YES Shelter Receives $50,000 From Rotary Clubs Towards Two Housing Units

The Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) can help their two new housing units after receiving $50,000 from Peterborough Rotary Club and Kawartha Rotary in a cheque presentation outside the shelter on Wednesday afternoon.

(from left to right) Atul Swarup, Peterborough Rotary volunteer; Marie Press, Peterborough rotary director of service; Aimee Le Lagadéc, YES executive director; Melissa Free, YES transitional housing manager; Brian O’Toole, Kawartha Rotary Club director and Carl Brown, Kawartha Rotary Club director of service. YES has been providing emergency shelter and transitional supports to youth and families in Peterborough City and County since 2000. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The two new housing units are part of YES’ RISE Youth Housing Program. The money will build the units, as well as renovate an existing 12-plex building to allow for the additional capacity. This funding is a part of Rotary’s Centennial Celebrations, helping the community in their 100th year.

The funding is part of a $100,000 pledge with Peterborough Rotary Club committing $75,000 and $25,000 from Kawartha Rotary.

“Many of our members feel very strongly about housing in Peterborough,” said Wayne Harding, Rotary Club of Peterborough president.

“This is a natural fit.” Carl Brown, Kawartha Rotary Club President stated “We are proud of our community involvement with this project and pleased to work with the Peterborough Club to make this important project happen”

“Right now, the homelessness rate in Peterborough is far too high and housing has not become more available or affordable through the pandemic,” said Aimee Le Lagadéc, YES executive director. “We also know that transitional housing is typically required for young people and families exiting homelessness.”

The project will begin this spring and will be completed by the summer of 2023.

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March Declared "Easter Seals Month" In Celebration Of Peterborough Telethon's 50th Anniversary

Ahead of the 50th Peterborough Easter Seals Telethon, March has been declared “Easter Seals Month” in a virtual media conference held on Thursday morning.

Kevin Collins, Easter Seals president and CEO on the virtual meeting telling his experiences of having cerebral palsy and using a walker to navigate. Screenshot.

The declaration was made by Coun. and deputy mayor Kemi Akapo shortly after the meeting had opened.

The Telethon will be broadcasted on April 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. on YourTV and Global News but the campaign is currently seeking donations with a goal of $80,000.

They can be made online, phoning in on the Telethon or by emailing Coralie Jacobs, Easter Seals manager of development at cjacobs@easterseals.org.

The raised funds from the telethon provide financial assistance for communication devices, mobility equipment and summer camp opportunities for youth with physical disabilities.

Easter Seals will virtually announce their goal on Thursday and check in with past ambassadors and local notables.

Guests include Akapo; Kevin Collins, Easter Seals president and CEO; Stu Harrison; Graham Hart; Mike Melnik; Teresa Kazsuba; Catherine Hanrahan and Caley Bedore.

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Local Country Star's Sixth Annual Charity Golf Tournament For Youth Mental Health a Go

Country star Tebey is back with his sixth annual Tebey Golf Classic in support of youth mental health announced on Tuesday.

Last year’s event was on June 24 at the Black Diamond Golf Club. Photo courtesy of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation.

Over $125,000 has been raised over the past five years towards youth mental health that includes: 

• Covid-19 Response Drop In Centre - YES Youth Emergency Shelter for Youth and Families

• YES Homelessness Prevention Program partnership with Peterborough Youth *Services and YES Year one and Year two Funding

• 211 Awareness Campaign – Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter

• Ongoing education for Mental Health Clinicians of the Peterborough Family Health Team to support free patient mindfulness programming

Funds raised through the event will go towards Youth Mental Health programming through Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter For Youth and Families.

“It’s going to be great to be back this year raising money for Peterborough Youth Services and the YES Shelter,” said Tebey. “They have provided so much support to those struggling and have had a huge impact on the lives of youth and families in the Peterborough area.”

The tournament is scheduled for June 2 at Wildfire Golf & Country Club with a shotgun tee-off at 1 p.m. An outdoor acoustic performance will happen at 7 p.m.

