Rotary Club of Peterborough's Annual Holiday Lunch Puts Giving Spirit On Display; Donation Amounts and Breakfast Club Awards Announced

The Rotary Club of Peterborough’s Annual Christmas Lunch had its share of fun and giving at the Northminster United Church on Monday afternoon.

Rotarians and a FCCC representative with the cheque presented to FCCC of $8,500 from the Rotary Club’s “Fore the KIds” golf tournament. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The organization announced a total of $17,000 raised from its Fore the Kids Golf Tournament, held at the Katchiwano Golf Club on Sept. 25. Those funds are split equally ($8,500) between Five Counties Children’s Centre and the Rotary Club for their projects.

“I believe our portion of that is going towards the zoo legacy project, which is making an accessible playground at the (Riverview Park & Zoo) zoo a reality,” explained Tony Grady, Rotary Club of Peterborough president.

The Koeslag Cup was awarded to the Breakfast Club team that prepared the most nutritious, delicious, and elaborate breakfast for the children at Prince of Wales Elementary School. The Friday Breakfast Crew captured the cup, with Rotarians Nick Avlonitis and Doug Armstrong, as well as friends of Rotary, Linn Thain, Donna Burley-Chestnut, Jeff Clark, Dale Wilson and Brian Wilson on the team.

The team served the students Nick’s “world-famous” pancakes with chocolate chips, whipped cream, sprinkles, fresh fruit and chocolate milk.

The cup was named last year in honour of its creator, the late Peter Koeslag, a dedicated volunteer of the Prince of Wales Breakfast Club.

Before last year’s school calendar, Prince of Wales School had received two new ovens from the Rotary Club and Leon’s Peterborough. The breakfast program serves over 500 students and has a positive impact on their learning according to Brad Conlin, Prince of Wales vice-principal.

“We noticed a huge difference in kids having a full belly. They're coming down, and they're ready to learn when they get into class,” he explained. “When kids get into their classrooms without something to eat, we often see them disregulated and it’s hard for them to concentrate.”

Brad Conlin, Prince of Wales vice-principal (left) with Rotarian Nick Avlonitis, being presented with the Koeslag Cup. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Club also awarded prizes for the best Christmas Sweaters:

• Funniest sweater: Bruce Gravel

• Most creative sweater: Marie Press

• Best overall sweater: Bruce Clark

Bruce Gravel, Marie Press and Bruce Clark as the respective winners of the Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest with Kelli Grady, Rotary director of club service and membership. All photos by David Bui.

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Youth Mental Health Awareness an Emphasis For Third Annual Harmony for Healing's Fundraising Concert On Feb. 19

Harmony for Healing has announced the third consecutive year of its annual event with ‘Power of Love: Voices of Youth’ as a locally produced mental health awareness campaign and live concert fundraiser to be held at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on Feb. 19.

(From left to right) Wade Hamblin; ReMax Hallmark Eastern Realty; Callie Lorente, CMHA HKPR Manager of Integrated Crisis Services; Phillip Jolicoeur, Harmony for Healing Founder and Caitlin O’Connor, musician. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This year’s initiative places an even stronger focus on youth mental health, connection and hope. Harmony for Healing creator and producer Phillip Jolicoeur had his mother pass away from suicide in 2022, with the event serving as a tribute to her.

“Harmony for Healing started as a way to turn pain into purpose,” he said. “This year feels especially close to the heart as we lift up youth voices and remind them they matter, they are heard, and they are not alone. These stories and moments are created locally by people who truly care.”

Harmony for Healing has raised over $29,000 to date, including $15,744 raised last year alone, toward its five-year goal of $50,000. All proceeds support the Assertive Outreach Suicide Prevention Program (AOSP) through CMHA Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge, providing life-saving support to individuals and families in crisis.

The event has sold out in the first two iterations, which blend music with meaningful conversations around mental health and suicide prevention.

This year’s awareness campaign centres on stories from local youth, sharing their lived mental health experiences through a professionally produced video series.

@ptbo_canada Harmony for Healing returns for its third consecutive year with a youth-centred mental health awareness campaign and live concert Power of Love: Voices of Youth 💜 #ptbocanada #peterboroughontario #mentalhealth ♬ Vittra - Kasbo

The youth are involved through:

• Production and behind the scenes roles

• Youth storytelling and creative contributions

• Volunteer opportunities

• Live show participation

• Collaboration with up and coming local youth artists

‘Power of Love’ celebrates iconic 1980s anthems performed by 100 percent local musicians, creating an atmosphere of connection, compassion, and community.

