Peterborough Blogs
Provincial Charity Awards Peterborough Commerce President Prestigious Award
/With over 43 years of service for Easter Seals Canada, Stu Harrison has been given the National Volunteer Award for Ontario on Wednesday.
PTBOCanada releases StoosNews and his Business Beat every week. File Photo.
The award celebrates outstanding volunteers from across Canada according to the press release. Harrison is one of eight recognized volunteers who has dedicated their time and skills to help make Canada a more inclusive society for people of all abilities.
Harrison is the president and CEO of Peterborough Chamber of Commerce who features his weekly Business Beat called StoosNews — which you can find here on PTBOCanada — has helped the Easter Seals Telethon since 1978.
The longtime dedication to the charity has been considered an honour on both sides says Harrison.
“While I really enjoy the committee work leading up to the annual Telethon,” he said. “I see my role as getting to know the families and telling their story in a way that they are comfortable with. The icing on the cake is watching the kids grow up and find their way in life.”
Harrison has been president of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce for over 16 years. File Photo.
The press release praises Harrison for his hard work, dedication and developing a real connection with all the kids who benefit from the charity.
“Stu is also very much loved by Easter Seals kids - their faces light up with huge smiles when they see that Stu is there! The kids and families also enjoy catching up with Stu as he is a familiar face each year,” according to the release. “Stu has watched many of the kids grow into amazing young adults. You can clearly see the connections and relationships that have been forged over the years and the mutual admiration on set each year.”
This year’s Easter Seals Telethon will be broadcasted live on June 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Local Pregnancy Service Receives Generous Donation from Women's Organization
/Peterborough Pregnancy Support Services received $4,800 from 100 Women Peterborough as their first donor of 2021 on Friday.
Sharon LeBoubon (left) PPSS staff member receiving donations from Pastor Scott Wheeler of Kawartha Community Church. Several churches donate and support PPSS with fundraisers as part of their community involvement. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Pregnancy Support Services
The donation was made on Mar. 26 and came from a majority vote by the volunteers of 100 Women Peterborough after their first virtual meeting of 2021.
“We are proud that we can continue to support organizations in need during this difficult time,” says Wendy Hill of 100 Women Peterborough. “Fundraising has become more difficult for these organizations during the pandemic so our group has never been more important.”
All supplies for clients are donated from local organizations and individuals. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Pregnancy Support Services
“We’re grateful for the 100 Women,” Said Helen DeLuna, Executive Director of PPSS. “They recognize that we’re helping the community.”
The money will be used to renovate the building, replacing the carpet with new hard floors to aid in the cleanliness and sterility of the facility.
The renovations are expected to begin late this month. The clinic has already finished painting and acquired new furniture according to DeLuna.
A donor of a single mother gave the pictured diapers and clothes for PPCC according to DeLuna. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Pregnancy Support Services
PPSS offers pregnancy resources such as parenting classes and a baby boutique supplied by donors. Clients can redeem rewards from taking the educational courses for diapers, toys, clothing and other material resources.
They offer medical-grade pregnancy tests, sexually transmitted infection tests and treatments that are free and confidential.
Every client receives a specialized gift bag during the Christmas season that includes gift cards with the essentials. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Pregnancy Support Services.
100 Women Peterborough is an all-volunteer organization where 100 women meet quarterly, donate $100 each for every meeting totalling $10,000 and give it to charity.
PPSS is located at 473 Aylmer St N. in Peterborough and can call (705) 742-4015 to book an appointment or speak with a nurse.
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"Porch Pirates for Good" Community Food Drive to Benefit Kawartha Food Share
/Hoist the mainsails because the porch pirates are coming to get your treasure for Kawartha Food Share.
(from left to right) Susan Dunkley, Lois Tuffin, Ashlee Aitken and Megan Murphy taking the “Porch Pirates for Food” gimmick to another level. Every $1 donation gets $6 of food purchasing power for the food drive. Photo Courtesy of Megan Murphy.
