United Way Delivering “Day of Caring” Donations For Students and Shelters

Local shelters and students will receive more than 100 kits each donated by the community and collected by United Way’s “Day of Caring” announced on Wednesday.

School supplies such as backpacks, pencil crayons, markers, notebooks, paper and more were school supply items donated to the United Way. Photo Courtesy of United Way.

More than 120 local residents donated 275 kits worth of items (135 for local shelters and 139 for students) at the United Way office in downtown Peterborough last Wednesday. Brant Office Supply contributed more than 200 facemasks to be included in all kits. 

Personal hygiene and care product kits are for the local shelters. Backpacks filled with school supplies are for the students of the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board as part of the United Way’s “Backpacks For Kids” program.

The community collection drive was a departure from past “Day of Caring” events that had volunteers working on local projects and instead focused on meeting the immediate needs of those in our community who are financially insecure, precariously housed or homeless. 

Toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, body wash, sanitizer, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, bandages and more were in the personal care kits. Photo Courtesy of United Way.

Jim Russell, district C.E.O. was overcome with pride at being part of such a generous and giving community.

“To hear stories from so many people as to what inspired them to give to this initiative really served to bring home to me that we are lucky to live, work and play in such an empathetic and caring community,” he said. “One young girl heard the call to action on the news and spent her allowance to create a kit… … She said that when she first came to Peterborough, she received a backpack through her school and will never forget how proud and lucky that made her feel so was excited for the chance to pay it forward.”

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City of Peterborough Hires First Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer

Reem Ali has become the City of Peterborough’s first diversity, equity and inclusion officer announced on Monday.

Ali has a certificate in Ethics and Contemporary Social Issues from Saint Paul University. Screenshot.

Her position will assist Peterborough with addressing racism, discrimination, and the prevention, identification and removal of barriers to access in opportunity. The new role will provide expert advice and guidance, strengthening the City’s ability to serve diverse communities.

“The new position reflects the City’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. For our community to thrive, we need to be open and welcoming to all people,” said Diane Therrien, Peterborough mayor. Diversity of experiences, backgrounds and cultures makes us a better, stronger, more vibrant community.”

City Council approved creating the position through the City’s 2021 Budget as Ali will start her role in July.

“As we see the historical and present-day experiences of discrimination and hate that have destroyed lives, we have a responsibility to learn, to understand and to take action to improve our City and our country,” Therrien added.

Ali has a Master of Science degree in biochemistry from McMaster University, Master of Public Policy and Administration degree from Carleton University. Photo Courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Ali is currently the interim executive director of the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre and has taught International Studies at Trent University. She currently serves on non-profit boards including the YWCA, the Kawartha World Issues Centre, the Peterborough Field Naturalists and the Clean Slate Enterprise.

She is also the chair of the Peterborough Regional Farmers Market Steering Committee and has previously worked at the New Canadians Centre.

“I am very honoured to have been trusted with this new and important role in my home City of Peterborough,” said Ali. “(I) look forward to advancing this challenging but much-needed DEI work within the City and our local community.”

In 2018, Ali received the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s 4 Under 40 award and the Inaugural Women's Leadership Award by Maryam Monsef, Peterborough-Kawartha MP.

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Peterborough Giving Out Free "Celebrate at Home" Kits for Canada Day

The City of Peterborough will be handing out 500 free Canada Day “Celebrate at Home” kits for June 29 announced Friday after the cancellation of the annual Canada’s Day parade.

Peterborough’s Canada Day Parade runs on George Street from City Hall to Morrow Park annually. Photo Courtesy of City of Peterborough.

The cancellation occurred since it could not comply with step 1 of the Province of Ontario’s Reopening Roadmap that restricts outdoor gathering to a maximum of 10 people.

The kits include Canada Day-themed decorations, crafts, activities, contests, scavenger hunts and fun giveaways to help celebrate the nation's birthday safely.

Families can participate in the contests and activities and share their photos online using #PtboCanadaDay2021. The kits are a way for the community to celebrate together.

“Brighter days are ahead and we look forward to celebrating future holidays together when it’s safe but we’re not there just yet,” said Diane Therrien, Peterborough Mayor. “The health and wellbeing of residents is our priority and it’s important that we follow the measures of Ontario’s Reopening Roadmap. We hope the ‘Celebrate at Home’ kits deliver some Canada Day fun to families.”

Peterborough families are invited to pick up one kit per family at one of the four pickup locations and celebrate Canada Day at home this year. Pick up locations are as follows:

• City Hall, 500 George St. N

• Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne St. W

• Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. N

• Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.