Foursome tickets are available on Eventbrite for $1,000 where a $200 tax receipt will be provided to each group. The tournament includes a meet-and-greet with Tebey, acoustic performance from him and special guests (to be announced), activities, contests, meals, prizes and professional photos of your group.

“All of us at PYS (Peterborough Youth Services) are so grateful to the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation and Tebey for their joint fundraising efforts to improve youth mental health, said Heather Holland, PYS executive director. “Community donations are integral to expanding our reach and impact as an agency and every dollar will be directed to reducing wait times and providing more timely access to service.”

“What we are seeing at the tail end of the pandemic is young people and families left with fewer community supports and available housing options more than ever,” Aimeé Le Lagadec, YES Shelter executive director. “Participating in the Tebey Golf Classic is an incredible and fun way to help YES continue helping young people and families in Peterborough out of homelessness."

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Easter Seals Hits Two Milestones For Upcoming Telethon

On their 100th anniversary, the 50th Easter Seals Telethon kicks off its fundraising campaign to provide support for children and youth with physical disabilities beginning Thursday.

Easter Seals Telethon hosts from 2019. Photo courtesy of Easter Seals Peterborough.

The Telethon will be broadcasted on April 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. on YourTV and Global News but the campaign is currently seeking donations.

Easter Seals will virtually announce their goal on Thursday and check in with past ambassadors and local notables. Guests include Deputy Mayor Kemi Akapo; Kevin Collins, Easter Seals CEO; Stu Harrison; Graham Hart; Mike Melnik; Teresa Kazsuba; Catherine Hanrahan and Caley Bedore.

The raised funds provide financial assistance for mobility equipment, communication devices and summer camp opportunities for youth with physical disabilities.

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Petes Open Applications For Next Generation Game

The Peterborough Petes are providing ten young fans the opportunity to join the Petes hockey operations and entertainment staff at the Petes upcoming Family Day Game on Feb. 21 against the Barrie Colts.

Callan “Coach Cal” Perks went viral in his pre-game speech during the Next Gen Game in late November last year. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes are looking for a top-notch squad of kids between the ages of 5-12 years old to shadow the following roles on the Monday kid-centric matinee. The following positions are available to be filled:

• General Manager

• Head Coach

• Assistant Coach

• Associate Coach

• Public Address Announcer

• In-Game Host

• Two Scouts

• TV Broadcast

• Radio Broadcast

Kids can apply for the various positions by completing the Petes Next Gen application online form.

For the position of Head Coach, Assistant Coach or Associate Coach kids are asked to send in a video of a pre-game speech that they would deliver to the Petes ahead of a big game. The video must remain under two minutes and be filmed landscape (horizontal).

For the position of Public Address or In-Game Host, children are asked to upload a video that includes them reading the following script: "Here is the starting line up for your Peterborough Petes presented by Chemong Home Building Centre! Starting in goal Tye Austin, on defence Donovan McCoy and Artem Guryev, at forward: Joe Carroll, and Tucker Robertson, and J.R. Avon! And here are the remainder of your Peterborough Petes."

For the position of General Manager or Scout, young Petes fans are asked to complete the Next Gen scouting report for any current Peterborough Petes player.

New to the Next Gen staff is the opportunity to call the game with Scott Arnold and Pete Dalliday of the YourTV broadcast booth or Stew Kernan and Katrina Squazzin of Freq 90.5. Those who wish to call the Next Gen game are asked to send in a video that includes what three questions they would ask a Peterborough Pete during a rink-side interview in the second intermission.

The application to become a member of the Next Gen squad is due Feb. 17 at 11:59 p.m. All parents or guardians of the Next Gen applicants will be contacted Feb. 18.

Those selected to be a part of the Petes Next Gen squad will have the opportunity to receive a behind the scenes tour of the Memorial Centre ahead of puck drop on Sunday afternoon, catch on-ice warm up from the Petes bench, enjoy a meal in the media/scout room and meet members of the Petes hockey operations staff.