“Porch Pirates for Food” volunteers will collect non-perishable foods and/or money left in front of houses for Kawartha Food Share as a food drive campaign on Saturday, Apr. 10.
The event is a twist on the infamous “porch pirate” term where thieves steal delivered items from your doorstep but applying a positive spin.
Beginning at 9:00 a.m., residents are encouraged to leave their donated items in a bag outside their homes either on their porch, driveway or steps in a visible manner for volunteers to pick up.
Any donating businesses will be collected on Friday and can e-mail Susan Dunkley at susan@suzihomemaker.ca to participate. Pickups will run from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The business goal is to collect 20,000 pounds of food said Dunkley in the press release.
Kawartha Food Share warehouse volunteers have been reduced from 50 to 10 to comply with the COVID-19 pandemic. All food is sorted and inspected before being redistributed to the public. Photo courtesy of Megan Murphy.
This is the third food drive campaign run since the COVID-19 pandemic last March. The Spare-A-Square food-raiser drives — in reference to last year’s toilet paper shortage — collected 41,267 pounds of food and over $5,000 in monetary donations according to a press release.
“The need for food has increased by 20 per cent since the pandemic,” says Megan Murphy, event organizer. “I am so excited and so grateful for all of our volunteers and our drives and every community member who was able to leave stuff outside. It’s been a horrible year but this is a way to stay safe and connected.”
Despite no official goal for the community food drive, Murphy would like to see roughly 9,000 pounds in food donations to a grand total of 50,000 pounds from prior collections.
Money can be donated with the goods or online at Kawartha Food Share’s website. Photo Courtesy of Megan Murphy.
On average, 8,700 people are using food banks every month in the City and County of Peterborough with 35 per cent of local food bank users under the age of 18.
If you would like to make an online monetary contribution, you can go online to Kawartha Food Share’s donation page.
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Man Runs Through Peterborough to Support Local Charity
/After running 50 miles in the cold, Peterborough’s Cory Priaulx raised over $2,500 for the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough charity for their COVID-19 relief fund this past weekend.
The money will be given to Peterborough businesses that have struggled through the pandemic. Priaulx’s campaign goal is $5,000 and created a GoFundMe page on February 1.
“I wanted to make sure the funds raised stayed in Peterborough and were going to those affected by this pandemic,” said Priaulx. “I chose $5,000 cause I knew it would be difficult. I figured if I was going to try and raise money (to) go big or go home.”
Cody Priaulx is a huge fan of actor and former professional wrestlier Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Photo courtesy of Cody Priaulx
The run called the “4x4x48 Challenge” was invented as an endurance challenge by former Navy SEAL, David Goggins. Runners travel four miles every four hours for 48 hours totalling 12 four-mile runs in two days. Priaulx began on Friday at 8:00 a.m. and finished Sunday at 4:00 a.m.
“The run was a mental struggle more than a physical one. Getting up and going every four hours became harder and harder,” said Priaulx. “My legs hurt and I had blisters all over my feet but I had so much support from friends, family and the community through social media. It really kept me going.”
He ran through several parts of Peterborough that had struggling local businesses such as Parkhill Road, George Street and Lansdowne Street.
Priaulx wanted to inspire others to have hope, promote mental health awareness and making healthy choices.
Cody Priaulx recorded 104,490 steps during his 4x4x48 challenge. Photo courtesy of Cody Priaulx
“I at one time about seven years ago weighed 300 pounds. I was very unhappy with myself and how I looked,” said Priaulx. “I was struggling with mental health so I decided to change everything. Started weight lifting and started to become stronger. I still have a long way to go but I'm trying to strive for optimal human performance.”
He lost over 100 pounds during that span, exercising regularly while eating a healthy diet. Priaulx had trained rigorously for the endurance run.
“I run to and from work every day cause we don't have a car,” he said. “It’s roughly 6.5 kilometres there and back so I incorporate that as part of my training as well. I eat super clean and healthy and I try to promote that to all my friends and family.”
This run will hopefully inspire others to make positive changes in their lives as well as their communities Priaulx said. There was a mutual inspiration between all members of his family.
