Norwood Boy Given VIP Treatment When Saying Thanks To Local Fire Department

After a birthday surprise from The Asphodel Norwood Fire Department for Jayden in January, the four year old delivered a thank you card to fire fighters at the station.

For Jayden’s fourth birthday, on Jan. 25, his mom Ashley Fraser arranged a surprise with the Asphodel Norwood Fire Department.

Fire Chief Darryl Payne and firefighter James Jordan arrived at Jayden’s house with a fire truck in tow and blew Fraser away with their kindness, she says.

“James got right down to his eye level, Jayden was just so comfortable with him, it was just amazing that he was so drawn to him and was able to have that connection.”

@ptbo_canada Happy Birthday Jayden! Someone’s day was made and we don’t know if it was Jaydens our ours ❤️ #PTBOCanada #firefighters #firedepartment ♬ today was a good day - ✗

When it came time for Jayden to say thank you on March 18, Fraser arranged to drop off a card to the station.

“We had no intention of getting a tour,” she said. “I thought we were just going to drop it off and say thanks again for everything, as I know they’re busy.”

She says when they arrived the garage door was opened and the fire truck had been pulled out.

Jayden was given a tour, shown the jaws of life and the fire hose, and given the VIP treatment, says Fraser.

“We couldn’t be more grateful for their kindness.”

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Peterborough Kinsmen Raise $20,000 For YWCA Crossroads Emergency Shelter For Gender-Based Violence

The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough donated $20,000 in support of Safe Nights at YWCA Crossroads Shelter this month announced on Thursday.

Barry Craft, Kinsmen Club of Peterborough president (left) and Kim Dolan, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Executive Director (right).

The emergency shelter is for women and children experiencing gender-based violence.

"The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough is very fortunate to be in a position to provide financial assistance to the YWCA Crossroads Safe Nights program,” said Barry Craft, Kinsmen Club of Peterborough president, “This donation is a result of the tremendous community support we have experienced with the Kinsmen Super TV Bingo recently.”

YWCA Crossroads Shelter has remained open throughout the pandemic.

The need for violence against women services has risen by approximately 30 per cent since the onset of the COVID-19 according to the YWCA.

“This wonderful demonstration of support will provide just over 300 Safe Nights for women and children in our community who have no safe place to turn,” said Kim Dolan, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Executive Director. “We’re immensely grateful for the Kinsmen’s support and continued dedication to our local community.”

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YES Shelter Receives $50,000 From Rotary Clubs Towards Two Housing Units

The Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) can help their two new housing units after receiving $50,000 from Peterborough Rotary Club and Kawartha Rotary in a cheque presentation outside the shelter on Wednesday afternoon.

(from left to right) Atul Swarup, Peterborough Rotary volunteer; Marie Press, Peterborough rotary director of service; Aimee Le Lagadéc, YES executive director; Melissa Free, YES transitional housing manager; Brian O’Toole, Kawartha Rotary Club director and Carl Brown, Kawartha Rotary Club director of service. YES has been providing emergency shelter and transitional supports to youth and families in Peterborough City and County since 2000. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The two new housing units are part of YES’ RISE Youth Housing Program. The money will build the units, as well as renovate an existing 12-plex building to allow for the additional capacity. This funding is a part of Rotary’s Centennial Celebrations, helping the community in their 100th year.

The funding is part of a $100,000 pledge with Peterborough Rotary Club committing $75,000 and $25,000 from Kawartha Rotary.

“Many of our members feel very strongly about housing in Peterborough,” said Wayne Harding, Rotary Club of Peterborough president.

“This is a natural fit.” Carl Brown, Kawartha Rotary Club President stated “We are proud of our community involvement with this project and pleased to work with the Peterborough Club to make this important project happen”

“Right now, the homelessness rate in Peterborough is far too high and housing has not become more available or affordable through the pandemic,” said Aimee Le Lagadéc, YES executive director. “We also know that transitional housing is typically required for young people and families exiting homelessness.”

The project will begin this spring and will be completed by the summer of 2023.

