Michelle Ferreri Wins Candidacy for Conservative Party
/Michelle Ferreri won the nomination to be the candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada on Wednesday night.
Photo courtesy of Michelle Ferreri
Peterborough Blogs
YWCA's Virtual Challenge Raises Over $28,000 For Shelter and Support Services For Women Experiencing Gender-Based Violence
/The YWCA has raised $28,641 for their shelter and support services from their second annual Virtual Challenge that started from May 3 - 31 announced Thursday.
YWCA Peterborough Haliburton receives only partial government funding and relies on annual fundraising initiatives to cover basic operating costs. Photo Courtesy of YWCA Peterborough.
The online fundraiser was an initiative in support of local YWCA resources for women experiencing gender-based violence.
“The Virtual Challenge provides a unique opportunity to use whatever we have to make a positive difference,” said Ria Nicholson of the YWCA. “Whether that’s the courage to raise the issue of gender-based violence with our friends and family or the means to support the YWCA’s services by making a donation - every bit helps!”
Participants registered an activity online to accomplish throughout May and challenged others to match their efforts.
Activities were flexible, encouraging activities such as cooking, yoga or anything you could think of. The challenge was open to all ages to participate safely in their own way and schedule.
This year, participants who raised more than $250 were entered in a draw to win 1 of 3 prizes. This year’s winners are:
1st Prize – Recliner (donated by Bennett’s Furniture and Mattresses) – Bethany LeBlonc
2nd Prize – Home Care Package (donated by Swish Maintenance Ltd & Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre) – Alder Howe
3rd Prize – Foodie Package (donated by Ashburnham Ale House, Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill, Primal Cuts, The Chocolate Rabbit & Sobeys Towerhill) – Patti Clancy, Kawartha Home & Health Care Services
“We hope that in seeing this compassionate community response, local women are reminded that they’re not alone – especially as COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease and opportunities to seek support become more available,” said Nicholson. “The YWCA is here, day and night, thanks to the support of our wonderful community.”
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Women-Dedicated Networking Business Celebrates 60th Anniversary
/The Women’s Business Network has celebrated its 60th anniversary with a virtual event featuring guest speakers, trivia, giveaways and business spotlights for all its members on Wednesday.
Formed in 1961, the WBN is a networking channel for businesswomen who want to enhance and expand their professional contacts and grow their businesses.
The virtual gathering allowed members to give testimonials and reflect on how WBN has affected their lives and its positive impact.
“The membership boasts about 175 members at full capacity,” said Danielle McIver, WBN president. “It’s about supporting women with their goals. Whatever you’re doing as a female community member in Peterborough, we want to support you.”
Examples of network members are entrepreneurs, business owners, administrators and several other occupations. Photo Courtesy of WBN.
With the pandemic, McIver had the WBN adapt to the drastic changes the world has undergone. She became president of the organization last year.
“I’m honoured to be here to celebrate a milestone and it’s exciting that we’ve had so much change in this the last year and we’ve been able to have a strong virtual membership,” said McIver. “There was so much pivoting, so much challenge and so much change.”
Margaret Steeves was the first president of the WBN serving from 1961-1962. Photo Courtesy of WBN.
McIver made the year’s theme “you belong” since COVID-19 negatively affected several women’s careers.
“I was seeing a lot of people losing jobs, losing career paths that they felt was their identity in WBN,” she said. “The ‘you belong’ theme was really making sure we can embrace people for whatever the situation was right now that they were at.”
The WBN is run by a board of directors with up to 13 volunteer members who dedicate 10-30 hours a month to the organization. Photo Courtesy of WBN.
The WBN offers a learning program featuring guest speakers, trade shows, special events and gala socials for women in the Kawarthas and surrounding areas from September to June according to the official website.
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YWCA Launches 2021 Virtual Challenge Fundraiser For Women
/The YWCA is hosting a Virtual Challenge as an online fundraising initiative in support of local YWCA resources for women experiencing gender-based violence.
Photo Courtesy of YWCA Peterborough.
Participants choose an activity to accomplish during the month of May, register online and challenge others to match their efforts.
