Peterborough Blogs
PRHC Foundation Mombassadors Support PRHC’s Tiniest Patients With $42,000 Donation
/The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation Mombassadors announced their annual fundraising total and presented the PRHC Foundation with a cheque for $42,041 to purchase lifesaving equipment for PRHC’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
With the support of the community, the local group of fundraisers was able to make their donation despite the cancellation of their main annual event, Girls Night Out. The Spring 2020 event was tentatively rescheduled for September 18th, but was ultimately cancelled earlier in the month due to the restrictions resulting from COVID-19.
2019/2020 PRHC Foundation Mombassadors celebrate their donation to the PRHC Foundation (while maintaining their social bubbles). From left: Erin Marshall, Sarah McDougall Perrin, Emily Kingdon, Mary Kingdon, Ashley Prentice, Laura Montague, Marcy D’Alessandro, Hayley Vogler, Grace Reynolds, Kate Ahrens (Photo courtesy PRHC Foundation)
“It was a heart-breaking decision for us to cancel Girls Night Out, especially since babies continue to be born every day at PRHC, and almost one in four of them will need critical care in the NICU during the first moments, days, weeks or even months of their lives,” says the Mombassadors’ 2020 Chair, Marcy D'Alessandro. “That is why it was so important to us that we do our best to raise as much as we could this year in spite of having to cancel, directing our support to funding lifesaving equipment for PRHC’s NICU.”
The PRHC Foundation Mombassadors are grateful for all the generous community support they received. “We were so touched by the generosity of our community,” adds D’Alessandro. “The majority of our Girls Night Out sponsors—including our title sponsor, Full Tilt Cycle—elected to maintain their donations. In addition, many of the Girls Night Out ticket holders opted to donate the cost of their ticket. This says a lot about the character of our community.”
Photo via facebook.com/PRHCmombassadors
Additional support for the Mombassadors’ 2019/20 fundraising campaign came from local businesses, families and individuals. Several initiatives were held throughout the year, including the group’s annual December event, 100 Kids Care, and the launch of their clothing line.
Over 1,600 babies are born at PRHC each year. The Mombassadors’ 2020 donation will fund a radiant heater/warmer for those babies who need extra support after birth—equipment that will help save the lives of PRHC’s tiniest patients.
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$1.9 million In Funding Going To Peterborough Police Service, Will Help Connect People At Risk Of Opioid-Related Overdoses To Community Services
/MP Maryam Monsef has announced more than $1.9 million in funding over the next three years to the Peterborough Police Service. Through this funding, people who use drugs and have experienced an overdose will be connected to newly-created community-based outreach and support services.
As part of this pilot project, the Peterborough Police Service has created a collaborative community based mobile outreach team to increase the capacity and options available to first responders to refer people who have experienced an overdose. This new team will help divert people who use drugs away from the criminal justice system and into supportive to harm reduction, peer support, health and social services.
Photo of announcement over Zoom courtesy of Maryam Monsef’s team
In addition, this initiative will increase access to culturally appropriate services for Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQ2+ populations, youth, women, and those living with HIV through partnerships with other organizations such as Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre and PARN.
Photo of announcement over Zoom courtesy of Maryam Monsef’s team
“Too many were living in crisis before COVID, and mental health challenges, problematic substance use, and the added pressures of self isolation have increased the deaths and tragedies in our community,” says MP Monsef.
She adds: “Problematic substance use is a public health issue. Caring professionals in our community have asked for additional resources to help them with their important work. This investment will create over seven positions to allow coordination among essential frontline workers, so those who need the help are redirected from criminal justice system to harm reduction, peer support, health and social services. There is much more to be done. Today is a positive step forward.”
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99-Year-Old Guy Aiello Raises $20,880 For PRHC Foundation By Walking Marathon
/Ninety-nine-year-old Guy Aiello, a longtime PRHC hospital supporter, walked the distance of a marathon—42.2 kilometres—to raise funds for equipment and technology at PRHC, and raised $20,880 PRHC Foundation has announced.
A PRHC Foundation donor and former hospital volunteer for almost 30 years, Guy was raised to be kind to everyone and to share what he had. In honour of his 100th birthday this fall, he was resilient in walking this far, and the community rallied behind him.
Guy walked the distance of a marathon—and then some—over the month of July to support the PRHC Foundation. He raised the funds in support of the equipment and technology that PRHC’s doctors, nurses and staff need to provide world-class care to patients.
“Our deepest thanks to Guy and everyone who supported his fundraising challenge,” PRHC Foundation says in a Facebook post. “We know the very best hospitals depend on the generosity of many donors working together and we are very grateful for your support.”