Kits can be picked up starting at 10:00 a.m. on June 29 on a first-come, first-serve basis. Staff will be at City Hall to hand out the kits until 6:00 p.m. or until all kits are distributed.

Curbside pick-up and all COVID safety protocols will be followed. Residents are reminded that face coverings are mandatory and are asked to maintain physical distancing of two metres from people who are not from their household.

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OPP Handing Out Positive Tickets to Kids For Positive Community Behaviour

This summer, the Ontario Provincial Police has begun “Operation Freeze” handing kids “positive tickets” for demonstrating positive behaviour for the community announced Tuesday.

A child receiving a '“positive ticket” from a local OPP officer. Deeds such as wearing bicycle helmets, picking up trash or obeying school crossing rules will earn tickets for children. Photo Courtesy of OPP.

Kids will receive coupons for a free small “Froster” in a partnership with Circle K convenience stores.

Reasons may vary but the OPP is out looking out for the following positive behaviours:

• To recognize youth for practicing personal safety such as wearing bicycle helmets

• Doing various good deeds

• Participating in community activities

• Demonstrating community pride (eg. picking up trash)

• Deterring crime or observing school crossing rules

• As an "icebreaker" to establish a rapport with kids in their patrol area

Operation Freeze and Operation Heat are campaigns in a partnership between the OPP and Circle K convenience stores. Photo Courtesy of OPP.

"This is a great initiative and allows officers the opportunity to interact with youth in a positive manner," said Terry Ward, Dufferin OPP Detachment Commander. "These interactions with police can open dialogue with the youth and leave a good lasting impression."

The OPP will run a similar campaign this winter called “Operation Heat” for a free hot beverage.

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Class of 2021 Inductees Announced for Peterborough's Pathway to Fame

The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough & District has announced their 2021 inductees on Tuesday.

Photo Courtesy of The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough & District.

Eight people were nominated for their contributions to the community in various areas. Their nominations were submitted by the public and had an anonymous committee to make the final decisions.

The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough & District is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1997 to honour community citizens and individuals in the Arts and Humanities.

The inductees’ names will be engraved on stone markers at Del Crary Park’s Pathway of Fame. They were first placed back in 1998.

Last year’s inductees were unable to run an induction ceremony due to the pandemic — typically held at Showplace Performance Center —however, organizers are planning for the event on Sept. 11 at the Nexicom Lounge at Showplace. The event may be cancelled as necessary.

David Goyette (Cultural/Community Betterment)

Selflessly donating his time and resources to a variety of community organizations and causes, remains at the heart of Goyette’s existence. His skills as a musician, artist, painter and writer serve to augment a life that has contributed much to the local landscape.

Graham Hart (Media)

As the decades-long ‘face’ of CHEX Television prior to his retirement, Hart achieved a broadcast legacy in this community without equal. His selfless community service to countless organizations as an active board member, event host and ambassador has brought him countless honours and accolades.

Brian MacDonald (Dramatic Arts)

MacDonald’s unbridled passion for theatre has brought him numerous acting roles and directorial opportunities – but his co-founding and chairmanship of Arts For Awareness has exemplified his belief in the power of The Arts as a vehicle for raising awareness of social issues.

Dr. Ramesh Makhija (Cultural/Community Betterment)

Chemist Makhija’s research into environmental challenges has earned him local, as well as national distinction and has led to a number of related initiatives, Peterborough’s blue box collection program among them. But he has always made time to give back.

John Mariasine (Media)

As the warm, and inclusive morning voice of 1420 CKPT radio for 20 years, Mariasine’s stellar broadcast career served as an inroad to his involvement with a variety of local initiatives and causes, together with his unwavering commitment to his audience and to his community.

Megan Murphy (Cultural/Community Betterment)

Blessed with a spark and quick wit that endears her instantly to others, Murphy’s talents as an actress, filmmaker, musician and radio personality are surpassed only by a giving nature that has benefitted a number of community causes.  Megan joins her late father, Marty Murphy, a lawyer and respected community Samaritan, who was inducted to The Pathway in 2014.

 Paul Rellinger (Cultural/Community Betterment)

From camping out on the roof of The Brick to raising funds for Habitat For Humanity, helping an adult learner attain reading skills to emceeing a benefit for someone in need, Rellinger’s inability to say ‘No’ guarantees he is rarely seen on the sidelines.  

