Local Boy has Imagination Soar Through Mentorship Program

The sky is the limit for Kenner student Alex Ouimet’s imagination as he and volunteer Thomas Jenkins from Big Brothers of Peterborough use it to connect with art and nature.

Ouimet, 14, and Jenkins have been meeting every Saturday for the last three years through a Big Brothers mentorship doing weekly activities and learning life skills.

Alex Ouimet (left) and Thomas Jenkins (right) met through the Big Brothers program where Jenkins was a substitute Big Brother for Ouimet during a Toronto Blue Jays game. Photo courtesy of Thomas Jenkins

A common activity is outdoor hiking involving forest explorations, walking through trails and exploring everything outdoors. During all activities, the two engage in conversation to let Ouimet unwind and express himself.

"This is about giving time and attention to your Little, it's not about the fancy things you do," said Jenkins. “It’s an escape. You get to develop a relationship outside of the family that can provide a different perspective.”

Alex Ouimet (pictured) has explored the outdoors from The Gut Conservation Area in Apsley, Ontario to the Petroglyphs Provincial Park in Woodview, Ontario. Photo courtesy of Thomas Jenkins

Physical health and proper dieting are other skill Ouimet learns through the Big Brothers program. Before the pandemic, the pair would often make healthy meals with workouts.

Big Brothers allows their matches to have a safe space for emotional control, a place to vent and develop social skills according to Jenkins.

“It's all about Alex. That’s the most important thing about this is Alex's time during the week where he can be himself and do what he wants to do,” said Jenkins. “We do that and all the positive reinforcement and building confidence such as talking about what his week was.”

One way Ouimet likes to express himself is through professional wrestling. It is not the violence that appeals to him but as a form of expression through music, visual and dramatic arts.

"We make a lot of wrestling characters, we've made shirts and we draw some of our characters,” said Ouimet. “They're actually all from my brain."

Alex Ouimet (pictured) has created over 30 different wresters each with their own backstory and persona with Jenkins. Photo by David Tuan Bui

Fictional wrestlers are brought to life from drawings, t-shirt designs and composing music that all stem from Ouimet’s ideas.

“The wrestlers are the vehicle to get to the creative things,” said Jenkins. “It happens to be about wrestling but it’s learning things about music production, drawing, costume design for acting.”

Thomas Jenkins (left) composing entrance music for Alex Ouimet’s (right) created wrestlers in a jam session. Jenkins has music studio that contains guitars, a keyboard, audio mixer and microphones. Photo by David Tuan Bui

Ouimet says he is always eager for every Saturday to spend time with Jenkins as they both consider each other to be “brothers’ because of their close bond.

“He makes me feel relieved with less anxiety and less depression,” said Ouimet. ‘There’s less stress.”

Lyric composition and vocals are some of the musical expressions both participate in as several artistic activities. Photo by David Tuan Bui

Jenkins notes that developing a relationship with another person takes time and trust compared to a quick fly-by of a motivational speech.

“The only way to get there is by developing strong long-term relationships,” said Jenkins. “It has to be this thing that takes a long time and building a lot of trust.”

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Local Man Devoted to People With Special Needs

It takes a special man to bring joy to countless special needs people and Peterborough’s Craig Meredith has been up to the task.

Meredith has been a support worker for Community Living Trent Highlands for the last decade. He named his group he supports, “Meredith’s Mean Machines”, and he describes it as the greatest job in the world.

“I have had the opportunity to watch my clients grow into independent individuals on a day-to-day basis,” said Meredith. “I have connected with great family members of individuals I have supported. Just watching them laugh and smile is a great day’s work.”

“Meredith’s Mean Machines” get together every Friday with activities such as mini-golf, nature walks or group decisions. Photo by David Tuan Bui, PTBOCanada

The group competed for the “Meredith Cup” in a friendly bowling competition at Lakeview Bowl in Peterborough. David McLeod won the award after “judge’s decision” from Meredith.

“The support I have received from the community through text, phone calls and emails have been overwhelming,” said Meredith. “I will continue to support everyone to the best of my knowledge and abilities.”

David McLeod after winning the “Meredith Cup”. Craig Meredith started the “Meredith Mean Machines” since the Covid-19 pandemic began restricting the country. Photo by David Tuan Bui, PTBOCanada

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Local Boy And Grandpa Hit The Trails After Fundraiser Goal Met

Hudson Wells, 10, and his grandfather Doug Fudge towed along the snowmobile trails in Lake St. Peter after a GoFundMe of $5,000 afforded them a sled on Friday afternoon.

Wells suffered from encephalitis since he was 13 months old that caused his physical disabilities. The sled would cater to his limitations while Fudge towed him with a snowmobile.

Brian Denena of Orillia, Ont. started the fundraiser on Feb. 11 where the goal was met in less than 24 hours. The community’s generosity was overwhelming for Fudge and his family.

“Just the overwhelming support was unbelievable,” said Fudge. “It was a dream come true. I never would have for it without the help of everyone.”

