United Way Announces Ambitious Goal to Raise $1.6 Million For 2025 Campaign

The bar keeps being raised for United Way of Peterborough & District which unveiled its 2025 campaign goal to raise $1.6 million, announced at the Healthy Planet Arena on Thursday afternoon.

Last year’s goal was $1.5 million while 2023 was $1.45 million. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The 84th Community Campaign for United Way’s goal is a $1 million increase from last year’s $1.5 million. Jim Russell, United Way CEO said that it is positive that the goal gets raised every year.

“As our campaign chair (Paul Rellinger) said this morning, it's aspirational. We hit 1.55 (million) last year and nobody wants to be a part of doing less than what happened the year before,” he explained. “What you want in a campaign chair is some hunger, some animation and you don't want people to set the bar. I think it's appropriate that the goal is ahead of last year's number. 

However, Russell wants to reiterate that the increased goal is not just for the sake of picking a number but rather, it is adapting to the increasing need of the United Way’s services to the community.

“The sad truth is that even the need in the community is pretty great,” he explained. “Waiting lists are longer for our services that our partners provide and so the need is there. It's picking a number for money needs to be invested in the right services in our community and we want to make sure that happens.”

@ptbo_canada The bar keeps being raised for Peterborough & District United Way which unveiled its 2025 campaign goal to raise $1.6 million. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #unitedway ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

New this year are two new fundraiser initiatives for United Way. The first is a monthly 50/50 online draw. The other is the United Way Ultimate Burger Battle taking place from Nov. 1 to 30 which would get local restaurants involved in the fundraising campaign in a creative and fun way.

“It was an initiative that some United Ways started a couple of years ago with local restaurants, creating a burger for the United Way with proceeds from the sale of that burger,” explained Russell. “It happens throughout the month of November so we're in the midst of trying to get restaurants on board with the campaign. It's been really quite successful in other communities ironically enough so we're happy to add that element to the mix.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Inaugural Lemonade Stand Day Raises $7,000 For Riverview Park and Zoo's Rotary Accessible Playground Project

A classic drink helped the Riverview Park and Zoo move closer to their $1.5 million goal for the Rotary Accessible Playground Project, as the inaugural Lemonade Stand Day raised $7,000 towards the initiative.

Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

The Kiwanis Club of Scott’s Plains held its first-ever Lemonade Stand Day on Aug.23. The event saw 33 families raise $7,000 for the project, which was celebrated on Sunday.

“The priority was for Lemonaders to have fun and the feedback we have received about Lemonade Stand Day has been wonderful,” said Greg McLeod, Secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Scott’s Plains. “The Lemonaders are already looking forward to next year and so are we.”

The club added an $8,000 donation, while the Rotary Club of Peterborough matched the total of $15,000, bringing the grand total to $30,000 towards the initiative.

The concept was first presented to the Rotary Club in 2024 by Cathy Mitchell, Riverview Park and Zoo CEO. She was grateful for the community support towards the project from the inaugural fundraiser.

“We are so honoured to be the recipients of the funds raised through Lemonade Stand Day,” she said. “These funds will be put towards the Rotary Accessible Playground Project, which is an exciting playground redesign project that will rethink the space ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, can experience the fun of play.”

The fundraising campaign was launched in mid-August

Project upgrades include widened pathways between play areas for people using strollers and mobility devices, new surfaces throughout the playground to make getting around easier, relaxing shady spaces with great sight lines to make it more comfortable for visitors and their caregivers.

Donations towards the project can be made online.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

23rd Annual Hike For Hospice Hits Millennium Park this Sunday

Hospice Peterborough’s 23rd annual Hike for Hospice fundraiser is ready to go at Millennium Park on Sunday.

Last year’s Hike Raised a record-breaking $138,000 and Hospice Peterborough wants to break that record this year. Photo courtesy of Hike for Hospice.

The walk launches alongside a story of last year’s top fundraiser, Kyle McConnell. According to the Hike for Hospice EasyPledge site, Kyle was part of an approximately 40-person team who hiked in memory of his late wife, Tash McConnell.