Cody Priaulx says he had only slept a total of three hours while doing this challenge. Photo courtesy of Cody Priaulx
“I really want to thank my girlfriend Stephanie cause she was literally my rock and so were my two young daughters Olivia and Arya,” he said. “Olivia is only three and a half and she already wanted to come and run some of the legs with me. She told me she wanted to help people like her dad. That was very inspiring to me. I want to set the best example for everybody and show them that hard work pays off.”
As difficult as this challenge was for Priaulx, he is looking forward to his next one.
“I'm not afraid of hard work or challenges,” he said. “I actually look for them and try and push my limitations as I believe everyone should. “The only limitations are the ones you put on yourself.”
If you would like to donate to Priaulx’s GoFundMe page, you can find it here.
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100 Women Peterborough Just Raised $10,000 In Under An Hour For Five Counties Children’s Centre
/On Tuesday (June 18th), the 100 Women Peterborough group raised more than $10,000 in under one hour for Five Counties Children’s Centre.
Adam White, Chair of the Five Counties Board, and their 15-year-old client, Rebecca Jordan, presented on behalf of the organization to the women at their meeting held at the Innovation Cluster. Five Counties Children’s Centre was selected to receive the donations by a majority vote that evening. (Also presenting to the group were Peterborough Butterfly Run and the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra.)
Photo courtesy 100 Women Peterborough
“A huge thank you to 100 Women Peterborough for their thoughtfulness and generous gift, your donation will make a difference in the lives of the children that will be able to receive service sooner,” says Adam White. “Because they can get this service sooner, it’s going to make a huge difference in their development, lives and in the way they can chase their dreams.”
Five Counties Children’s Centre provides therapy services at no cost to families that assist children who are delayed in their development to develop the skills they need in everyday life such a walking, talking, and activities of daily living. A non-profit organization, Five Counties Children’s Centre is primarily funded by The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and the City of Peterborough.
Catia Skinner and Rosalea Terry from 100 Women Peterborough
“Thank you on behalf of the other children,” says 15-year-old Rebecca Jordan, who moved to Peterborough to access the life changing services of Five Counties Children’s Centre. “I have benefitted from Five Counties Children’s Centre so the opportunity for more children to have the opportunity is something that I’m excited about because I know how it has impacted my life and how it will change someone else's.”
The contribution from 100 Women Peterborough will fund the Centre to work with 12 children who would have otherwise not been able to receive support this year. One hundred percent of the funds raised by 100 Women Peterborough are donated to four non-profit organizations determined by the membership throughout the year.
Women that are interested in joining the group are encouraged to reach out via the website here.
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Peterborough Pop Ensemble Announces Their Charity Program For 2019/2020 Is Accepting Applications
/The well known Peterborough Pop Ensemble has announced their charity program for 2019/2020 is open and receiving applications.
The #Popsgives initiative was established by the Peterborough Pop Ensemble in 2013 and the Ensemble is excited to celebrate their 19th anniversary with a continuation of this charity support.
Photo courtesy Susan Dunkley, Peterborough Pop Ensemble
During the charity submission period, registered charities can be nominated and each nomination will be reviewed by the Peterborough Pop Ensemble board.
The Peterborough Pop Ensemble is very passionate about their #Popsgives initiative, as they are dedicated to making a difference in the community in which they live in and perform.
“It’s our pleasure to share this opportunity of financial support with deserving charities,” says Barbara Monahan, founding director of the Peterborough Pop Ensemble. “We are delighted to feature two charities per year, allowing us to encourage our followers to learn more about the charities within our community.”
Photo courtesy Susan Dunkley, Peterborough Pop Ensemble
“We truly believe that we have an opportunity to lead by example and we know that together we can make a difference in multiple lives,” adds Susan Dunkley, Business Manager and creator of the charity program for the Peterborough Pop Ensemble.
Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 7th. To learn more about the Peterborough Pop Ensemble, their Community Charity Program or becoming a volunteer, email them here or visit their website here.