Hudson Wells excited to ride his sled for the first time. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Wells

Both of them rode the trails for an hour. The experience for Fudge was surreal and said it was mutual for Wells.

“He was over the moon,” said Fudge. “I don’t know how to explain it. It was so emotional.”

Hudson Wells (left) was limited to short rides in the driveway before obtaining his new sled. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Wells

The sled was purchased from Kijiji in Ottawa. Fudge drove there last weekend to pick up the sled. Fudge originally intended to purchase a used sled and fix it up himself.

”I had people offering to build me one (sled),” said Fudge. “I might have had 20 sleds of all types and sizes donated to me if I wanted to. In my wildest dreams, I never thought that this would happen.”

Hudson Wells typically gets to visit his grandfather two to three times a week. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Wells

Fudge will add wheels to the sled so Wells can enjoy it during the warmer months. The grandfather owns 220 acres of property and will use an ATV to tow the sled.

"Nothing compares to the sound of you child’s laughter and their happiness,” said Stephanie Wells, Hudson’s mother.

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Donation Of $46,631 Made To Kawartha Food Share From 2020 Free Parking Periods

A total of $46,631.06 was raised for Kawartha Food Share in 2020 through the generosity of people who opted to put money into the parking machines during the 2 Hours Free Parking periods last year sponsored by HotSpot Parking.

“This donation is helping people throughout our community to put food on their tables,” says Mayor Diane Therrien. “The pandemic has forced many families to access food banks for the first time ever. We appreciate the remarkable generosity of our community for making donations despite the challenges of 2020.”

Photo of Ashlee Aiken courtesy City of Peterborough

“We are so thankful for the continued support of the City of Peterborough and the local shoppers for donating to Kawartha Food Share,” says Ashlee Aitken, general manager of Kawartha Food Share. “We know the past year has been tough for many, so seeing that community members still wanted to support our cause by feeding the meters is absolutely incredible.”

Kawartha Food Share currently assists more than 8,900 people every month through its 36 member agencies. It supports four meal programs, four city food banks, six housing projects, seven county food banks, and over 20 food cupboards across the City and County of Peterborough. Last year, the Kawartha Food Share warehouse distributed over $5 million dollars worth of food and emergency care needs.

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2021 Virtual PInk In The Rink Event Raises $23,850

The Canadian Cancer Society, along with the Peterborough Petes, have announced that Pink in the Rink 2021 has raised $23,850 and counting.

This year's event brings the total amount raised in 12 years to $812,099. Their partnership with Your TV allowed for them to share a unique opening ceremony, impactful intermission shows and a final wrap up as well as a chance to relive the Pink in the Rink 2020 game.

Although this year presented numerous challenges, including the game being postponed due to the pandemic, the community continued to support the event through online donations, merchandise sales and the online auction.

While the goal that was set of $40,000 was not reached, the committee is proud they continue to be the most successful OHL/Canadian Cancer Society partnership in Ontario and that they were able to continue to raise vital funds for women's cancer research.

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DBIA Partners With Ferrero Chocolates To Give Away Boxes of Premium Chocolates To 4 Local Organizations That Do Vital Community Work

Ferrero Chocolates is looking to give back this holiday season and reached out to Business Improvement Areas across Ontario. The application from Peterborough’s DBIA caught their attention and they offered 84 boxes of their new premium chocolates—Golden Gallery Signature Chocolates.

The DBIA will be giving away boxes of premium chocolates to four local organizations that do vital work in the downtown: One City Peterborough, the Youth Emergency Shelter, Friends Peterborough, and the Aylmer Street Pharmacy.

Jenny Bloom (One City Ptbo), Terry “Mr. Downtown” Guiel (DBIA) & Christian Harvey from One City (Photo courtesy DBIA)

“I was elated that Ferrero would show such great support for BIAs across Ontario with this extremely generous offer,” says Terry Guiel, DBIA Executive Director. “It’s wonderful that we can use that generosity to spread a bit of joy to some in our community that may not feel very included during the holidays.”

“This year has been a struggle for so many Canadians and that’s why it’s more important now than ever before to find ways to support those who need our help,” says Maureen Romansky, Senior Marketing Director, Premium Chocolate, Ferrero Canada. “We’re proud to be able to play a small part in bringing some joy through the gift of chocolate.”

“This chocolate donation is going to raise the spirits of all the young people with us on Christmas morning,” says Brooke Erickson, Y.E.S shelter’s Community Engagement Coordinator. “Because youth in shelter rarely have anyone to buy holiday gifts for them, we asked what they would like, so we can provide something for them to open on Christmas morning. Like most kids, almost all of them asked for candy and chocolate.”

Terry Guiel (DBIA) & Engi Hakim (Aylmer Street Pharmacy), photo courtesy DBIA

The Y.E.S. shelter works to reduce and prevent homelessness by providing shelter, education and transitional supports for youth and families in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. During the delivery of the chocolates to Y.E.S., Guiel will be joined by Atria Development, who will be making a cash donation to the shelter.