According to Hospice, Tash was known as ‘the life of the party.’ She loved summer, being outdoors, and had a penchant for pizza. She was a nurse who worked at Hospice Peterborough and PRHC until a Stage 3 melanoma began a four-year cancer journey. Despite her illness, Tash continued volunteering as a front desk volunteer at Hospice Peterborough. When her illness progressed in the late Summer of 2024, Tash’s final moments were spent in the care of hospice, passing away at 39.

Kyle (left) and Tash McConnell (right). Photo courtesy of Hike for Hospice.

A few weeks following her death, Kyle’s friends approached him about organizing a Hike for Hospice team in her memory called ‘Notorious T.A.S.H.’

“She would have thought that was funny,” said Kyle.

Notorious T.A.S.H. raised over $25,000. Attending Hospice staff wore light pink ribbons in her memory.

“It seemed like the best way to honour her memory,” said Kyle.

“It’s one thing to volunteer for Hospice, but when someone you love is admitted and you get to experience the love and compassion of that special place, then you want to give it as much support as you possibly can,” said John Muise, Hike committee co-chair.

“We’re really excited to see everyone come together again to raise funds for crucial hospice services for our community,” said Tom LaBranche, Hike committee co-chair. “If hospice has made an impact on you or your loved ones, then participating in this event is a wonderful way to celebrate and help continue that work.”

Funds raised from the event enable Hospice Peterborough to offer over 26 free programs and services to support individuals facing life-threatening illnesses and those grieving according to a press release.

Event participants can expect a brief opening ceremony, light snacks and refreshments, and a sweet treat at the end of the hike.

The route consists of a walk from Millennium Park — near the Silver Bean Café — to Beavermead Beach, with a halfway point for those seeking a shorter option. Participants are also welcome to participate virtually if they prefer.

Those interested in learning more about Hike for Hospice and registering for the event, which takes place on Sunday, can go online.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Lakers Fundraising Campaign Gets $15,484.50 For PRHC Foundation

Through a partnership established in May, the Peterborough Lakers have raised $15,484.50 for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation in a cheque presentation held at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Friday afternoon.

(From left to right) Len Powers, Lakers board member; Lesley Heighway, PRHC president and CEO; Randy Manning, Lakers Advisor and Pete Dalliday, Lakers director of community engagement. The Lakers lost to the Six Nations Chiefs 4-1 in the best-of-five series in the MSL Finals. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The campaign encompasses the technology and equipment used in the hospital, according to Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation president and CEO.

“The whole $70 million campaign is about equipment and technology,” she said. “There's a number of a different priorities within our campaign but every dollar raised is going toward the campaign.”

Throughout the MSL season, the Lakers sold limited-edition Lakers merchandise, held auctions and held a special PRHC Family Night on June 26 to help raise money.

“There's a saying, ‘The best hospital exists in the most generous communities,’ and that's absolutely true,” explained Heighway. “We're very fortunate to have a very generous community stepping behind this campaign and really helping propel care forward for decades to come.”

@ptbo_canada The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers have raised $15,484.50 for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation during their partnership this season. The funds help PRHC go towards technology and equipment and attract top healthcare professionals. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #peterborough ♬ Fighters - OctaSounds

In addition to the $15,484.50, Kawartha Smart Homes surprised the PRHC foundation with a $1,300 donation, five dollars for every goal scored by the Lakers this season.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Market Hall Suplexes Cancer Care With Fourth-Annual 'Cancer Takedown' Fundraiser

Market Hall is body slamming cancer with its fourth annual ‘Cancer Takedown’ fundraiser for anyone touched by cancer on Nov. 4 and 5, starting at 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Market Hall.

The night shines a light on the mental burden of cancer and unites people through song, story and solidarity. All proceeds go to Cancer Care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Performances will be done by Melissa Payne, Kate Suhr, The Weber Brothers, Nicholas Campbell, Anthony Bastianon and more. The show also features three women (all diagnosed under the age of 40) sharing their cancer stories. It focuses on the emotional and mental rollercoaster that the cancer experience brings.

New this year is a show done outside of Peterborough, at the Flato Academy Theatre in Lindsay on Nov. 4 on 7 p.m. Market Hall’s event is scheduled for Nov.5 at 7 p.m.