David Sutherland (Community Builder)

As the founding president of Sir Sandford Fleming College, the late Sutherland’s nurturing of the College’s connections with the community it serves laid the groundwork for the future, including Fleming’s ongoing association with Trent University.  

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Month-Long Food Drive Announced for Peterborough County

Kawartha Food Share will host a county-wide food drive during June to support local food banks was announced in a Zoom meeting media release on Tuesday morning.

Kawartha Food Share’s “Porch Pirates for Good” food drive held on April 9 and 10 received more than 50,000 pounds of food for both days. This broke the previous record of 26,000 pounds. File Photo.

The campaign is meant to restock the food banks across the county by partnering with local grocery stores.

Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith will take part in the food drive and helped the “Winter is Coming Food Drive” in November last year. The campaign raised almost $40,000 worth of cash and food donations.

 “Every opportunity to support our townships is an opportunity that can’t be passed up,” said Smith. “COVID-19 has placed tremendous stress on the support system in our rural communities; these food banks support many families and it is critical these supports remain strong.”

He noted that grocery stores in Peterborough, Havelock, Bridgenorth Buckhorn and Lakefield are participating in the drive.

Kawartha Food Share typically distributes 150,000-200,000 pounds of food in a month which feeds over 9,000 individuals. File Photo.

The first and special drive will be held at Morello’s Your Independent Grocers on Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The cause is to support the Apsley foodbank, who has lost its community’s only grocery store in a fire in December 2020.

“On behalf of Apsley and North Kawartha, I want to thank Morello’s Your Independent Grocer for hosting a special food drive to support our local food bank,” said Carolyn Amyotte, North Kawartha Mayor. “Not having Sayer’s Foods to host our own food drive right now is very hard.”

The following is a list of participating grocery stores, dates, times and locations:

Photo Courtesy of Dave Smith.

Ashlee Aitken, Kawartha Food Share general manager says food banks typically have more clients during the pandemic.

“Donations tend to decrease during the summer months so we are excited at the opportunity to lend a hand and help ensure our agencies’ shelves are well stocked,” she said.

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Local Group Creates Video Highlighting Small Businesses During Pandemic

Small businesses have been negatively affected by the pandemic but entrepreneurs Kyle McDonald, Mike Watt and several others wanted to highlight their importance with a heartstring-grabbing video released Monday.

The video, “For SmALL of Us” showcases the importance of how small businesses play a role in local communities. While it is easy to tell everyone to shop local, the video wanted to spread the message to emotionally connect with their audience while preventing the saying from becoming cliché according to both entrepreneurs.

“We’ve seen a million things to say support local and shop local, you can only say the same thing for so long,” said McDonald, owner of Pioneer Inc. “They just push it aside and it falls on deaf ears.”

“It’s about reframing the message about giving small businesses the first opportunity,” said Watt, owner of Providence, S.O.S. Save Our Soles, Flavour Fashion and PTBO Northern Originals. ”I never hear about how Costco is what makes Peterborough so great. It’s the bridal shop you got your wedding dress or the suit you got married in or the coffee shops that you sat down at.“

The 60-second video does not mention Peterborough so it could be used universally. Photo Courtesy of Kyle MacDonald.

The video’s idea was inspired by Watt after a conversation with his wife —who co-owns S.O.S. with Watt — and when Premier Doug Ford and the Government of Ontario announced a month-long province-wide shutdown that extended into six weeks that took effect early April.

Hà Nội House and St. Veronus Café and Tap Room were some of the businesses that were portrayed in the video. Photo Courtesy of Tyler Tindale

The rapidly-changing pandemic rules have forced these small businesses to be creative and innovative just to stay afloat said Watt.

“Everybody is struggling in their own way right now and the creativity is out there,” he said. “People are doing podcasts, interviews and doing these side hustles to bring all these businesses to light. People are seeing how are they are going to survive in this third wave.”

Sam’s Place in Downtown Peterborough on Hunter Street is shown here. Several shots of downtown were taken to compile the video. Photo Courtesy of Tyler Tindale

While the 60-second video contained all shots of Peterborough, the city’s name was not branded so it could apply to all small businesses as opposed to just one place. It has received heavy positive feedback and the message has spread very quickly according to Watt and McDonald.

“Likes are fine (on social media) but shares are what make a difference,” said McDonald. “On the other side, it has made a resurgence and has our city gone up in local business.”