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Second Annual Mayoral Golf Tournament Raises $6,507 For Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation

The second annual Peterborough Mayoral Invitational Charity Golf Tournament, held at Kawartha Golf Club, raised $6,507 for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation.

(From left to right) Nigel Lister, Regional Manager, Market Development of Cambium Inc; Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation president; David Feeley, senior manager at Cogeco and Mayor Jeff Leal. Last year’s event raised $9,710 for Community Living Trent Highlands and Kawartha Food Share. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event took place on Sept. 8 at Kawartha Golf Club and was originally announced on Aug. 7 by Mayor Jeff Leal at PRHC.

“I want to sincerely thank all the participants and sponsors who so generously supported the PRHC Foundation’s Campaign for PRHC, helping our regional hospital continue to deliver high-quality health care right here in our community,” said Leal. “Special thanks to Nigel Lister for organizing the tournament, and to the PRHC Foundation staff for their support.”

@ptbo_canada The second annual Peterborough Mayoral Invitational Charity Golf Tournament raised $6,507 for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation. ##ptbocanada##journalism##news##fyp##golf ♬ Mario like action game 2 - Jun Takahashi

The tournament drew roughly 100 golfers to support the cause. In August, the PRHC Foundation announced that it had extended its fundraising goal of $60 million to $70 million.

“We’re grateful to Mayor Leal and the organizers, participants and sponsors of the Peterborough Mayoral Invitational Charity Golf Tournament for supporting the $70 million campaign to reimagine health and care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre,” Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation president. “Your generosity will help fund state-of-the-art technology that drives innovation and empowers lifesaving care for our family, friends and neighbours. Not only that, but community-organized events help us spread the word about the importance and impact of donations, inspiring others to get involved.”

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Loonies on the Street Fundraiser Returns: Raising Funds for Kawartha Food Share

The 25th annual Loonies on the Street fundraiser in support of Kawartha Food Share returned to Peterborough Square at the corner of George and Simcoe Streets on Friday morning.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers donated $1,000 towards the cause, while the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough gave $10,000 as part of their TV Bingo proceeds.

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP, donated $250 and challenged Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP and Mayor Jeff Leal to match his donation. If theirs exceeds Smith’s, the MPP will match the increase.

A final count of all proceeds is expected to be released next week.

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

Donations can also be accepted online.

@ptbo_canada The Bucket Brigade was back this morning for Kawartha Food Share’s 25th annual Loonies on the Street fundraiser at Peterborough Square! 🎅 #PTBOCanada #peterboroughontario ♬ Christmas - Axby

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Tim Hortons's Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign Raises Nearly $35,000 For Kawartha Food Share

Kawartha Food Share (KFS) has got more happy faces this holiday season as Tim Hortons and its Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign raised $34,594.54, presented at the former’s facility on Thursday afternoon.

(From left to right) Jasmine Lacsote, Stephane Lacoste, Ashlee Aitken, Greg Blair and Jennifer McCall.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. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The campaign ran from Nov. 17 to 23 at all Tim Hortons locations in Peterborough, Lakefield, Bridgenorth and Curve Lake. Over 43,000 cookies were sold and $69,189.08 was raised, split evenly between Tim’s Foundations Camps and Kawartha Food Share.

“A huge thanks goes out to the countless Tims guests who purchased Holiday Smile Cookies for their generosity,” said Axel Schwan, Tim Hortons president. “With 100 per cent of proceeds from every cookie sold donated to local charities, community groups and Tims Camps, you've helped make a real difference in your community.”

“This donation couldn’t come at a better time as we’re in the thick of the busy holiday season,” explained Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager. “We will use these funds to purchase much needed food items for our 37 member agencies and ensure that they are all well stocked for the holidays and beyond. Thank you to the many volunteers who helped us decorate cookies and make this campaign such a great success!”

The campaign raised $13 million in total, with proceeds donated to more than 600 charities and organizations nationwide.

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Community Care Peterborough Launches their 2025 Annual Appeal: Because We Care

Community Care Peterborough (CCP) has launched its 2025 Annual Appeal, “Because We Care,” inviting Peterborough and surrounding areas to support community services that help seniors and adults with disabilities remain independent at home.

The inspiRation behind because we care: Meals on Wheels volunteer Patty Tipton. Photo Courtesy of Community Care Peterborough.

CCP credits Patty Tipton, a long-time Meals on Wheels staff member, as the inspiration behind this year’s campaign. After years of service with Community Care, Tipton volunteered following her retirement, returning to greet callers and visitors at the organization’s Peterborough office.