Husband and wife Rick and Amy Kemp founded the event. Rick has been a patient of PRHC since 2019. He was diagnosed with two separate cancers over the past seven years, including metastatic kidney cancer in 2019 and CNS lymphoma in 2021.

“The physical battle of cancer is tough but the mental battle is tougher,” said Rick. “It’s a battle you can’t really fight, you just make your way through. Cancer Takedown is an opportunity to remind people they can get through.”

Tickets can be purchased online for the Lindsay and Peterborough dates.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Hospice Peterborough's Biggest Fundraiser Hike For Hospice Hits Millennium Park Sept. 28

Hospice Peterborough’s biggest fundraising event returns as the Hike for Hospice is scheduled at Millennium Park for Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participant Kyle McConnell and team Notorious T.A.S.H. walk in memory of Tash McConnell at Hike for Hospice 2024. Kyle plans to participate again this year. Photo by Anne Leavens, courtesy of Hospice Peterborough.

Individuals or teams can raise money to support free palliative care, grief support, and other programs and services provided by Hospice Peterborough.

Participants will walk from Millennium Park to Beavermead Beach — with the option to turn around at Rogers Cove for a shorter route — while Hike for Hospice also serves as an opportunity to honour and remember loved ones who have passed away, uniting the community in grief, memory and reflection.

This year, Hospice Peterborough’s goal is to raise $100,000. Last year, they achieved a record-breaking success of $138,000.

Participant Kyle McConnell is hiking with friends and family in memory of his late wife Tash McConnell. Tash was a past employee and volunteer at Hospice Peterborough, where she spent her final moments in care.

“(It) seemed like the best way to honour her memory,” said McConnell.

Those participating can register online.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Local Realtors Fourth Annual Lemonade Stand Juices Out Proceeds For Sick Kids Foundation

For the fourth consecutive year, local realtors and brothers Dan and Dion Gemmiti utilized the classic concept of a lemonade stand to raise money for SickKids Foundation at the Westdale United Church on Friday morning.

The Gemmiti and Hatzianastasiou families coming together for the lemonade stand. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Hundreds of people lined up to enjoy pizza from Taso’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, homemade chocolate chip cookies (made by Dan and Dion) and lemonade. The stand accepted donations for SickKids Foundation on a ‘pay what you want’ basis. Photos could also be taken in front of a large banner hanging on the side of a trailer.

The community came out in strong numbers, as this year’s turnout was significantly larger than in years prior, according to the brothers.

“Our community is the greatest,” said Dion. “The support they gave us was unbelievable, and we're just so grateful that people come out and support such a great cause like SickKids.”

“It's not just today, it's weeks before this,” explained Dan. “My Grade 1 teacher sent money to us just to support our lemonade stand. People are so enthralled with giving to SickKids, it's incredible. People are amazing.”

Guests show up and tell both brothers about their experiences and stories with SickKids that are inspirational and feel-good stories said Dan and Dion.

“We have so many people who are affected by issues that they need to go to SickKids and we hear so many great stories going to SickKids and how incredible this place is,” explained Dion. “It's helping our most vulnerable, our youth, which is wonderful.”

“It's year after year when people come and tell us a story,” said Dan. “Last year it happened and this year it happened, where we both got the tears in our eyes because people told us a story. My heart is breaking listening to it but it's SickKids, they save their kids' lives and then they're very generous with their donation.”

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The brothers aim to continue the lemonade stand annually for as long as possible. Last year, they raised $5,295 for SickKids Foundation.

Donations can also be made by sending e-transfers to dananddionlemonade@gmail.com until Tuesday.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Inaugural Charity Motorcycle BBQ Set for Sept. 1 For SickKids and Rett Syndrome

As a fundraiser for the SickKids Foundation for Rett Syndrome, the inaugural Charity Motorcycle BBQ is being hosted at Taso’s Restaurant & Pizzeria on Sept. 1.

Photo courtesy of Taso’s Restaurant and Pizzeria.

The event, hosted by Taso’s Restaurant and 88Moto Motorcycle Shop, takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Overflow parking is available at Bailey’s Bay and Coffee Time nearby.

The fundraiser features a barbecue by Taso’s Restaurant, a motorcycle showcase, an autograph session with Canadian Superbike (CSBK) riders, live music (acts to be announced) and more.