“It’s been awesome. People are really embracing it and sharing it in and out of town. It’s doing what we wanted to do,” said Watt. “We wanted people to have a passion for this town and other towns and have people recognize that this is a conversation.”

The video was branded by brand developer Bryan Sage, videographer Jeremy Kelly did the editing and photography was by Tyler Tinsdale. Klint Davies wrote the script and Mike Judson of Pure Country 105 did the voice-over.

“We have to ramp up to a point in June where we can open. Hopefully we can open and hit the ground running and willing to shop and support these businesses,” said Watt. “We want to start the conversation. It comes from a place of encouragement and our city. We want people to think about our businesses.”

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Star Wars Day Celebration Force Chokes Its Way Into Peterborough

There is no disturbing lack of faith in Peterborough as Matt Stewart and Carolyn Smith held their annual “Star Wars Day” in honour of a pun-inspired celebration on Tuesday.

Matt Stewart (left) and Carolyn Smith (right) dress up at several conventions together such as Comic-Con and Fan Expo. Photo by David Tuan Bui

The fan-made holiday is held every May 4 which originated in 2011, playing off the famous Star Wars phrase, “May the Force (Fourth) Be With You”. This is the fourth consecutive year Stewart and Smith have participated or held an event for the occasion.

“I am Star Wars obsessed,” said Stewart. “You can take it away from me but you can’t get it out of me, I just really like it.”

Stewart mimicking Darth Vader’s “force choke” alongside his collection of Vader’s masks. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The two celebrated the sci-fi series as they invited fans to their front lawn to dress up as characters, mingle, enjoy Star Wars music and look at the various displays put out for the socially-distanced event. While the weather was less-than-favourable with light rain, it did not dampen the celebration’s spirits.

“Some people walking by have waved, got some pictures and a few cars have honked their horns,” said Stewart. “It’s been good.”

Stewart and Smith had created several of the displays prior to the event. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event was intended as a similar experience to a comic convention on a significantly smaller scale like Fan Expo or Comic-Con. The gather was a way for fans to celebrate the renowned franchise together as a community.

Stewart got his first Star Wars experience seeing Return of the Jedi in theatres in 1983. He fell in love with the franchise after seeing it again on videocassette at home.

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Community Rallies to Create Fundraiser For Dirt Bike Accident Victim

Jake MacDonald may have suffered the worst accident of his life but his community has rallied together and arranged a fundraiser for his recovery on Tuesday.

Donations as far as Alberta have come in to support MacDonald. Photo courtesy of Crissie Morrow.

The Facebook group “Let’s Help Jake MacDonald” has already raised approximately more than $1,500 with over 280 members in the group. All proceeds go towards MacDonald for any incidentals that the accident cost and to help him get back on his feet during the recovery.

Crissie and Josh Morrow, close friends and next-door neighbours created the fundraiser two days after the accident had occurred on Sunday.

“I bawled my eyes out. I couldn’t believe it,” said Crissie. “I felt like I needed to do something and I didn’t know what to do so I got talking to a bunch of my girlfriends, we talked about it and we ran from there.”

Several local businesses have donated goods for a charity auction that will take place next Friday with details to follow. Items such as gift cards, a television, purses and cups are some of the many prizes that will be auctioned.

“The response from people and a lot of local businesses in Havelock, Madoc, Marmora and other places have been phenomenal,” said Crissie. “Over 50 different items have been donated for the auction we’re having next week.”

MacDonald has been a hockey referee for minor hockey in the past four years for Havelock and Norwood. Photo courtesy of Crissie Morrow.

The 22-year old crashed face-first resulting in brain hemorrhaging and a fractured left foot while dirt biking at Cordova Lake just north of Havelock on Sunday late afternoon.

He was airlifted to Kingston General Hospital and was sedated since the accident. The Havelock resident had a successful overnight craniotomy on Wednesday.

There is no timeline on when MacDonald will make a full recovery but it could be up to a year at least according to Crissie.

“We had a Zoom call with him and his mother last night (Wednesday),” said Crissie, “He’s breathing on his own and has been responsive to touch and the voices from his family.”

MacDonald grew up playing baseball, soccer and hockey in his teenage years. Photo courtesy of Crissie Morrow.

MacDonald is a licensed mechanic and was studying to be a diesel mechanic at Centennial College in Scarborough.

He has played minor hockey for Havelock and Norwood and has refereed for the same leagues for the past four years.

All cash donations can be e-transferred to close friend Kaitlyn Carriere at k.carriere@hotmail.com. Leave a memo that the donation is for MacDonald.

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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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