Peterborough Fire Services Receive Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Through 'Safe Community Project Zero'

Enbridge Gas has donated $500,000 to the Safe Community Project Zero, which aims to to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Safe Community Project Zero is a public education campaign that will provide over 16,600 alarms to residents in 70 municipalities across Ontario.

Peterborough Fire Services received 318 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to distribute throughout the city.

“Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ for a reason, and we have proof that prevention saves lives. We know that the best way to avoid carbon monoxide exposure is to eliminate it at the source by properly maintaining fuel-burning equipment, and that the alarms are a critical second line of defense to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning,” said Steve McGivery, Director, GTA East Operations, Enbridge Gas.

This year, Enbridge Gas invested $500,000 in Safe Community Project Zero, and over the past 13 years, the program has provided more than 68,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.

“The objective of Safe Community Project Zero is to deliver combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to Ontario communities who need them the most,” said Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair of the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council. “It’s a program that fire departments can adopt to help educate their communities about the requirement for all Ontario homes to have a CO alarm if they have a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage.”

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United Way and St. Vincent de Paul Team Up to Keep Peterborough Warm With Coats For Kids Program

United Way Peterborough and The Society of St Vincent de Paul have teamed up and are distributing free coats to those in need through the annual Coats for Kids and Adults Too Program.

Group of Vinnie’s volunteers load up donations. Photo courtesy of United Way.

United Way Peterborough has been coordinating Coats for Kids and Adults Too since 1987. Community members donate clean, new and used coats on donation days at Vinnie’s thrift store.

Coats that are donated are sorted by volunteers who check for things like rips or broken zippers before they are given to people in the community that need them.

Following the same protocols they did last year the coats are left to ‘quarantine’ for at least 72 hours prior to distribution.

In 2020, the Coats for Kids program distributed close to 1,000 coats, snowsuits and snow pants to children and adults in Peterborough.

“The need is there. With the pandemic we think the need is even greater, we know there can be issues and if they have to give up something it might be a nice warm winter coat,” said Stephanie Levesque, Coats for Kids Coordinator, United Way Peterboroguh. “ We’ve considered in the past ending this program, but then we see the response and how many people are in need.”

Coats were collected Oct. 16 and 17 at Vinnie’s Peterborough and Lakefield Location.

Levesque says each year they rent a 15 foot truck to transport the donations and for the first time since she started the position five years ago it was filled by the end of the day.

Coats will be distributed on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Murray Street Baptist Church, 175 Murray St.

Mitts for Kids, a program that provides hand knit mittens and hats for kids, will also be there Saturday.

Those wishing to receive a coat need nothing but patience and a mask, says Levesque. Due to COVID protocols there is a limited number of people allowed in the building, so attendees should expect to wait in a line outside the building.

Masks will be available on site for those that need them.

Any coats left at the end of Saturdays distribution will be given to local shelters to distribute throughout the season. None of the coats will be sold for profit.

For more information contact Stephanie Levesque at 705-742-8839 X32 or by email at slevesque@uwpeterborough.ca.

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Be Nice Campaign Launched in Peterborough

The ‘Be Nice’ Campaign was launched on Thursday by Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha and Terry Guiel, Executive Director of the Downtown Business Improvement.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Dave Smith.

The initiative encourages customers in businesses where enhanced vaccine certificates are required to be patient and kind as they patronize these locations.

“Our frontline workers have faced considerable uncertainty over the last 18 months; from lockdowns to challenging experiences working in customer service,” Smith said. “This campaign is to remind everyone to take an extra moment in consideration of the staff working in difficult circumstances; understanding they really are trying to do their best.”

"We really wanted to be proactive with getting the message out that regardless of where you land on the debate about vaccination proof, please don't take it out on the staff and restaurants," said Terry Guiel, Executive Director, DBIA. "The staff and restaurants are already dealing with immense stresses caused by the pandemic". "This sign we hope catches peoples attention before they enter the establishment to remind us all that these staff and business owners are your neighbors, friends and family so please be nice.”

“We have been on a crazy roller coaster ride and not a fun one thanks to this COVID pandemic,” said Warden J. Murray Jones. “Our local businesses are doing the best they can to pivot and adapt to the ever-changing rules. This is stressful for them, when all they want to do is open up and serve their community. Be Nice, just makes sense, it’s who we are as a full community, let’s not let this pandemic get the better of us.”