Off the ice, families can enjoy kid-friendly entertainment throughout the lobbies including a meet and greet with mascots, a scavenger hunt around the PMC, and throwback videos and photos of their favourite Petes from their minor hockey years.

The Next Gen game will take place Feb. 21 against the Barrie Colts, in the Petes first home game of the new year where 50 per cent capacity is permitted.

For information on season tickets, private suites, or groups contact Mike Kosciesza at mkosciesza@gopetesgo.com.

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Nexicom To Double Donations To 4th Line Theatre Emerging VOICES Program Until March

4th Line Theatre announced on Wednesday that Nexicom is doubling donations to the theatres Emerging VOICES Program until March 1.

Photo courtesy of 4th Line Theatre.

“Through our Emerging VOICES engagement program, local youth are given the opportunity to gain experience, skills and training that will ultimately help them to achieve their goals, artistic and other,” said Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell. “What makes the program particularly unique is that local young people work alongside and learn from, professional artist. And the program is completely free of charge.”

This is not the first time Nexicom has donated to 4th Line Theatre.

“This unique program recognizes the importance young people play within our community, and gives voice to their ideas and stories through their participation in the Arts. We greatly encourage anyone looking to support the arts to consider this wonderful program,” said Lance Nachoff, Sales and Marketing manager at Nexicom.

4th Line Theatre’s Emerging VOICES Youth Apprenticeship Program requires an average of $20,000 in funding annually in order to effectively train youth volunteers.

4th Line Theatre’s Emerging VOICES Youth Apprenticeship Program requires an average of $20,000 in funding annually in order to effectively train youth volunteers.

In 2021, 4th Line’s dedication to students did not waiver despite the challenges of the pandemic: partnering with Trent University’s Traill College, they employed a group of young, diverse regional youth in a new initiative, The 2021 Young Company. These young artists worked with industry professionals to produce livestream virtual play readings and performance pieces. 

 Generally, in the summer season, as many as 60 or more youth actors are engaged in productions, each contributing more than 210 hours, while learning to work collaboratively to achieve artistic excellence. The Double Your Impact with Nexicom initiative will ensure the program’s success in the theatre’s upcoming 30th season.

To donate, click here or call the 4th Line Theatre Box Office & Administrative Centre at 705-932-4445 until March 1st to qualify for a matching donation by Nexicom.

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Organizations, Parents And Kids Celebrate As Youth Sports Resume In Peterborough

As of Monday youth sports may resume in Ontario, as part of the provinces slow ease in restrictions. Sports have been put on hold since Jan. 5.

Photo courtesy of Time 2 Hoop.

Leagues, studios, teams and coaches in Peterborough are ready to resume for in person play.

“We are thrilled to be able to open our doors to our students again,” said Robyn Carter, owner at Premiere Dance Peterborough. “Youth sports and extra curricular activities are so important to the mental and physical health of all children. At Premiere we go above and beyond the safety measures required, and know we can provide our dance lessons in a safe environment.”

Time 2 Hoop Basketball Academy is excited to be able to train athletes again and believes that their mental health will improve in doing so.

“We are getting back to an environment where children can be active while they are developing competence, confidence and having fun,” said Joshua Williams, founder of Time 2 Hoop. “Learning new skills, getting exercise, interacting with peers and learning to play with others in a team setting. Being involved with sports also helps develop life skills and deal with the challenges that life brings.”

Jef Dueck, president of the Peterborough Minor Hockey Council, AAA Peterborough Petes, sayd that although the league has lost about a month of ice time, they are ready now more than ever to skate together.

“We are very happy to be back at the rink and playing the sport we love,” he said. “Physical activity and team play are very important to the physical and mental health of our youth. For kids involved in high-level competitive sports programs like AAA hockey, there’s really no substitute for the intensity that comes with their practices and games. We’ve lost a month, some games and a couple of tournaments. But now that we can skate together again, we won’t waste any time getting back to work and chasing after the Provincial Championships.”

