Trent University's President’s Excalibur Golf Tournament Raises a Record-Breaking $92,000 For Student-Athlete Scholarships

The 19th annual Trent University President’s Excalibur Golf Tournament showed its support for student-athletes, raising a record $92,000 for the Excalibur Green and White Scholarships, held at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Thursday afternoon.

Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor, tees off at the second hold at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Today marks the highest fundraising total in the 19-year history of this tournament, and we couldn’t have done it without our generous sponsors and participants,” said Nathan McFadden, Trent Athletics & Recreation director. “The Green and White Scholarship Fund is a lifeline for many of our athletes. It eases financial burdens, but more importantly, it sends a powerful message: we believe in you. That belief fuels their drive, their discipline and their dreams.”

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The $92,000 raised brings the cumulative amount raised to over $792,000. To date, the Green and White Scholarship Fund has benefited more than 400 student-athletes.

For the 2024/25 season, 34 student-athletes were awarded a Green and White Scholarship for their academic achievement and athletic talent. Students receiving this scholarship may be eligible for subsequent years if they maintain a minimum academic average, accumulating significant support over their studies at Trent.

“The Green and White Scholarships have made an incredible difference for me and so many other student-athletes,” said Isabelle Pellerine, student-athlete. “Not every athlete gets the chance to compete at the varsity level, but today shows there’s a community that believes in us. At Trent, we’re more than just athletes, we’re supported to succeed in every part of our lives. I’m so proud to be part of a university that invests in us and our future.”

This year, 20 teams of four participated in the scramble tournament and George Ripoll – BMO Nesbitt Burns, captured first place. 

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CMHA HKPR Surpasses Goal, Raising Over $30,000 From Third Annual 'Change the Cycle' Fundraiser

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) crushed its $25,000 fundraising goal from its third annual ‘Change the Cycle’ event, raising $30,537.08 on Saturday at Nicholls Oval.

Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president (left) and Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education (right) after the former kickstarted the fundraiser with a $5,000 donation. CMHA HKPR's Change the Cycle raised over $25K for youth and family mental health supports. Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

There were 86 riders who hit the Rotary Greenway Trail to support CMHA HKPR.

These funds will directly support Planet Youth through the Haliburton, Kawartha, Northumberland Peterborough (HKNP) Health Unit. It is an initiative dedicated to enhancing the mental wellness of youth and families in these areas.

“This is a huge win for youth and family mental health in our region, and it would not have been possible without you all. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Agents of Change, Linda Kash and Michelle Mackey, for lending their voices and hearts to this cause. Your support means the world to us,” in a statement in a press release.

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Trent Valley Honda Hosting Customer Appreciation BBQ & Car Wash On 50th Anniversary to Support Kawartha Haliburton Children's Foundation This Saturday

To celebrate their 50th anniversary, Trent Valley Honda (TVH) is hosting a Customer Appreciation BBQ & Car Wash in support of Kawartha Haliburton Children's Foundation this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Trent Valley Honda.

The family-run business has been in Peterborough since 1975, located at 851 Highway 7 East.

“Our commitment to, training around and living our brand promise, has helped us foster a culture, where customers truly do come first, employees are proud and empowered to always do the right thing, and are motivated to go above and beyond for each other and for our customers,” said Monika Carmichael, Trent Valley Honda general manager. “The loyalty of our customers and our employees has been the key to sustainable growth and success.”

The free event features a charity raffle for two Gold tickets to the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy in Toronto on July 21, as well as ice cream, bouncy castles, face painting and a gift for every 2026 model test drive as part of the Test Drive Event this month.

The event typically raises $500 but TVH is aiming to double that this year according to Carmichael.

“We have often chosen causes that support and empower children that are less fortunate, including the YES Shelter, YWCA Women’s shelter, etc., she explained. “Kawartha Haliburton’s Children’s Aid acknowledged our ongoing community work and submitted a powerful proposal on why we should make them one of our causes.”

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Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign Raises Over $125,000 For Local Organizations

The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign help make a lot of happy faces as they raised $125,022.48 for several local organizations, announced on Thursday.

Since the first-ever Smile Cookie campaign in 1996, the annual charitable campaign has raised a total of more than $151 million for charities and community groups. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

Nineteen participating locations throughout Peterborough, Bridgenorth, Lakefield, Curve Lake and Havelock contributed to the fundraiser. The beneficiary organizations were BGC Kawarthas Foundation, the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) and Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC).

Of the funds raised, $62,511.24 will go towards FCCC ‘Building Abilities for Life’ Campaign with BGC Kawarthas and CMHA HKPR each receiving $31,255.62 to support their respective services.

