Kawartha Food Share Named Recipient For 2025 Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign Fundraiser

There are a lot of happy faces at Kawartha Food Share (KFS) after they were selected as recipients of Tim Hortons’ Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign, announced on Friday.

Last year, Kawartha Food Share received $43,992.81 from the Holiday Smile Cookie fundraiser. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The campaign runs form Nov. 17 to 23 at all Tim Hortons locations in Peterborough, Lakefield, Bridgenorth and Curve Lake. The cookies retail for $2.00 each, and all proceeds will be split between Kawartha Food Share and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.

The Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie is a white chocolate chip sugar cookie, infused with red and green sprinkles, finished with a hand-decorated smile.

Last year, this campaign raised $87,985.62 locally, with half going to KFS.

“We are so thrilled to be partnering with Tim Hortons for this wonderful initiative. The funds raised during this campaign will assist us in purchasing much needed food items to keep our agencies shelves well stocked,” said Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager. “Our volunteers are excited to get to work decorating cookies for our community.”

Kawartha Food Share is a central collection and distribution warehouse that partners with 37 member agency food banks, food cupboards and other food action programs in the City and County of Peterborough.

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Peterborough Humane Society's Fall 2025 50/50 Lottery Shatters Previous Fundraising Record

The Peterborough Humane Society’s (PHS) Fall 2025 PHS 50/50 Lottery has achieved a new all-time high of $57,575, over $7,000 above the previous fundraiser.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery has given away over $97,000 in cash prizes, $15,000 in travel vouchers from Marlin Travel Peterborough and a luxury patio chair set from Stoney Lake Furniture Co., since it launched in the spring of 2024. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

This had broken the past spring’s record jackpot of $50,245 set back in May.

Allyson Allin of Lakefield, won the 50/50, taking home the $28,787.50 grand prize.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery also featured the Marlin Travel & Transat Ruffle, offering a $5,000 gift certificate for use at Marlin Travel Peterborough toward any Transat travel package. It was won but Michael Walker of Highlands East.

The lottery ran from Sept. 26 to Oct. 31 with proceeds towards PHS for animals in need.

“Our community’s love for animals continues to shine through,” said Shawn Morey, PHS CEO. “From those who bought tickets to the local businesses and media who shared our message, everyone played a part in this success. We’re so thankful for the incredible support that makes our work possible.”

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Burger Supremacy Runs In November For United Way's "Ultimate Burger Battle" Fundraiser

United Way Peterborough & District has kicked off its first-ever Ultimate Burger Battle where local restaurants and Burger Ambassadors gathered for a ‘First Bite’ preview of this delicious new fundraiser at its facility on Thursday morning.

The Ultimate Burger Battle has been tested to delicious success in other communities, with United Way Thunder Bay launching the original event six years ago. Since then, it has expanded into a national event organized by United Ways across Canada, serving more than 60,000 burgers nationwide last year alone. SCreenshot, Instagram.

The month-long Burger Battle is a new community fundraiser that was announced during United Way’s Campaign Launch in late September.

Eight local restaurants have crafted a burger to battle for the title of Peterborough and County’s Ultimate Burger of the Year. For every burger sold throughout November, two dollars will be donated to United Way Peterborough & District to support its programs and services. 

“We’re absolutely thrilled to bring the first-ever United Way Ultimate Burger Battle to Peterborough and District,” said Jim Russell, CEO of United Way Peterborough & District. “This campaign is a fun way to celebrate the creativity of our local restaurants while uniting the community around a shared cause. We’re especially proud to see participation from restaurants across both the City and County, a reflection of the wide reach and generosity of our region. Every Ultimate Burger sold helps build a stronger, more caring community, and I think that’s something we can all sink our teeth into.” 

The Ultimate Burger Battle has showcases creations such as fish patties to burgers stacked high with pickled jalapeño peppers.

Restaurants joining Peterborough & District United Way’s inaugural Ultimate Burger Battle include: 

• The Dirty Burger Company

• Double Dz's Diner

• Agave by Imperial

• The Vine

• The Loon Lakefield

• The Chemong Lodge

• Pizza Villa & Pasta House

• The Rink Tap & Grill

During November, a team of local Ultimate Burger Battle Ambassadors are tasting their way across Peterborough and the County, sharing their experiences, reviews, and behind-the-scenes peeks on social media.

This will help spotlight participating restaurants and encourage the community to join the fun by trying new burgers and voting for their favourites. Community members can get involved by voting online at uwpeterborough.ca for their favourite burger to help decide the People’s Choice Awards.

The Burger Ambassadors taking a bite include:

• Laura Montague, PTBO Eaters

• Dan O’Toole, BetRivers

• Neil Morton, Consultant/ Entrepreneur, 2017 United Way Peterborough & District Campaign Chair

• Tiffany Arcari, The Tiffany Show

• Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA

• Pete Dalliday, TV Voice of the Lakers & Petes

• Jason Wilkins, Muralist/ Illustrator

• Paul Rellinger, Journalist, 2025 United Way Campaign Chair 

“The Ultimate Burger Battle is a fantastic way to showcase the creativity and passion of our local restaurants,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area executive director. “It’s more than just a culinary challenge; it’s an opportunity to bring people together, celebrate local talent, and support a meaningful cause. I’m excited to see our community come out, enjoy some incredible food, and cheer on their favourite spots in the spirit of friendly competition.” 