The current vaccine receipt without a QR code remains valid and will continue to be accepted. Ontarians will need to continue to show a piece of identification with their name and date of birth along with their proof of vaccination to enter businesses.

Businesses and organizations can now download the free Verify Ontario app from the Apple App and Google Play stores. The app has been designed to help businesses by making it quicker and easier to confirm if a person is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The app never stores personal information and only shows the minimum amount of information necessary to confirm vaccination.

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Hike for Hospice Peterborough On Their Way to Meet Fundraising Goal

Hospice Peterborough’s Hike For Hospice event already raised over $30,000 since it started on Saturday for its one-week campaign.

Image courtesy of Hospice Peterborough

Due to COVID-19 this year’s event is being held virtually and started with a live stream of the opening ceremonies. Participants are encouraged to walk, hike or bike at their convenience from Sept. 11-17.

Hike for Hospice 2021 wants to raise $40,000, 73 per cent of that goal has already been met.

Prize winners were announced for the early bird registration and the t-shirt decorating contest on Tuesday

Wednesday they will hold a day of remembrance and Thursday participants will be invited to share who they are hiking for.

The event will end on Friday with a closing ceremony.

Participants are encouraged to share their stories, photos, videos, and fundraising ideas on the Hike for Hospice Facebook page or send them to Aimée at aoreilly@hospicepeterborough.org.

To sponsor an individual or a team click here.

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Rachelle Levesque is Recognized as Peterborough Petes Frontline Worker of the Week

Rachelle Levesque, a Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) nurse is named this week’s Peterborough Petes Frontline Worker of the Week as part of their Drop the Puck program announced Wednesday.

Image courtesy of the Peterborough Petes

Levesque has been working at PRHC’s Emergency Medicine department during the pandemic. She switched from working in palliative care to the emergency department to assist her fellow nurses when COVID-19 cases increased in the region.

“Rachelle switched departments to assist her peers that needed the most help during the pandemic,” said Chris White, who nominated Levesque. “She had worked in emergency medicine before so she had the experience and abilities. She’s such an amazing, caring person and ultimately, she is my hero."

Each week, the Petes will recognize and celebrate one local frontline worker for the additional time and effort they have put in during the pandemic to ensure the health, safety, and happiness of those in their community.

The Petes home opener is on Thursday, Oct. 14 at 7:05 p.m.

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Peterborough Chamber Hosts All-Candidates Debate

The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce live-streamed an all-candidates debate at the Peterborough Curling Club on Wednesday.

Joy Lachica (NPD), Maryam Monsef (Liberal), Chanté White (Green), Michelle Ferreri (Conservative) speak at Wednesdays debate.

Federal candidates from The Liberal, Conservative, Green and New Democratic Party (NDP) participated.

All other candidates involved but were not in attendance were provided with an opportunity to submit a three-minute video.

Submitted videos are available to watch on Peterborough Chamber’s YouTube channel.

In their opening remarks, NDP candidate Joy Lachica shared that she was delighted to be sharing this platform with three other female candidates while Maryam Monsef, Peterborough’s Liberal incumbent, noted that she was not done giving back.

When touching on vaccine mandates, Michelle Ferreri of the Conservative Party believes in the vaccines but respects giving people a choice. She notes medical exceptions such as some of her friends and family that can not be vaccinated due to medical reasons like chemotherapy treatment.

Chanté White from the Green Party highlighted other public health guidelines like proper handwashing.

"We shouldn't be penalizing people who aren't able to get the vaccine,” she said.

A vaccine passport is "a coordinated, efficient, smart way to mitigate any confusion about vaccination,” said Lachica.

“We all need to get vaccinated and move on with life,” said Monsef.

Candidates also touched on the opioid crisis, Downtown Peterborough, small businesses, climate change and the housing crisis.

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Nicole Howden is Recognized as the Petes Frontline Worker of the Week

Nicole Howden, a personal support worker and medical technician has been named as the winner of this week's Frontline Worker Drop the Puck program.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes

Howden has been a PSW and medical technician at Empress Gardens Retirement Residence for the past 14 years and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

She has been through lockdown twice while working at Empress Gardens and always looks out for the best interest and health of residents, sanitizing and cleaning constantly, on top of her daily duties. At home, she was tasked with becoming a part-time teacher for her two kids during the province-wide shutdown.

