Empty Bowls Community Fundraising Event Celebrates 22nd Year

Attendees filled their bowls and their stomachs at the Showplace Performance Centre Friday for Empty Bowls 2026; a fundraising event aimed to address hunger in the local community, with all proceeds supporting One City Peterborough.

After 21 years of Empty Bowls supporting the YWCA Nourish Food Program, which ended in 2025, One City Peterborough has partnered as the new beneficiary for the fundraiser. All proceeds will support One City’s daily meal program at Trinity Community Centre.

180 event attendees received a handmade artisanal bowl from Kawartha Potters Guild, opportunity to participate in the silent auction and an array of food options from local restaurants and vendors including:

  • Hanoi House

  • St. Veronus

  • The Vine

  • La Mesita Restaurante

  • Hard Winter Bakery

  • By the Bridge

  • The Food Shop

  • Sam's Place

  • Love You Mean It

  • Ashburnham Ale House

  • Silver Bean Cafe

@ptbo_canada 180 attendees filled their bowls and their stomachs Friday at Empty Bowls 2026; a fundraising event aimed to address hunger in the local community, with all proceeds supporting One City Peterborough! 🥣 Visit ptbocanada .com to read more! #ptbocanada ♬ Does it Really Matter? - Boyan

“It’s really exciting that so many people wanted to participate in this event,” said One City’s Mackenzie Clark-Smith. “So many community members have told me they’ve been coming to this for 10 years, and others have said that this is their first time. It is very exciting that people who have liked the event in the past and those who are newcomers are all here supporting.”

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Rotary Club of Peterborough's 40th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swimathon Fundraiser Hitting Major Milestones

The 40th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim aimed to reach major milestones at the YMCA Central East Ontario pool to raise $50,000 for Easter Seals Ontario and Rotary Club of Peterborough projects on Friday morning.

Groups and individuals signed up to do swim lanes, catwalk and cannonball challenges to support Easter Seals and Rotary Projects. Hitting the fundraiser’s $50,000 goal would raise $1.5 million overall to mark its 40th anniversary.

“We've seen it for years and it just never seems to let up,” said Vanessa Oake Hogan, event organizer. “Everyone's really supportive of this event. I think it's a legacy event in our community and the Rotary Club works really hard to put it together. For me, it's really special that my father started it.

This is the second swim without event founder Carl Oake, as the family announced his passing in early January last year.

“It was a lot of effort he put in and I don't know if he ever did it for accolades but I think he'd be very proud,” explained Oake Hogan. “I love hearing his name and when you lose someone you love that's very important to you, it's great to keep them alive. You don't want people to forget him.”

@ptbo_canada The Rotary Club of Peterborough hosted it’s 40th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim in support of its projects and Easter Seals! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #fundraising ♬ Swear By It - Chris Alan Lee

Since its inception, the Swimathon has raised over $1.45 million for Easter Seals and Rotary Projects. Other recipients of the proceeds include literacy programs, various shelters (Brock Mission, Yes Shelter, and more), Breakfast for Kids, Camp Kawartha, Rotary Trail and more.

Over $7,500 of the $50,000 goal was already raised online at the publication of this article but more funds have yet to be accounted for with a final tally.

Donations can be made at any time online on the Rotary’s website.

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United Way Nearing Finish Line, 96 Per Cent of $1.6 Million Fundraising Goal Raised

The United Way Peterborough & District’s 2025-26 campaign goal of $1.6 million has reached 96 per cent of its fundraising target since its launch on Sept. 25.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“There’s real energy right now,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “As we enter the final stretch, we are committed to leaving no stone left unturned in reaching the finish line.

United Way has brought back its Donation Match, where new donors will have their gift matched 100 per cent, while returning donors who increase their previous contribution by 10 per cent or more will have the increased amount matched.

The organization also held its annual Pyjama Day on Dec. 12, with participation from workplaces and schools across Peterborough and the County and United Way Peterborough & District’s own office.

The United Way benefit concert Peterborough Performs has run annually since its inception in March 2020. This year’s event is at Showplace Performance Theatre this Thursday at 7 p.m.

Several new initiatives were launched this year to reach the ambitious goal. This included a brand-new monthly 50/50 raffle, its inaugural Ultimate Burger Battle in November.

“Every partnership, every event and every act of enerosity brings us closer,” said Russell. “Thank you for being part of it, for showing up, giving back and helping us build a stronger community together.”