“From the Adam Scott Cafeteria to Zeke’s — I’ve done the A-to-Z of Peterborough burgers,” said Pete Dalliday, Peterborough Lakers director of community engagement. “The Burger Battle just gives me another excuse to keep the streak going, support local spots, and have some fun for a great cause.” 

The Ultimate Burger Battle Passport is available to help track burger adventures, and anyone who tries five or more burgers will have the chance to become an Ultimate Burger Battle Ambassador for 2026.

Workplaces can also get in on the fun through ‘Ultimate Burger Battle @ Work,’ a team lunch initiative that lets staff order burgers together in support of United Way workplace campaigns. 

Proceeds support United Way Peterborough & District’s network of local agencies and initiatives working to address poverty and strengthen community well-being. 

The Ultimate Burger of the Year, People’s Choice Winners and Most Burgers Sold will be crowned in early December.

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Kawartha Food Share to Pillage Peterborough In 'Porch Pirates For Good' Food Drive This Saturday

Kawartha Food Share (KFS) is pillaging Peterborough for 2025 as part of its ‘Porch Pirates For Good’ food drive to restock its empty shelves, occurring this Saturday.

In the last five years, the campaign brought in over 185,000 pounds of food and over $20,000 in monetary donations. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Households are asked to leave a bag of non-perishable food items on their front porch with a flyer sent in mailboxes (or anything that makes the donation easy to identify) for the Porch Pirates to collect starting at 9 a.m.

The number of clients using food banks has reached an all-time high throughout the nation, according to KFS. They continue to state that the rising cost of food and supply chain shortages have affected their clients, donors and purchasing power.

The following are the most needed items requested for donation from KFS:

• Peanut Butter

• Canned tuna

• Canned vegetables and canned fruit

• Individually wrapped school snacks

• Pasta and pasta sauce

• Breakfast cereal

• Gluten-free items – like pasta, cookies, oats etc.

• Canned soup/stew

• Feminine hygiene products

• Monetary Donations (can be made online or during item collection)

For every one dollar donated, three dollars worth of food can be purchased, according to KFS. Volunteers can collect cheques or cash during their pickups on Oct. 25.

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Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival Raises Record-Breaking Amount of Over $400,000 For PRHC Foundation

The Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival organizing committee and the Survivors Abreast Dragon Boat Team have raised a record-breaking $400,104.01 for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation (PRHC) in support of cancer care on Monday morning.

The 24th Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival took place on Little Lakeon June 14 with 73 teams and over 1400 paddlers in attendance. The Festival’s cumulative total is over $4.9 million for breast and other cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment for the PRHC Foundation.  Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This is the second-straight year that a new record for funds raised has been set. The festival has successfully raised more money than in the past year in at least three consecutive campaigns. In 2024, $312,025.18 was raised, $1290,025.18 in 2023 and $202,268.41 in 2022.

“I am in awe of the community’s enthusiasm, generosity and desire to make such a big difference for our hospital, our community and the people we love,” said Michelle Thornton, Festival Chair.  “Over 3,725 donations were made by individuals this year, ranging from $5 to $5,000 and every single one of them helped us smash our goal.”

Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO, said she could not be more grateful for this year’s Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival success and its record-breaking efforts this year.

“Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival continues to break records and show what’s possible when a community comes together for a cause that touches us all,” she said. “The money raised through this incredible event will help bring cutting-edge technology like digital pathology to PRHC for the first time.”

@ptbo_canada The Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival organizing committee and the Survivors Abreast Dragon Boat Team have raised a record-breaking $400,104.01 for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation in support of cancer care. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #dragonboatfestival ♬ LEVEL UP - Bazanji

In August, the PRHC Foundation announced that it had extended its fundraising goal of $60 million to $70 million. Since that announcement, over $55 million has been raised towards the campaign.

“With cancer diagnoses on the rise, this state-of-the-art advancement will mean PRHC’s care teams can provide faster, more accurate diagnoses and begin treatment sooner,” explained Heighway. “This outstanding fundraiser is possible because of the passion, dedication and generosity of everyone involved, from the paddlers to the donors, sponsors, volunteers, the Survivors Abreast dragon boat team and Festival organizers.”

“Some of you are here for your first time, witnessing the results of our collective efforts. I hope you realize just how much of an impact your contribution, big or small has made,” said Thorton. “Because of you and our combined efforts, someone’s cancer will be caught early and receive the best possible outcome.  Because of you someone won’t have to travel for their treatments and they won’t incur those additional expenses.  Because of you, someone will be able to stay close to their friends and family, during one of their most challenging times. You make a real difference, whether you know it or not and the value of that is immeasurable.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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