“We are so grateful to Ferrero for this gift,” adds Christian Harvey, Executive Director of One City Peterborough, which focuses on housing, food security, community safety and inclusion. “In a year as we have had, where our most marginalized have faced so much, a moment of joy or a little chocolate can mean a lot.”

“Something as simple as giving someone a holiday greeting while handing out a few chocolates during this time can make them feel special and included in our community," adds Pharmacist Engi Hakim of the Aylmer Street Pharmacy, which mainly distributes addiction treatment medications such as methadone and suboxone to the clients.. "For some, this could be the only positive interaction they will experience during the holidays.”

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Watch: Fleming College Holiday Music Video Wonderful World Featuring Greg Keelor & Other Local Artists

Fleming College has released a beautiful holiday music video dedicated to all of the students, staff, frontline workers, and many local heroes who have made an untenable situation a moment of pride and reflection on the power of coming together.

The video is a collaborative project by local artists, dedicating their time and talent and most importantly, their heart. Featuring Greg Keelor of Blue Rodeo and other musicians from the Kawartha region, the song is a cover of the classic song “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. Directed and produced by Michael Hurcomb, other producers include James McKenty, Melissa Payne and Kate Suhr.

Beau Dixon, Melissa Payne and Greg Keelor among the musicians covering “What A Wonderful World”

“These musicians are very special people and our community is blessed to have such passionate talent,” says Maureen Adamson, Fleming College President. “I could not be more proud of how we have led and navigated through the events of this year with safety as our guiding principle.”

Fleming College thanks all those involved in this musical gift for the holidays, including Greg Keelor, Jimmy Bowskill, Beau Dixon, Whitney Hall, James McKenty, Melissa Payne, Kate Suhr and Maureen Adamson. There are also special appearances by: Tania Clerac, Sandra Dupret, Brett Goodwin, Chandra Gupta, Blake Morris, Angela Pind, Linda Poirier, Neil Price, Elizabeth Stone, Drew Van Parys and Scott Walling.

Watch the video below…

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Peterborough Woman Who Started Football Academy In Jordan On The Impact A Pro Team Would Have On This Community She Adores

Where is “home”?

I was born and raised on a small island in Denmark called Fyn. Being part Danish and part Lebanese/Palestinian makes me a dynamic combination of the Western and Middle Eastern world—a combination I spent years trying to understand.

Quite early in my life, I knew I had to experience the world. So after a lot of travelling, I decided to move to Amman, Jordan, in 2015 where I co-founded a football academy with the purpose of helping young boys off the streets and provide a safe, fun and educational environment.

Photo by Mariam El Chiekh Khalil of football Academy she co-founded in Jordan

It is very common to see children play football on the concrete in the Middle East as it can be expensive to register with a football academy. But because football is engraved in the hearts of Arabs from a very young age, children and youngsters will play regardless of their circumstances.  

Photo by Mariam El Chiekh Khalil of football Academy she co-founded in Jordan

After running the football academy for four years and finishing my master’s degree in International Business Communication, I finally moved to Canada. By coincidence I found myself settling in Peterborough, a city that I didn’t know anything about or had ever heard of.

Photo of Mariam El Chiekh Khalil with players at football academy she co-founded in Jordan

Upon arrival in 2019 I thought to myself, will I ever be able to call this place home? Within only few days of living in Peterborough, my fear of not fitting in became completely insignificant. I was met with an extreme openness and kindness.

When I stood in the grocery store trying to figure out which coins to give to the cashier, I would always apologize and explain that I’m still quite new here. The response was always, without exception, “Oh, really. Well, welcome to Peterborough. I hope you’ll like it here.” I felt welcomed, included and within a few months I told my husband, This feels like home.

Mariam El Chiekh Khalil

But I still felt something was missing. I tried to search for a Middle Eastern community where I could mirror myself in people with a similar culture to mine.

Unfortunately, without any luck. I therefore decided to create the group “Arabs in Peterborough” on Facebook, and within no time, the group reached almost 80 members. Several group members expressed how they missed connecting with other Arabs and that they’re excited about what the group can bring to the Arabic community in Peterborough.

Photo by Mariam El Chiekh Khalil in Jordan

As my studies showed, people with another ethnic background become more whole and balanced citizens when they embrace all of their identity. My dream is for everyone to feel included and to feel like they belong, without any exceptions.

Everyone should be able to cultivate and integrate their full identity in their lives in Peterborough. This could be through food, art, music, language, religion, sports or maybe just a little chat over a cup of coffee.

When I heard about the Electric City Football Club forming here, I was immediately drawn to their love for Peterborough and their ambitions for the project. Football is an international passion and I truly envision that this project will bring our community closer together regardless of our backgrounds.

ECFC is not just for football enthusiasts, but also an initiative with pride in its community. Having a local professional football team will bring a tremendous value to the city where we all can come together as one and embrace all the beautiful cultures that we are so lucky to have in Peterborough.

—guest post by Mariam El Chiekh Khalil

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