“Patty’s dedication shows what caring looks like in action,” said Danielle Belair, CCP CEO. “When people give their time or their financial support, they help create stability and independence for thousands of neighbours. This appeal celebrates that spirit of generosity and invites new supporters to join us.”

In the past year, Community Care Peterborough volunteers contributed the equivalent of 48 full-time employees, donating tens of thousands of hours across the organization. Volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels, drive clients to medical appointments, make friendly visits and reassurance calls, support home help and maintenance services and more.

Because We Care celebrate volunteers and community generosity.

During the 2024 to 2025 year, Community Care Peterborough supported more than 6,000 residents throughout the City and County of Peterborough by providing:

• More than 50,000 Meals on Wheels deliveries

• 31,000 rides to medical and essential appointments

• 20,000 friendly visits and reassurance calls

• 9,000 home help and maintenance visits

“Our volunteers make our work possible, and our donors make it sustainable,” said Chris LeBlanc, Director of Donor and Public Relations. “Every hour and every dollar ensures that seniors and adults living with disabilities receive the care, connection and support they need to remain independent. Community generosity is the reason we can offer these services without barriers.”

Those who wish to support the 2025 Annual Appeal can learn more about the campaign, read Patty’s story and make a donation by visiting their website. Donations can also be made by phone and in person at any Community Care Peterborough office throughout the City and County.

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Avant-Garden Shop Raises Over $2,000 For New Canadians Centre From Chocolate Bar Campaign; Anonymous Matching Donor Doubles Amount

After selling Peace By Chocolate products, Avant-Garden Shop has raised $2,133 for the New Canadians Centre (NCC), announced on Tuesday.

In addition to the original donation, the NCC had announced that an anonymous donor had matched the total, doubling the amount to $4,166.

(from left to right) Jeeniraj “JJ” Thevasagayam, NCC executive director; Brenda Ibey, Avant-Garden Shop owner and Asuka Ballantyne Ono, NCC fund development officer holding up several Peace by Chocolate products that had been sold in-store since May. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The garden and bird store started selling the chocolate in May with 711 products purchased. Each bar costs eight dollars, with three going to the NCC. Avant-Garden Shop owner Brenda Ibey could not be more pleased with the way the fundraiser went.

“It was fantastic,” she explained. “Our customers just loved these chocolate bars and as soon as I told them that three dollars for every bar was going to the New Canadians Centre, they would buy, one, two, three or more so they really supportive.”

The NCC said they were grateful for Brenda and her customers’ support throughout the campaign.

“Brenda’s generosity through Avant Garden and the Peace by Chocolate initiative is making a real difference for newcomer families in our community,” said Jeeniraj “JJ” Thevasagayam, NCC executive director. “Because of your support, NCC can continue delivering programs that create belonging, opportunity, and connection in Peterborough.”

Ibey heard of the chocolate company last Christmas and purchased a few bars for herself. She discovered that she could purchase them wholesale and Peace by Chocolate was based out of Antigonish, N.S.

The Avant-Garden owner is sponsoring a Syrian refugee, which coincidentally mirrors the backstory of Peace by Chocolate’s founder and CEO, Tareq Hadhad. The latter had his chocolate factory in his homeland bombed in 2012 which forced him and his family to flee to Lebanon before settling in Canada.

“I have a connection with a young Syrian fellow who we helped to sponsor to get to Canada and now we're working to get his family here as well and so they should be coming soon.”

Ibey thanked all of her customers who had supported the initiative throughout the months and continues to sell Peace by Chocolate products in her store. She may think of a new organization to support for the next wave of chocolate bars but says she was happy to be involved with the NCC.

“It's been a really amazing story, really amazing to get involved with to help these folks because they're in dire straits where they're living and we don't know how lucky we have it here in Canada,” she explained. “I just wanted to help in any way I could, and the New Canadians Centre is a great organization, and I thought this would be fantastic to do.”

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Winners Crowned In United Way's Inaugural Ultimate Burger Battle Fundraiser

After eight participating restaurants put their cooked patties to the test, United Way Peterborough & District has announced its winners of its first-ever Ultimate Burger Battle at Agave by Imperial on Monday morning.

Jennifer Gutierrez, Agave by Imperial head chef (left) and Angelica Jimenez, Agave by Imperial partner (right) celebrating their victory, claiming the title of “Ultimate Burger of the Year.” Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The month-long fundraiser saw eight local restaurants, eight Burger Ambassadors, and the community participate. Each restaurant crafted a signature Ultimate Burger to compete for one of several awards.