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Non-Profit Organization Holding Online Auction For Community Space Sound Barriers

Non-profit agency Alternatives Community Program Services (ACPS) is hosting a charity auction to raise $10,000 to install sound barriers towards their new community space this Thursday.

Ken John Jones, ACPS volunteer (pictured) with a charcuterie board and winter ornaments as autioned items for the event. Jones has been a client of ACPS for 14 years and has volunteered since 2019. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“At times it is very difficult if not impossible to understand what people are saying when the space is being used by more than a few people, “said Jackie Carson, ACPS director. “Right now, we are currently offering activities for approximately 25 people and it's a very big challenge especially for people who already have sensory issues.”

The community space is has completed their general renovations and located is at the former St. George's Anglican Church at 270 Braidwood Ave. It is 2500 square feet in diameter and 38 feet at its highest peak.

Programs and events offered at the space include staff training, meetings, cooking classes, art nights, movie nights and more.

The auction runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is held online. Examples of bidding items are paintings, handmade crafts, charcuterie boards, gift cards and gift baskets. The list of items are regularly updated daily.

“We will be able to accomplish our goal of building a community hub for the south end of Peterborough as well the surrounding community,” said Carson.

Alternatives is a non-profit agency that provides opportunities and outcomes for learning and skill development in the areas of employment, volunteerism, recreation and community connections for people with developmental disabilities and other exceptionalities in Peterborough City and County.

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Peterborough Police Reminds Public To Avoid Impaired Driving on St. Patrick's Day

Peterborough Police is reminding the public not to drink and drive and find a safe ride home in observation of St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday.

The police also remind Peterborough that being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs while operating a vehicle is impaired driving.

Impaired drivers can face seven-day vehicle impoundment, 90-day license suspension and a court day. Convicted drivers could jail time, increased fines, extended driver’s license suspension and increase insurance premiums.

City of Peterborough by-laws are in effect with fines from $250 for public urination or defecation. There are fines of $300 for obstructing emergency staff or throwing objects.

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Hospice Peterborough Seeking Applications For New Members

Hospice Peterborough is accepting applications to be on their Board of Directors any of their Standing Committees announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Hospice Peterborough.

Applications are open to anyone living in Peterborough county. Board members serve for a three-year term beginning in June and attend monthly meetings on the fourth Thursday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m.

Hospice is also looking for community members who wish to serve on various committees such as Resource Development, Quality, Governance and Finance.

The following are applicant qualifications:

• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills

• Organizational and leadership skills

• Ability to work collaboratively

• Interest and expertise in legal matters, fund development, finances and accounting or first-hand experience with Hospice’s programs and services as a client or caregiver

Resumés and cover letters must be sent by March 29 to admin@hospicepeterborough.org with the subject line “Attention: Chair, Board Recruitment Committee.”

Interviews are held on April 20 from 4:30 to 7 p.m., by video conference unless otherwise stated.

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Fleming College Offers Support to Ukraine By Selling Medical Kits

Fleming College is selling medical kit packages throughout Peterborough and the Kawarthas in support of Ukraine beginning this Saturday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The first event is at all Peterborough Shoppers Drug Mart stores where customers can purchase a medical supply kit for $10 (retail value worth $40) to send to Ukraine. The College has a goal of at least 500 packages to send overseas.

The College has issued a statement regarding the situation in Ukraine:

“So many of us are concerned and unnerved by the events currently unfolding in Ukraine. Canada is home to the second-largest Ukrainian population in the world outside of Ukraine itself and there is no doubt that this would include many of our fellow colleagues, friends, neighbours and students. The struggles faced by the Ukrainian community are certainly difficult to comprehend, as people worry for the safety and well-being of their loved ones back home. We join the international community in denouncing this hostile and illegal invasion of a sovereign country.”

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Fleming has given a list of places you can donate to online in case you cannot visit a local Shoppers Drug Mart:

• Canadian Red Cross: Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal

• Canada-Ukraine Foundation: Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

• UNICEF: Emergency Response to Conflict in Eastern Ukraine

• United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR): Ukraine Emergency

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