4 p.m., as announced on Monday.

Five Counties Children’s Centre staff members Linsey Kampf (left) and Maddie Jackson (right) encourage people to come out to the third annual Backyard Summer Social on June 22. In each of its first two years, the Backyard Summer Social has raised more than $40,000 annually. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The summer fun is at FCCC’s backyard space on 872 Dutton Rd. in Peterborough.

The funds go to FCCC’s Building Abilities For Life Campaign which funds priority, high-demand services like speech therapy and occupational therapy in an effort to reduce long waiting times for kids to receive these critical services according to a press release.

Activities at the Social are a petting zoo, alpacas, axe-throwing, circus performers, inflatable jousting, classic picnic games, live music, drinks, treats and foods from local vendors.

“The Backyard Summer Social is an adults-only event that lets you be a kid again, at least for an afternoon,” said Lyn Giles, FCCC director of fund development. “No tux, gown, or heels are required — instead, sun dresses, T-shirts, shorts, or sandals are how to make a fashion statement here.”

Tickets to the Backyard Summer Social are $125 each and available online, through email at development@fivecounties.on.ca or call 1-888-779-9916, ext. 300).

Along with a $75 charitable tax receipt, each ticket purchased to the Backyard Summer Social includes all food from various local vendors, one drink ticket, live music, access to all activities and games and a chance to win prizes.

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Community Care Gets Happy Feelings Receiving $136,877.45 From Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign

There was no frowning from Community Care Peterborough as they received $136,877.45 from this year’s Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign.

Several Community Care staff along with Tim Hortons owners and employees celebrated the unveiling of the funds raised during the Smile Cookie Campaign. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Local Tim Hortons owners revealed the fundraising number to Community Care staff at the Hunter Street Tim Hortons location on Thursday morning.

The campaign ran from April 29 to May 5 with all Peterborough Tim Hortons participating and locations in Curve Lake First Nation, Lakefield, Havelock and Bridgenorth.

“This is fantastic news,” said Danielle Belair, Community Care CEO. “This was truly a successful event. We couldn't have done it without all of our volunteers and with the support of the all communities in the County of Peterborough and also all of the owners of the Tim Hortons.”

The proceeds will help the Meals on Wheels program that supplies meals to seniors with disabilities who cannot cook/shop for themselves or are discharged from a hospital with limited/no help available during their recovery.

“The funds will go a long way in supporting Community Care Peterborough’s programs and services that empower seniors and adults with physical challenges, helping them to remain happy and healthy in their own homes” said Belair. “As a not-for-profit agency we rely on support from our community to keep up with the high demand for our services.”

The following were all participating Tim Hortons locations:

Peterborough

• 721 Ashburnham Dr.

• 1527 Water St.

• 1200 Lansdowne St. W.

• 336 Lansdowne St. E.

• 871 - 875 Chemong Rd.

• 157 George St. N.

• 645 Lansdowne St. W.

• 55 Park St. N.

• 81 Hunter St. E.

• 898 Monaghan Rd.

• 1781 Lansdowne St.

• 1420 Crawford Dr.

• 1901 Lansdowne St. W.

• 949 Highway 7 E.

• 110 Chandler Cres.

Lakefield

• 139 Queen St.

Bridgenorth

• 758 Ward St. N.

Curve Lake

• 1420 Mississauga St.

Havelock

• 50 Ottawa St. W.

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Hometown PTBO: Miranda Zeppieri Raising Money For the Battlefield Ride 2024 Campaign For Wounded Warriors

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Wounded Warriors Canada advocate Miranda Zeppieri about her fundraising efforts for Battlefield Ride 2024, her family's history working in the military and first responders communities and her history of riding for Wounded Warriors.

Follow the link to donate to Zeppieri’s fundraiser.

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Smile Cookie Campaign Raises $50,713 for Five Counties Children’s Centre

The Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) did not frown as it received $50,713 from the annual Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign in Cobourg and Colborne.

Five Counties Children’s Centre CEO Scott Pepin gets help from volunteers to serve up smiles during the recent Smile Cookie Campaign at Tim Hortons in Cobourg and Colborne.. Tim Hortons has been raising funds for local charities for over 25 years. In total since its inception in 1996, the Smile Cookie Campaign at Tim Hortons has raised more than $111 million for charities and community groups. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The campaign ran from April 29 to May 2. The proceeds of each Smile Cookie sold helped FCCC’s high-demand treatment services such as speech therapy and occupational therapy, reduce wait times for kids and their families in Northumberland County.

“Smile Cookie really lived up to its name, as the funds raised from their sales will put smiles on the faces of many children and their families in our community who can get the care they need when they need it,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “We want to say a huge thank you to the Northumberland community for showing their support through the purchase of Smile Cookies and their donations during the campaign.” 

Five Counties was among hundreds of charities and community groups in Canada and the U.S. to benefit from the Smile Cookie campaign his year. Nearly $18.8 million was raised in total in 2024 according to a Tim Hortons news release.

"We'd like to extend a huge thank you to every Tims guest who supported our annual Smile Cookie campaign this year,” said Axel Schwan, Tim Hortons president. “Through your generosity and support, we're collectively making a big impact for more than 600 charities and community groups.”

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