Dyno runs are available for $50, which includes three runs that provide information on horsepower, torque, air-fuel mixture and more, allowing for a diagnostic of a motorcycle’s performance.

Taso’s Pizzeria owner Taso Hatzianastasiou wanted to host the inaugural event as a way to combine his love of motorcycles and his business for a good cause.

“I’ve always done a charitable event through the restaurant and I’ve tried to do something different every year,” he explained. “Since I’m involved so much in the racing community, I thought I would combine the racing and the restaurant.”

While Hatzianastasiou has not been directly affected by Rett Syndrome, he knows many within the community who are.

“There are a lot of friends of mine who have children with Rett Syndrome but not me,” he said. “I want to do it for them.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Fourth Annual Gary Dalliday Memorial Golf Tournament Raises $20,000 For Meals On Wheels Program

The 4th Annual Gary Dalliday Memorial Caring for Our Communities Golf Tournament saw 100 golfers hit the links and raised a record-setting $20,000 in support of Community Care Peterborough’s (CCP) Meals on Wheels programs at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Community Care Peterborough.

The program encompasses Peterborough, Chemung/Ennismore, Buckhorn and Curve Lake First Nation. Proceeds help offset the cost of meals, provide subsidies for clients who are unable to pay, and support the delivery of meals to seniors and adults living with disabilities.

The tournament was held on the seventh anniversary of Gary’s funeral. It brought together family, friends and community members to honour his legacy. Daliday volunteered with Meals on Wheels during his lifetime and his grandson Nicholas Bozec also was a volunteer, occasionally seeing both make deliveries together.

Bozec inspired the event to honour his grandfather’s legacy.

“He was a very salt-of-the-earth type of guy and really resonated with people from all walks of life,” said Tim Dalliday, Gary’s son. “To be able to have seniors stay in their homes and to have meals delivered at an affordable price was very important to him. So this cause was near and dear to him. He would have been very proud of what we’ve done and the money we’ve raised.”

“This tournament is a beautiful reminder that Gary continues to care for our community, years after his passing,” said Chris LeBlanc, CCP director of donor and PR. “His life inspired countless people, and that inspiration is still making a difference today for clients who depend on Meals on Wheels.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Rotary Club of Peterborough and Riverview Park and Zoo’s Launch New Accessible Playground Fundraising Campaign to Raise $1.5 Million

The Rotary Club of Peterborough and the Riverview Park and Zoo have teamed up for Project ROAR, a $1.5 million fundraising campaign for an accessible playground, announced on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

The Project Roar Committee unveiled its plans for a completely redesigned Rotary Accessible Playground at Riverview Park and Zoo to allow anyone of all abilities and all ages to enjoy the space.

Upgrades include widened pathways between play areas for people using strollers and mobility devices, new surfaces throughout the playground to make getting around easier, relaxing shady spaces with great sight lines to make it more comfortable for visitors and their caregivers.

Rotarian Betty Halman-Plumley was the president of the Rotary Club during the 2023-2024 term. During that time, the Club conducted extensive community outreach and local needs assessments in the lead up to deciding on the club’s next big Legacy Project said Halman-Plumley.

“Rotary is thrilled to take the lead in making this playground accessible because we believe everyone and every child deserves a place to play, learn, and grow – regardless of ability,” she said. “This project reflects our commitment to inclusion, community service, and building spaces where everyone feels welcome. Together with the Riverview Park & Zoo we are building more than just a play space – we’re building a stronger, more inclusive community for families to thrive.”

Cathy Mitchell, Riverview Park and Zoo CEO, first presented the concept for this project to the Rotary Club in 2024.

“We are thrilled to work with the energy and magnetism of the Rotary Club of Peterborough through their Legacy Project to bring these remarkable plans off the shelf and to fruition,” she said. “Established in 2018 through community consultation, these engineered playground plans were created to address the diverse needs of our community, bringing all ages and all abilities together for outdoor recreation and play. Thanks to Rotary and this Legacy commitment, we are able to move forward, remove barriers, and make it happen.”

The event paid tribute to the late Rotarian Ross Dobbin who founded the Riverview Park and Zoo in 1933. Some of his family members were present to honour his name on his behalf.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.