Activities are flexible, with options ranging from athletic challenges, virtual Mother’s Day events, cooking or yoga skill-share challenges (or the option of creating something entirely new), offering participants of all ages and abilities the opportunity to participate safely in their own way and schedule.
As women’s organizations across Canada have seen a 30 to 40 per cent increase in the need for safety and support this past year, local fundraising initiatives are more vital than ever.
“Women’s lives continue to be threatened by abusive men who are taking advantage of COVID-19 safety protocols to isolate, manipulate and cause harm,” says Kim Dolan, YWCA executive director. “Our entire community needs to be actively involved in looking out for loved ones who may be at risk of violence and supporting the local services that help to equip women to safely create change in their lives.”
Participants who raise $250 or more will be entered in a draw to win one of three prizes generously donated by Bennett’s Furniture and Mattresses and other local businesses. Winners will be announced on June 14.
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Innovation Cluster Launches Groundbreaking Women Breaking Barriers Accelerator Program
/Statistics show that only 6% of tech companies have a female CEO, and only 8% of Directors on boards of Canadian tech companies are women. As well, only 4% of VC funding goes toward women-led companies and founders who are women of colour get less than 1% of venture capital each year. The Innovation Cluster is working to change their numbers through a groundbreaking new accelerator program.
They have officially launched Women Breaking Barriers, a six-month cohort acceleration program designed specifically for women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and social innovation.
The program will allow participants to fast track their companies and will reduce barriers for female founders including the unique opportunity to pitch to angel investors at the end of six months. This program has been made possible by a $75,000 Seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Funds will be used to hire professionals, purchase supplies, as well as to operate workshops and events. The overall program will be one year long, consisting of two separate cohorts of up to 10 women that will last six months each.
The fully virtual program has opened applications for the first cohort August 5th, with a start date of September first. Applications are due August 27th at noon.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Participants (aged 18 or older) will have every opportunity to accelerate their company during the program, which includes specific and advanced training sessions, weekly mentorship with advisors, peer-to-peer learning, community networking and more.
“Our goal with this program is to increase opportunities and improve the support for women entering a career path in STEM and social innovation,” says Rosalea Terry, Marketing Manager and Senior Innovation Specialist with the Innovation Cluster. “After completing the program, these women will leave with the skills and knowledge to achieve success in their startup.”
The program ends with each participant guaranteed to pitch to the local Peterborough Region Angel Network, which currently has over thirty investors. The group has invested over $6 million in companies over the years.
To learn more about the unique program, click here.
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Local Realtor Linz Hunt Trekked The Sahara Desert In Support Of YWCA Crossroads Shelter
/Peterborough Realtor Linz Hunt met with respresentatives at YWCA Peterborough Haliburton recently to present a cheque for $17,820 in support of YWCA Crossroads Shelter.
Hunt’s generous gift in support of women and children fleeing abuse was raised through an incredible 5 day, 100 kilometre trek through the Sahara Desert late last year. She was among 120 real estate agents who participated in the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation Sahara Desert Challenge for Shelter.
Photo of Linz Hunt in Sahara Desert
“As a Realtor, my job is to sell people homes and I can't imagine associating a home with fear and danger,” says Hunt.
“I chose to contribute more intentionally to the YWCA by taking part in the Sahara Trek because of the people I know and love who have experienced gender-based violence.”
“Every day throughout the trek, we read letters from women and children who had escaped their abusers thanks to the shelters we were supporting,” adds Hunt.
“These letters were heartbreaking but they reaffirmed that our journey was nothing in comparison to what these families have gone through. I truly had the experience of a lifetime supporting such an important cause.”
The Peterborough Police Are Hosting First “Women in Policing Symposium”
/The Peterborough Police Service is pleased to announce it is hosting its first ever symposium for women interested in a career in policing.
Taking place March 23rd, the event will invite women to participate in a number of activities meant to expose them to elements of the profession in an informal manner, increase their confidence in their suitability and capability to become an officer, and prepare them to be successful in a recruiting process.