The following were the participating restaurants: 

• 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

This year’s Burger Ambassadors were:

• 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 

@ptbo_canada Agave by Imperial is crowned the winner of the United Way’s inaugural Burger Battle! 🍔 🌮🍹 #AgavePTBO #PTBOCanada #peterboroughontario ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

A combined 1,022 ‘Ultimate Burgers’ were sold, with two dollars from each supporting United Way’s work across its 20 partner agencies. In total, the inaugural campaign raised $2,065 for programs and initiatives that help ensure individuals, families and seniors have access to essential supports.

“This campaign exceeded every expectation,” Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “The Ultimate Burger Battle brought together local creativity, friendly competition, and real community spirit. Every burger sold represents not just a great meal, but a direct investment in the well-being of people across Peterborough and the County. We’re incredibly grateful to the restaurants, ambassadors, and residents who made this first year such a success.”

United Way has announced the 2025 winners:

Ultimate Burger of the Year

Agave By Imperial – Cien Fuegos

Double house-made beef chuck patty, spicy queso fundido, jalapeño & bacon jam, caramelized onion, chili oil aioli.

This title was determined by United Way’s Burger Ambassadors, who scored each burger on presentation, taste, originality, toppings and overall execution.

Most Ultimate Burgers Sold

Double Dz’s Diner – The Big D (207 Ultimate Burgers sold)

Featuring a fresh 6oz ground chuck smash burger with lettuce, peameal bacon, gouda, onion rings, double smoked bacon, signature whiskey sauce, peppercorn ranch aioli on a homemade bun.

People’s Choice Ultimate Burger

Pizza Villa & Pasta House – The United Way Burger

Melted mozzarella on both buns, bacon, mushrooms, onions, hot peppers, BBQ sauce, a six-ounce beef patty, and melted cheddar.

This title was determined through an online voting form available on the United Way’s website – diners were encouraged to visit the online page after trying each burger to crown their favourite.

Russell stated that he wants to do this fundraiser again next year.

“We’re already hearing from restaurants and residents asking when round two begins,” he said. “Based on the excitement and community pride we witnessed this year, we’d say the appetite is definitely there.”

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Peterborough Musicfest Launches 2026 Diner's Book to Be Available Friday

Peterborough Musicfest has released the 2026 version of their Diner’s Book, available on Friday, for food lovers to support free live music in the community.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

The $30 book features 85 dining offers deals from restaurants, cafés, pubs and other food establishments across Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and the surrounding region.

All proceeds support Peterborough Musicfest.

“This year’s Diner’s Book isn’t just a way to save on incredible dining experiences; it’s a way to give back and help keep free admission music alive for everyone to enjoy,” says Tracey Randall, Executive Director of Peterborough Musicfest. “It’s also the perfect gift for the foodie in your life or that hard-to-buy-for person on your list. ”

The 2026 Diner’s Book will be available for purchase at:

• Lansdowne Place (Customer Service Desk)

• Cogeco Customer Centre- 1111 Goodfellow Rd.

• Online

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Peterborough Singers Artistic Director to Retire After 35 Years

Peterborough Sings artistic director Syd Birrell is performing his final concerts after 35 years as he has announced his plans for retirement on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Singers.

“As you can imagine, making the decision to retire was extremely difficult,” explained Birrell. “For the past 35 years, the Peterborough Singers has occupied so much of my thoughts, my time, and my affections. However, after much reflection, I concluded that the time has come to pass the reins to a new, younger director.”

As Birrell’s last request before calling it, he asks the public to donate to Peterborough Singers’s newest campaign, ‘Syd’s Legacy Fund,’ to raise $100,000 by Dec. 31 and $250,000 by the end of this concert season. The funds raised are to support the Peterborough Singers and ensure a smooth transition with a new artistic director, as the organization requires roughly $200,000 annually to run, according to Birrell.

“The immediate aim of Syd’s Legacy Fund is to guarantee that the choir will transition smoothly to a new director,” he explained. “It will also allow the new director to focus his or her energy on what matters most: making great music.”

Part of the proceeds are going towards searching for and hiring emerging young Canadian artists, commissioning original Canadian compositions and hiring world-class Canadian soloists.

Candidates for the artistic director position are currently being selected, with an announcement to be expected within the new year.

Birrell concludes that he has truly treasured his 35 years with the Peterborough Singers.

“I will especially miss that magical moment when the choir sings the first notes at the start of a concert. There’s nothing like it. That first burst of song can take your breath away,” he said.

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