Shelbi Kilcollins, assistant coach of the U15AA Ice Kats, says the team is buzzing and ready to get back on the ice.

“Now that we know what a month without hockey looks like we’re ready to capitalize on our excitement,” she said. “The team is focused and ready for success.”

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U15AA Ice Kats Ready To Defend Number One Ranking In Canada As They Step Back On The Ice

The Peterborough Cavanagh Disposal U15AA Ice Kats are currently ranked number one in the country, and plan on defending that title as they return to the ice.

Photo courtesy of Shelbi Kilcollins.

Shelbi Kilcollins, assistant coach of the U15 Ice Kats, says the new schedule was sent out to the team on Sunday night and players are rearing to go.

“We’re all in a group chat together and when the schedule was sent out on Sunday - for lack of a better word the girls are absolutely buzzing. We’re on the ice six times this week,” she said.

The team showing off their new jerseys. Photo courtesy of U15 Ice Kats.

The team was ranked number one in the country before they were forced to step off the ice due to provincial mandates.

Now that the girls are back, they are ready to win.

“We certainly aren’t just making the playoffs this year,” said Kilcollins. “These girls want the provincial championship.”

This season will be the last time many of the girls play together, as next year many of them will move on to play in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League.

Two seasons ago when this group played Pewee, they finished the season ranked number one in Canada and now that they are back together they plan to do it again.

Team members include: head coach Chris Moher, assistant coach Shelbi Kilcollins, assistant coach Tim Degeer, Lacey Clement, Chloe Fife, Kate Bell, Rhaea Flint, Claire Baynham, Sadie Davidson, Chey Degeer, Syd Sawyer, Amy Clements, Soph Harold, Molly Farace, Kylee Strano, Claire Chambers, Ava Moher, Avery Johnston, Clara Williams and Brooke Cavanagh.

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Peterborough Youth Council Application Deadline Extended

The City of Peterborough has extended the deadline for applications to the Peterborough Youth Council for anyone aged 12-21 until Jan 31 at 4:30 p.m. announced Friday.

Stock photo.

Students within the eligible ages in Peterborough are invited to apply to become a member of the Peterborough Youth Council for the 2022 term.

Being a member includes:

• Be a voice for youth

• Get involved with community events

• Plan events for youth

• Attend monthly meetings ( COVID-19 protocols in place)

• Work as a team

• Volunteer hours can be used towards your Ontario Secondary School Diploma

In accordance with the City of Peterborough COVID-19 Workplace Vaccination Policy, all volunteers are required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to beginning their volunteer role.

Visit the City’s website to learn more and complete an application.

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Employers Can Now Apply For Canada Summer Jobs 2022 Funding

Employers in Peterborough and area can now apply for funding from the Canada Summer Jobs 2022 program.

File Photo.

Canada Summer Jobs, a federal grant program, allows employers to hire youth and young adults between 15 and 30 and give them their first summer work experience.

Not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers, and those private sector employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees can apply for funding until noon on January 25, 2022.

Funding confirmations will be sent to employers beginning in April 2022.

Jobs can start as early as April 25, 2022 and as late as July 24, 2022. The latest someone can work under Canada Summer Jobs is September 3, 2022.

Employers interested in applying for Canada Summer Jobs 2022 funding can submit their applications online here or the Grants and Contributions Online Service (GCOS).

Applications received by fax or by email will not be considered.

Applications that support local priorities, identified by local Member of Parliament, will receive additional points during Service Canada’s assessment.

Priorities for Peterborough-Kawartha as highlighted by local MPs are:

Projects supporting local and regional tourism development

• Projects supporting environmental protection

• Projects supporting not-for-profit organizations

• Community events

• Projects supporting small businesses

Funds are distributed to successful applicants based on the results of Service Canada’s assessment of applications, and from feedback provided by MPs during their review of the list of projects.

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