Photograph courtesy Peterborough Police
In order to provide a quality experience for attendees, the Committee will invite 40 applicants to attend the event. The agenda includes:
-> Resume review
-> Mock interview
-> PREP (physical readiness evaluation for police) test exposure and practice
-> Use of force exposure and practice
-> Scenario work in partnership with an officer
-> Networking lunch with an officer
-> Panel Q&A
Fleming College is partnering in the event and is generously providing their facility. In addition, they will provide childcare for those attendees who need it. A complimentary light lunch will be included during which attendees will have the opportunity to have impromptu conversations with the officers.
Poster courtesy Peterborough Police Service
The free event is geared toward women who have an interest in policing but have never applied or were unsuccessful in the recruiting process and given up.
It takes place Saturday, March 23rd from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fleming College’s Sutherland campus. To apply for this event (the deadline to apply is March 4th), complete this short questionnaire.
Those who have been selected to participate in the event will be notified via email by Friday, March 8th.
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Female High School Students Participating In Women In Trades Event At Fleming College
/
Unique event at Kawartha Trades & Technology Centre February 28th
Read MoreHere's Why A Peterborough Woman Did A Boudoir Photo Shoot For Everyone To See
/In today's society, the concept of the female body image is one that women and girls all around the world struggle with. Many body types seem unattainable thanks to photoshop editing that we see in magazines and online every day.
Sara Lunn photo courtesy Stephanie Hayes
For Peterborough's Sara Lunn, the thought of taking a series of boudoir photos with local photographer Stephanie Hayes for the public to see was nerve-wracking. Steph had put the word out she was looking for women to photograph for a boudoir shoot for her online portfolio, and Sara initially jumped at the chance but soon had second thoughts.
Sara Lunn photo courtesy Stephanie Hayes
"I sat there and stewed about it for a long time," she writes in a blog entry on Steph's site. "I wanted to work with her, but I was torn. One half of me totally wanted to be that girl who looked amazing, fun, and flirty. The other half of me kindly reminded myself that I would have to hide most of my body and there was no way I would be fully comfortable. Surely she would find someone better suited for it (whatever that meant)."
Sara Lunn photo courtesy Stephanie Hayes
"I have struggled with loving myself for my whole life," adds Sara. "I am not comfortable in my own skin. I can’t remember a time when I was ever comfortable. I have an amazing partner [Ian George, her fiancé] who makes me feel like I am the most beautiful creature on the planet. He also reminds me that no one is perfect and that he loves me because of my imperfections; it’s what makes me who I am."
Sara Lunn photo courtesy Stephanie Hayes
After trying to think of excuses to back out, Sara ultimately decided to take a leap of faith and go ahead with the shoot.
"When I arrived for the shoot, I met two other women, and as it turned out, we were all incredibly nervous. It was awesome to sit and chat about what our concerns were before the shoot, how we have dealt with our insecurities and what we all hoped to take away that night. It was really great meeting people in totally different places in their lives, but, we all shared similar concerns and fears."
Sara Lunn photo courtesy Stephanie Hayes
"I was the last one to be photographed and I must admit, it was an absolute blast and would do it a million more times," Sara writes. "Steph made me feel so comfortable and to be honest, I think I was laughing for most of it (when I wasn’t trying to be serious)."
Sara Lunn photo courtesy Stephanie Hayes
"When I look at my pictures I am blown away. The first picture I saw, I actually squealed out loud and jumped up and down. That is me! Holy crap! I feel beautiful and sexy and most of all – confident and comfortable. That’s all I ever wanted. So to Steph, I say thank you. Thank you for capturing me in a light I never knew existed. It’s wonderful."
Sara Lunn photo courtesy Stephanie Hayes
"I didn't do this for my fiancé Ian, I did it for myself," Sara tells PTBOCanada. "I did it because I knew it was outside of my comfort zone and I knew Steph wanted to use the photos for her portfolio so I knew more people would see them other than just Ian and myself."
Kudos for Sara for being courageous enough to do this. The photos are beautiful.
View more photos from the shoot here.