“Nicole doesn’t get enough thanks for going above and beyond at her job,” says Justin Crapp who nominated Howden. “It takes a special person to do what they do and it’s amazing she stepped up and went over and beyond with her job while having to wear a gown, goggles, a shield, and gloves all day long.”

The Petes are celebrating frontline workers who have gone above and beyond for their community during these unprecedented times.

Each week they recognize and celebrate one local frontline worker for the additional time and effort they have put in during the pandemic to ensure the health, safety, and happiness of those in their community.

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First Responders Roll Up Their Sleeves for Sirens For Life Blood Drive

The Sirens For Life campaign encourages Police, Fire and Medical services to donate blood during the summer months, which is often when blood is in high demand.

Sirens For Life invites Police Officers, Paramedics, Firefighters and any first responder to donate blood.

Inspector John Lyons has been with the Peterborough Police Department for 35 years, and has been donating blood since then.

“As a first responder I have seen up close and personal the need for blood products arise from the traumatic events that are often seen in policing, EMS or Fire services,” said Lyons.

Lyons says that his experience as a first responder has provided him with knowledge of what donating blood can accomplish and how important it is.

“One thing I can say for sure is donating blood doesn’t hurt you,” Lyons said. “I’ve never donated blood and felt that I’d lost anything.”

Typically, from the May 24 weekend to the August long weekend, first responders are called to more accidents requiring blood, according to Lyons. This can be because of the influx of people outside, on the road and at their cottages, though he notes the need for blood is year round.

“There’s a lot worse things than donating blood, you could be the one in a trauma center needing it, but here we are with the ability to donate it.”

For more information on how you can donate blood click here.

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Local Family Hikes for Hospice to Honour Late Mother

After Lenore Shiels was admitted to end-of-life care at Hospice Peterborough, her children say they had no idea that what they had thought would be a very difficult time would end up creating so many beautiful memories.

Photo courtesy of the Shiels family.

From having the ability to be with her family, to candlelit baths and homemade quiche, to singing songs, laughing and sharing stories, the 92-year-old Peterborough woman was at peace, in comfort and surrounded by love and expert professional care.

After her death, the family was profoundly touched that staff had gotten to know the mother-of-five so well that they placed in her hands a single yellow rose – her favourite flower and one that was symbolic of her deceased son.

“I honestly cannot think of a single thing that would have made her time there any more special,” says her daughter Sheila Crook. “We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful hospice in Peterborough.”

In a nod to Mrs. Shiels’ favourite slot machine, the family created the ‘Lenore’s Blazing 7s’ team and is supporting this year’s 19th annual Hike for Hospice fundraising event from September 11-17, 2021.

The event is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser and supports 26 programs and services. It is a way to connect families, friends, neighbours and co-workers to support and recognize this community’s palliative and bereavement struggles.

Last year’s Hike brought in $56,538 to keep the programs and services running throughout COVID-19 and at no cost to the recipients. One hundred per cent of the proceeds stay in the community.

“We are so thankful to Lenore Shiels’ family, and all of our supporters, for continuing to generously support us throughout yet another unique and challenging year due to the pandemic,” says executive director Hajni Hős. “Our programs and services are all offered free of charge and we depend on the generosity of the community, and events like Hike for Hospice, to help us continue to do so.”

Registration is open for this year’s Hike. Those wanting to donate can find a form here.

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PSW Amy Bursey Recognized as the Petes Frontline Worker of the Week

Amy Bursey, personal support worker (PSW), has been named the winner of this week's Frontline Worker Drop the Puck program.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes

Bursey has been working as a PSW at Springdale Country Manor throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

She has dedicated time and effort to help her community through the pandemic while simultaneously being enrolled in the BScN program at Trent University where she is working towards becoming a registered nurse.

“This young lady worked through the pandemic, often short-staffed, double shifts or overtime, to help the residents have a great day of care,” said Sandra Eberhardt who nominated Bursey. “She always went to work with a smile under her mask and took time to go the extra mile to ensure the residents were happy. She would do things like brush a senior's hair, paint their nails, shave a resident's face, or just sit and listen to a story or two.”

Each week, the Petes will recognize and celebrate one local frontline worker for the additional time and effort they have put in during the pandemic to ensure the health, safety, and happiness of those in their community.

The Petes welcome all members of the community to nominate deserving frontline workers by filling out an online form.

The frontline workers chosen will be invited to participate in the ceremonial puck drop at the Petes home opener which will take place on October 14 at 7:05 p.m against the Sudbury Wolves.

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