“Our community truly came together to make this all possible. We are grateful to everyone who donated their time, helped spread the word, bought cookies and supported this initiative.” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “We are very appreciative of Tim’s and its staff who welcomed and assisted our Smile Cookie volunteers. The generosity of Tim Hortons and its ongoing support for many different organizations is amazing, and it was a pleasure to work alongside them as we all work to better health and wellness for youth in our communities.” 

“We appreciate the opportunity to work alongside Five Counties and BGC Kawarthas through the Smile Cookie Campaign,” said Ellen Watkins, CMHA HKPR CEO. “It was a delight to see our teams work together and to meet the community as we decorated cookies. Many thanks to the Tim Hortons staff who made us feel at home and part of the team.”

“On behalf of all the staff and volunteers from BGC Kawarthas, thank you to the hard-working staff and owners of the Tim Hortons,” said Amy Terrill, BGC Kawarthas executive director. “It was a distinct pleasure to be involved in the Smile Cookie campaign with our amazing partners at Five Counties Children’s Centre and CMHA HKPR. With the support of our community, many children and their families will benefit as a result.”

A record-breaking $22.6 million was raised through the sale of Smile Cookies this year, supporting over 600 charities and community groups across Canada and  the United States, according to Axel Schwan, Tim Hortons President.

“We’re so grateful for the outpouring of support for this year’s Smile Cookie campaign from Tims guests across Canada. Thanks to your incredible generosity we topped our previous Smile Cookie record,” he said.

The BGC Kawarthas Foundation raises funds to support the work of BGC Kawarthas, which provides essential programs and services for children and youth, including mental health and wellness programs, nutrition, after-school programs, summer camps, and leadership development activities.

CMHA HKPR provides mental health services and support to individuals in the community. Its programs promote mental wellness, offer crisis intervention, and provide counseling and therapy services.

Five Counties Children’s Centre has been dedicated to supporting children and youth with physical, developmental, and communication needs for 50 years. Last year, Five Counties provided treatment services for over 6,100 children and youth, of which 2,950 were from Peterborough and Peterborough County.

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Alzheimer Society's Annual Walk Fundraiser Runs This Saturday at Justin Chiu Stadium

The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton is getting their feet moving at Trent University’s Justin Chiu Stadium for the IG Wealth Management Annual Walk fundraiser this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to Jen Johnstone, the Alzheimer Society's executive director, all proceeds from the event will go towards the organization’s programs and services in three ways.

“One is supporting counselling and healthcare navigation. It's very complicated demntia so people need a lot of support navigating that healthcare system,” she explained. “It goes towards education for our clients, for the public and it goes towards social recreation programs like our famous Minds and Motions program.”

This year’s fundraising goal is $114,790, with $42,000 raised at the publication of this article. The number is a fun but informative way to get people to walk 14,790 steps, representing the 14,790 people diagnosed with dementia in the region alone. Johnstone says that this number is likely higher than what has been officially recorded.

“Dementia is growing very, very rapidly. Based on the landmark study that was released by the Alzheimer's Society of Canada, from 2021 to 2030, we're expecting a 65 per cent increase in the number living with dementia.”

That increasing trend will continue based on their case studies and conducted research, says Johnstone.

“Dementia is going to triple beyond that to 2050 so we're already going to see that skyrocketing rate of dementia and we know that it can take a very long time to get a diagnosis,” she said. “The healthcare system is currently backlogged so we know that there are a lot of people living with the disease and just starting that journey.”

In addition to raising money, Johnstone wants the event to continue creating awareness for the community as it affects a large number of people in the covered community.

“It's really key for our community to be aware of dementia. We have one of the largest older adult populations in the country; well over a quarter of our population is over the age of 65 and so it's a really important issue in our region,” she explained. “We are really on the front lines of dementia so it is building that awareness as well as building that sense of community and hope.

Participants can register on-site or online. Money can be raised through a pledge form as an individual or a team. Donations are also welcomed at the event. Anyone is welcome to walk and dogs are permitted at the fundraiser.

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James Stevenson Park Becomes Site For 40th Pet Valu Walk For Dog Guides Fundraiser

Canines and humans will march at the 40th Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides fundraiser, which will be held at James Stevensen Park on May 25 at 1 p.m., announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.

As one of 200 community walks across Canada, proceeds go towards Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. This year’s Walk is five km and aims to raise $1.6 million for more dog guides.

“When Dog Guides hosted its first fundraising walk forty years ago, it was a small community affair that supported our Canine Vision Program, the only program we offered at the time,” said Bev Crandall, Dog Guides CEO. “Dog Guides has grown significantly over the past four decades. Today there are more than 800 working dog guides across seven different programs, providing life-changing assistance to their handlers in every province.”

According to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, each dog guide costs approximately $35,000 to breed, raise, train, and place.

Registration for the event can be found online.

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Peterborough Lakers Partner to Raise Money For PRHC Foundation Throughout MSL Season

The Peterborough Lakers have partnered with the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation as the team will help raise funds for the latter throughout the Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) season, announced at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Monday afternoon.