—by Aaron Elliott
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8 Local Women You Really Need To Meet
/You know how you hear about this person or that person being super cool, and someone you ought to meet? Well here are a few amazing women in Peterborough and the Kawarthas we've compiled. If you ever get the chance to have coffee with them, don't pass it up. In no particular order, here we go...
1. Peggy Shaughnessy
For starters, Peggy is the owner of the legendary Whistle Stop at the corner of George & Charlotte—which has some of the best poutine (and conversation) you'll find anywhere on the planet. But much more than that, Peggy is an angel to the less fortunate in society—or those just struggling in their day to day lives. She is a tireless crusader who helps people who come in off the street looking for help or through her mental health Redpath programs she runs across Canada. She is also one of the funniest people you'll ever meet, a great storyteller—and an even greater listener.
2. Maryam Monsef
Maryam is the current Federal Liberal candidate for Peterborough [UPDATE: and now MP] and was a close runner-up in the Peterborough mayoral race last fall. Politics aside, she has an infectious energy and attitude toward life. She believes anyone—regardless of age, race, gender or experience—can change the world through courage, passion, conviction and knowledge. She's living proof of that. She also totally loves Peterborough—it saved her life—and knows that everyone has a story to share, and that anyone can make a difference.
3. Sofie Andreou
Sofie is known for her passion of leveraging the power of online marketing—speaking and training people in Peterborough and far beyond. But she is also a community ambassador, with her countless roles with supporting local charities and business initiatives and economic development. This entrepreneur has instrumental roles with Women's Business Network (WBN) and the Bears' Lair Entrepreneurial Competition. She's also witty, supportive and helpful to all—a great sounding board. A true community builder.
4. Leslie Bradford-Scott
On a cash crop farm in Bailieboro, Leslie has the makings of a global empire with her funky gift products for men and women put out by her company Walton Wood Farm. Leslie has written award-winning screenplays but one could also write a screenplay about her own life—see her quirky "Owner's Story" here. She sees the great comedy in life's situations, which is reflected in her hilarious display copy and fresh approach on her Walton Wood products. Her story is one of perseverance, fortitude—and humour—and it's no wonder her business is taking off. If you meet her, you'll see why she has all the right ingredients to succeed. And she'll likely share some great nuggets of wisdom with you.
5. Kate Wells
Kate is a passionate autism advocate—often live tweeting the daily ups and downs of living with a child of autism. Kate is remarkably transparent about the huge extremes of dealing with her teenage autistic son Aidan, giving us a raw look into the impact it has on her family and mental health. But Kate's attitude is amazing through the highs and lows, and if you meet her in real life you'll see why. She's smart, funny, self-deprecating and insightful all at once. And she could care less about being judged. She owns her own life. Oh, and she is also a great writer who one day we'd like to see write a book about living with autism—an extended version of her Twitter handle.
6. Cindy Crowley
Cindy pictured with her husband Dave
Cindy co-owns Ricky’s All Day Grill with her husband Dave. She makes comfort food there, but also is comfort food. When you meet Cindy, you feel like you've known her forever—like re-connecting with a long-lost friend or family member. Cindy is a life-long resident of Peterborough and is supportive of all things that build community. Say hi to her next time you're at Ricky's and see you'll see what we mean.
7. Kemi Akapo
Kemi has the best smile in Peterborough—but that's just the beginning. A passionate community advocate and social activist, Kemi is Settlement Services Coordinator at New Canadians Centre—and earlier this year was an NGO delegate at United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York, attending as a representative of the YWCA. She also has a great radio voice—and is a terrific interviewer—hosting a People of Peterborough show on Trent Radio. Meet her if you can.
8. Anne Arnold
The former Director of Business Development at The Venue, Anne is also a wife, mom, nana, volunteer and passionate community ambassador. She's been involved with many organizations and charities over the years, including International Dragon Boat Festival, Habitat for Humanity Women Build Committee, Easter Seals Telethon Committee, Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life and more. She can offer great wisdom and advice based on her years of experience in business and volunteering. Oh, and she once took Bobby Orr waterskiing in Parry Sound. But we'll let her tell you about that.
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