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United Way’s Peterborough Performs Returns For Its 6th Year to Celebrate Local Music and Raise Funds to Address Homelessness

At a press conference Thursday, United Way Peterborough and District announced the 6th annual Peterborough Performs: Musicians United to End Homelessness, taking the stage at Showplace Performance Centre Feb. 26.

Photo courtesy of united way peterborough.

This event brings together 14 local acts for a night of music, community and generosity; raising funds to support programs that address homelessness in the region.

Since its inception in 2020, Peterborough Performs has raised over $135,000 to support initiatives in Peterborough and County addressing homelessness, helping hundreds of neighbours access housing and vital services. Last year, United Way partner agencies across the community provided 15,013 nights of safe shelter.

"I have come to know Peterborough as a community that shows up when it matters most, and Peterborough Performs VI is the perfect example,” said Jim Russell, CEO of United Way Peterborough and District. “Every note played, every ticket purchased and every bid in the virtual auction translates into real support for neighbours facing homelessness. Together, we’re not just raising funds, we’re raising hope, dignity and opportunity for those who need it most."

United Way says they have just under $100,000 left to reach this year’s $1.6 million campaign goal.

“This event has grown tremendously since 2020. What began as a one-time idea has evolved into a signature community tradition, with a total of 44 acts taking the stage over the years, representing more than 100 incredible local musicians,” said United Way Peterborough and District’s 2025 Campaign Chair and PTBO Performs coordinator Paul Rellinger. “We couldn’t do this without their generosity and talent, and we certainly couldn’t do it without the unwavering support of our community. I’m especially grateful to United Way for continuing to champion this event year after year. This year’s show is going to be spectacular.”

The PTBO Performs VI Virtual Auction opened Feb. 12. The two week-long auction features items donated by local businesses, organizations and community members.

Bidding for the virtual auction runs until 9:30 p.m. Feb. 26. Auction winners attending the event can pick up their prizes at Showplace, and others can collect items from the United Way office (277 Stewart St.) All proceeds from the auction go directly toward United Way programs addressing homelessness.

Tickets are $50 each or two for $80, available at the Showplace Box Office (290 George St N.) in person or online.

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Peterborough Petes Annual Pink in the Rink Game Returns This Saturday

The Peterborough Petes 17th annual Pink in the Rink game returns to the Peterborough Memorial Centre Feb. 7, with the Petes supporting the Survivors Abreast Peterborough Dragon Boat Team.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

Over the past 16 years, the Petes Pink in the Rink Campaign has raised over $1 million in support of cancer research, benefiting a number of different organizations. Now entering the 17th consecutive year, the campaign continues to be the OHL’s biggest ongoing fundraiser.

This season, funds raised from the Pink in the Rink Campaign will support Survivors Abreast, a group of breast cancer survivors from the Peterborough area in various stages of treatment and recovery. Known for hosting Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival, their mission is to improve fitness, develop paddling skills required for dragon boating and to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer care in the Peterborough Community.

As of 2025, the Dragon Boat Festival has raised over $4.9 million dollars towards cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

“Survivors Abreast Dragon Boat Team is honoured that the Pete’s chose to support our organization through Pink in the Rink this year,” said Janice James, Survivors Abreast President. “Recovery after a cancer diagnosis doesn’t just end with surgeries and treatments. Survivorship is a journey of its own and Survivors Abreast plays a huge role in this. We look forward to seeing everyone on game night and connecting with anyone who would like more info.”

Fundraising opportunities on game night will include:

  • A live game worn jersey auction on the ice after the game

  • An in-person silent auction throughout the game

  • A pass the bucket run by volunteers from Survivors Abreast

  • Pizza Hut Chuck-A-Pep

  • Pink in the Rink branded merch sales (replica jerseys, shirts, sweaters) at the Petes Store

  • A special Pink in the Rink themed rink board featuring names of those who have battled cancer (in production)

  • Ticket sales through Survivors Abreast

Fans are invited to submit their loved ones' names and pictures to be featured on the video board during the game. Submissions can be sent in via email. The deadline to submit photos is tonight (Feb. 2) at 11:59 p.m.

Limited tickets for Saturday’s Pink in the Rink game against the Sudbury Wolves are still available through Survivors Abreast.

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34th Annual Polar Plunge For Campbellford Memorial Hospital Exceeds Fundraising Goal

Despite chilly temperatures, the spirit of generosity was unmistakably warm this weekend as the 34th annual Polar Plunge in support of the Campbellford Memorial Hospital raises $40,000.

photo courtesy of polar plunge campbellford hospital AUXILIARY, facebook.