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100 Women Peterborough Raises Nearly $50,000 In First Year Of Existence
/The 100 Women Peterborough group announced at their final meeting of 2018 that they raised more than $13,000 for New Canadians Centre in under an hour, bring their total raised for organizations to nearly $50,000 for their first year.
The contribution from 100 Women Peterborough will help to fund the New Canadians Centre Youth Group at NCC, a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to supporting immigrants, refugees, and other newcomers to become full and equal members of Canadian society.
Photo courtesy 100 Women Peterborough
"Students from all of the high schools in Peterborough participate in the New Canadians Centre Youth Group,” says Yvonne Lai, Director of Community Development.
“It's a unique space where local students and newcomers come together to support one another academically, share experiences, connect and grow. This generous donation of $13,000 from 100 Women Peterborough not only helps to close the gap on the funding cut to this program, it's a powerful endorsement from our community that integrating our local and newcomer youth is vital for the continued growth and vibrancy of our community."
Cheque presented to Carol Lawless (middle) from New Canadians Centre
HOW 100 WOMEN PETERBOROUGH WORKS
-> Members commit to donate $100 at each of the four events hosted throughout the year. The aim is to help women learn about the multitude of different causes in the community, help people in need, and join other like-minded women to empower and multiply the impact of their contributions.
-> 100% of the funds raised by the membership will be donated to four non-profit organizations determined by the membership throughout the year.
-> In their first year, 100 Women Peterborough has managed to increase their membership to well over the original goal of 100 members that contribute to different organizations on a quarterly basis.
-> The collective donations throughout the first year were able to impact four organizations chosen (Hospice Peterborough, Youth Unlimited, Warming Room Community Ministries and New Canadians Centre) significantly, with close to $50,000 donated.
-> Women that are interested in joining the group are encouraged to reach out via the website here.
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Free Parking Downtown During Holiday Season Raised $11,488 For Kawartha Food Share
/Any money put in the meter during the holiday season when free 2 hour parking was in place went to charity, and generous shoppers stepped up bigtime with their donations.
Indeed, Peterborough raised a whopping $11,488 for Kawartha Food Share this year through the funds put in meters.
Photo via @brendanwedley
The City of Peterborough’s parking division and the Downtown Business Improvement Area have partnered since 2003 on this free parking initiative, with money put in the meter going to charity each year.
"Once again our community has shown its tremendous generosity," says Mayor Daryl Bennett. "By putting money in the parking machines downtown in December, we are helping to feed people in our community through the efforts of Kawartha Food Share. Thank you to all of the people and downtown businesses that supported this initiative."
Photo via @jamiecsteel
“We could not be more excited to be the recipients of the holiday parking funds again this year!” adds Ashlee Aitken, General Manager of Kawartha Food Share, which assists more than 8,100 men, women and children every month through 36 member agencies.
“This donation comes at a perfect time as we begin to restock our shelves after the very busy holidays and continue to ensure that everyone in Peterborough City and County has safe and reliable access to emergency food."
Photo courtesy DBIA
“We’ve had a very successful holiday shopping season downtown and we’re grateful that we can give back to those who are facing some challenges here in our community,” says DBIA Executive Director Terry Guiel. “Kawartha Food Share provides an important service to many people and we’re happy to see the donation from our downtown shoppers go to such a good cause.”
So far, $119,878.41 has been raised over the years for charity from people putting money in the meters during free parking holiday season.
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5th Annual Paint The Town Red For United Way Of Peterborough Raises Record $15,000
/The United Way of Peterborough has announced that the 5th annual Paint the Town Red on July 19th raised a record breaking $15,000+.
Thirty-two restaurants, cafes and pubs—up from 22 last year—donated 25 percent of their daily sales to support United Way Peterborough & District, with proceeds directly impacting vital social services in this community. The donations came in from restaurants, individual donations from customers, and the UW's newly launched Text to Give program.
Left to right: United Way of Peterborough Director of Philanthrophic Impact Lisa Smith, United Way of Peterborough CEO Jim Russell & United Way of Peterborough cabinet member Laura Crann.
