A Year In Review By Angela O'Grady
/In my six months with PTBOCanada, I have had the opportunity to speak with so many amazing members of the community. Each day I am given the chance to learn about someone’s passion, listen to their story or celebrate their success.
Here are my top five stories — in chronological order — that I had the pleasure of writing in 2021.
Jorge Escalera (far right), poses with his family at Monday’s book launch. Escalera is one of six children whose story inspired Building a Home. Photo by Angela O’Grady.
In September, The New Canadians Centre hosted a book launch to celebrate the release of a new book ‘Building a Home’ written and illustrated by local artist Cassandra Lee.
The book was inspired by the experiences of six immigrant children experiencing Canadian culture for the first time in Peterborough.
At the launch, the book was read to the crowd where the six young ‘authors’ beamed with pride.
For the last 12 years, Hirdes has been helping out at a local Cystic Fibrosis Benefit night. Photo Courtesy of Samantha Hirdes.
When COVID-19 put a pause on the annual Cystic Fibrosis that Samantha Hirdes volunteers at she took matters into her own hands.
She set up a website to sell her painted pumpkins, with 100 per cent of the proceeds being donated to Cystic Fibrosis Canada. When interviewing her, I asked how long it took to paint each pumpkin and she said anywhere from one to four hours - all out of the goodness of her heart!
This year Hirdes was able to donate $1,005 to Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
Dave Graham (left) had his last round of treatment on Dec. 1. Photo courtesy of Dave Graham.
When Dave Graham was diagnosed with cancer in March, he decided that something good had to come from it.
He decided to start ‘Dave’s Walk Against Cancer’ and raise funds to donate to the PRHC Foundation.
Initially his goal was to raise $5,000 and walk 7,000 steps each day until his cancer treatment was done in mid December.
On Dec. 17 PRHC Foundation announced that Dave completed his treatment and raised $11,111.
Arnold Graham (left, circa 1943) Royal Canadian Airforce (Photo courtesy of Lakefield War Vets) and current-day Graham (right) at the Buckhorn Community Centre at 95 years of age. Photo by Angela O’Grady.