This year’s Polar Plunge exceeded its fundraising goal, with all proceeds going towards supporting quality patient care at Campbellford Memorial Hospital.

“We cannot thank our community enough,” said representatives of the Auxiliary to the Campbellford Memorial Hospital. “From the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, to the plungers who boldly took the leap, to the pledgers and spectators who showed their unwavering support; this event truly demonstrates what we can accomplish together for our hospital.”

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Two-Day Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic In Support of Easter Seals Coming To Peterborough

Easter Seals Ontario and the Peterborough Petes have teamed up to introduce the Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic, a two-day event taking place on Mar. 11 and 12 at The Venue and the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

photo courtesy of the peterborough petes.

The Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic offers hockey fans the chance to play with former NHL greats in a two-game tournament, as well as the opportunity to meet and greet the players during an exclusive VIP Draft Party on Mar. 11. The VIP Draft Party will take place at The Venue and give registered teams a chance to select an NHL alumnus to join their team.

Confirmed alumni for the Classic include Doug Gilmour, Gary Roberts and Brad May. A full list of alumni participating in the event will be released in the coming weeks.

On Mar. 12, the on-ice portion of the classic will begin, with each team guaranteed two games. Teams who register for the tournament will be provided with jerseys and socks. All games will take place at the Peterborough Memorial Centre before the Petes host the rival Oshawa Generals later that night.

To register for the tournament, each team is responsible for a $1,500 registration fee, as well as a fundraising minimum of $500 per player. Fundraising proceeds are in support of Easter Seals.

Interested teams can contact Jenn to register. Full details for the event can be found by visiting the website.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Launches 40th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim Fundraising Campaign

The Rotary Club of Peterborough has launched the 40th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim campaign, with an ambitious fundraising goal of $1.5 million.

photo courtesy of the rotary club of peterborough.

This year’s theme is 1986, the year the Carl Oake Rotary Swim was founded, and organizers are encouraging those participating in the swim to dress in their 80’s attire.

“Our goal is to reach and surpass more that $1.5 million in support of Easter Seals, The YMCA’s Strong Kids Program and Rotary projects,” said Rotarian and swim committee co-chair Ken Seim.

The 40th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim is taking place Feb. 27 at the YMCA of Central East Ontario, 123 Aylmer Street South, at 7 a.m.

Donors and participants are encouraged to sign up and/or donate at their website.

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PVNC Catholic School Board Raises Over $50,000 During Annual Board Wide United Way Campaign

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has raised $50,768.13 as part of its annual 2025 United Way campaign.

file photo.

The campaign brought together staff and students from across PVNC Catholic through payroll donations and an array of school-based fundraising initiatives. From pumpkin carving contests and soup sales to dress-down and pajama days, spirit weeks and more, school communities shared in the commitment to helping others.

“This campaign is something PVNC Catholic can be incredibly proud of,” said Mark Giunta, Communications Manager and PVNC Catholic United Way campaign co-chair. “Our staff and students see the needs in their communities every day, and they respond with compassion, energy, and generosity. Raising more than $50,000 is a powerful reflection of what we can achieve when we come together.”

Funds raised through the campaign will support United Way Peterborough and District, Northumberland United Way, United Way Durham Region, and United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes as they provide programs and services that help communities, individuals and families thrive.

“The success of this year’s United Way campaign is a wonderful example of faith in action,” said Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan. “Rooted in Catholic Social Teachings, our school communities consistently answer the call to care for others. I am deeply grateful to our staff and students whose generosity and joyful spirit continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many.”

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The Salvation Army In Danger of Not Meeting Its Fundraising Goal

The Salvation Army in Peterborough has reported a $150,000 shortfall of its fundraising goal which will severely limit its services to the community in 2026.

Since the beginning of December, more than 2,000 households in Peterborough have received Christmas hampers from The Salvation Army. Photo courtesy of the Salvation Army in Peterborough.

According to a press release, the Salvation Army raises funds that cover 75 per cent of our Community and Family Services' total operating budget. Due to rising community needs, the number of people accessing their services increased by 15 per cent.

“We know how generous our community is here in Peterborough,” said Mark Dalley of the Salvation Army. “We trust in the overwhelming spirit of giving that we have seen in the community of Peterborough in years past to step up and help us reach our goal.”

Donations can be made at their Christmas Kettles, its office on 219 Simcoe St. or by mail. Credit card donations can also be made by phone at 705-743-3131, ext 257.

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