(From left to right) Len Powers; Lakers board member; Lesley Heighway, PRHC president and CEO and Dylan Hutchinson, Lakers defenceman. The Lakers start their season on the road against the Brooklin L.C. on May 22 before having their home opener against the two-time defending Mann Cup-Champion Six Nations Chiefs on May 22. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The PRHC Foundation’s campaign goal is $60 million, the largest fundraising effort in the hospital’s history.

The campaign aims to empower world-class care close to home, attract top healthcare professionals and address urgent hospital needs according to Lesley Heighway, PRHC president and CEO.

“We're focused on a couple of key priorities. One is digital pathology. There's a laboratory on the sixth floor of the hospital where things like cancer diagnosis happen,” she explained. “Having the test results and digitized means that pathologists can share them with each other, they can share them with colleagues at other hospitals and they can do it seamlessly.”

The campaign has already raised $52.9 million. Len Powers, Lakers board member, says that the organization is committed to doing everything it can to help the PRHC after all they do for the region.

“The Lakers are all about community, and there’s nothing more ‘community’ than supporting our regional hospital,” he said. “PRHC is the heartbeat of the Peterborough region. It’s where our families turn in moments of greatest need.”

“We’re excited to team up with a championship organization like the Lakers,” said Heighway. “They represent dedication, heart, and excellence – just like our hospital. We know how strongly this region rallies around the Lakeshow and PRHC. Together, we can help reimagine healthcare.”

Throughout the MSL season, the PRHC Foundation will be at Lakers home games, sharing stories and inviting fans to get involved. To help raise founds for the Foundation, limited edition Lakers merchandise will be sold with further details released at a later date.

A special PRHC Family Night is set for June 26 against the Cobourg Kodiaks. PRHC staff and volunteers will receive a promo code for discounted tickets.

On Canada Day, the Lakers will wear Canadian-themed jerseys during the game and will auction them off after the match, with all proceeds benefiting PRHC Foundation.

“My message for people in the community is that gifts of all sizes make a difference,” concluded Heighway. “Never think that 'my gift of $25' or 'my gift of $100' isn't going to make a difference. All of that comes together and it's going to help us get to our goal.”

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City of Peterborough Makes Subsidies Available For Its Recreation Programs

The City of Peterborough offers financial assistance to eligible children, families and adults to help cover the costs of recreation programs offered at City of Peterborough facilities.

File Photo.

These subsidies can be applied to a wide range of programs, including summer day camps, sports camps, and dance programs. Subsidies are also available for adult leisure activities at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements under the City’s recreation subsidy guidelines.

Applications for a subsidy can be made within 30 days of registering for a program, with proof of receipt. It is recommended that applicants apply for the subsidy early if registration costs affect their ability to register.

Anyone who requires assistance with a subsidy application can email rec@peterborough.ca or call 705-742-0050 ext. 2215 to schedule an appointment with a Recreation Program Assistant. 

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YMCA Pickleball Tournament Raises $15,391 For Its Strong Kids Campaign

The YMCA of Central East Ontario hosted the second annual Pickleball Tournament in support of the Strong Kids Campaign, raised $15,391 that ran on Saturday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Team Pearce was the top fundraising team with $7,947, with Team Hamblin raising $5,894. Lindsay Seabrooke was the top fundraising individual with $2,450 and Team Pearce won the Golden Pickle as the tournament winners.

Following the tournament, the 2025 Strong Kids Campaign was launched to ensure kids and families with financial needs can access YMCA programs and services in our community. Kinsmen Club of Peterborough kicked it off with a $5,000.

Donations to support the campaign can be made online or in person at the YMCA any time during the year.

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CMHA HKPR Launches Third-Annual 'Change the Cycle' Fundraiser For Mental Health Initiatives

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) has launched the third-annual 'Change the Cycle' fundraising event at Nicholls Oval on June 21.

Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president (left) and Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education (right) after the former kickstarted the fundraiser with a $5,000 donation. CMHA HKPR's Change the Cycle raised over $25K for youth and family mental health supports. Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

“Youth mental health is a critical area of focus, given the unique challenges and needs of this demographic,” said Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education. “We know the importance of providing accessible mental health care to young people, ensuring they can thrive. We are excited to announce this year’s proceeds will be going towards a new initiative called Planet Youth.”

To help kickstart the fundraiser, Tom’s Heating & Cooling donated $5,000.

Cyclists can register for a 4k, 12k or 26k ride along the Rotary Trail in Peterborough. They can register online as individuals or teams. Registration is $20 per person, and children 12 and under can register for free. Registration includes the ride, a t-shirt and a BBQ lunch.

To become an event sponsor or volunteer, email Veitch at jveitch@cmhahkpr.ca.

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