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MP Monsef Announces $7.6 million To Build 25 Rental Units For Peterborough Families
/MP Maryam Monsef has announced that the federal government is financing $7.6 million to help construct 25 residential units located at 3789 Water Street in Peterborough.
The development includes a unique partnership with Kawartha Participation Projects (KPP), who will provide management of the building.
Patrick Cooper, CEO, Kawartha Participations Project, and Maryam Monsef, Member of Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha, on-site at 3789 Water Street in Peterborough where 25 residential units are being constructed.
KPP provides housing services and supports to people with physical disabilities living in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton and Northumberland. Five units in the development have been earmarked for KPP clients and will be designed to meet the accessibility needs of tenants.
The development at 3789 Water Street by Greenleaf/Cor-Plan is receiving financing through the National Housing Strategy’s Rental Construction Financing initiative (RCFi), one of the many NHS programs being delivered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The RCFi supports the creation of new rental housing projects to encourage a stable supply of rental housing.
“The need for housing in our community was great before COVID, and it’s only increased since,” says MP Monsef. “We need innovative partners and solutions to address the housing needs in our community and projects like this one do just that. This partnership with KPP represents the Government of Canada’s continued commitment to investing in both accessible and affordable housing here in Peterborough-Kawartha.”
“Peterborough has a great need for all types of housing,” adds Peterborough Mayor Therrien. “Solving our housing challenges requires innovative solutions and cooperation from all levels of government, as well as private partners. The funding through CMHC will add 25 residential units to our housing stock and will increase density in the North end of our city.”
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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Rapids End Coffee Roastery & More!
/PTBOCanada is delighted to to be running StooNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
Daniel Biro travelled around North America for 15 years, playing music and drinking a lot of coffee. Over those years, he developed not only a taste for good coffee but a solid business plan as well. He launched Rapids End Coffee Roastery at 721 Rye Street, sharing the parking lot with Norms Cash and Carry. With lots of variety to choose from, you can pick up Rapids End Coffee at the Main Ingredient, the Silver Bean, Kit Coffee, Revelstoke, Kitchen Pharmacy—and Daniel is always open to new retailers. Or order online and have it delivered. Click here for more info.
To boldly go where they’ve been before, John and Kelly Dewar recently announced that John Dewar’s Auto Source is moving back to their original location at 1838 Ashburnham Drive, across from the PUC. They’ll still be carrying their great selection of late model, low KM vehicles. Opening day is next Tuesday, September 1st. So next week, when you “go straight to the source” go to Ashburnham, just North of Lansdowne. Autosource.ca.
Women Breaking Barriers is a new program for female-led businesses and startups in science, technology, engineering, math and social innovation. This program will intake two cohorts of 10 women aged 18 or older through six months of fast-tracked programming and mentorship to reduce barriers to grow and scale their businesses. With targeted training, mentorships, collaboration, and access to funding through Community Futures, the program culminates in the opportunity for each business to pitch to the Peterborough Region Angel Network. Applications for the first cohort are due this Thursday (August 27th) at noon. Details at innovationcluster.ca.
Congratulations to Brian Edwards of Rocklands Shows, who recently celebrated 40 years and over 5,000 shows in the music business. Brian and his wife Barbara want to thank the Rocklands Team and dozens of good people in the music business who have given them their trust over the years.
And congratulations to Lindsay Broadband and Accelleran who recently announced that Cogeco Communications Inc. is testing their one-box small cell solution on Cogeco’s network in the province of Quebec. A local company solving some of the rural internet issues.
“Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!
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Peterborough Marina Season Extended To October
/When the Marina opened on June 12 this year after delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Peterborough planned for a shortened season at the Marina due to an expected decrease in boating traffic, staffing requirements, and costs.
Boaters with mooring space at the Marina signed agreements that specified the Marina would be closing on Labour Day, Monday, September 7th, but the City had committed to review the operating situation as the season progressed to determine whether the closing date could be shifted to Thanksgiving weekend.
A review has now been conducted, and as such the closing date has indeed been shifted: Peterborough Marina operating season is extending its typical closing day on Thanksgiving, which is Monday, October 12th this year.
Photo via City of Peterborough website
Local and regional boaters are making use of this recreational facility in the centre of Peterborough, says Councillor Lesley Parnell, the chair of Council’s Arenas, Parks and Recreation Portfolio.
“We’ve been taking a phased, cautious approach to re-opening our community’s recreation facilities to the public,” she says. “We re-opened the Marina for a shortened season to begin with to gauge interest and to manage the new operating conditions. I’m thrilled that we’re now able to keep the Marina open until its typical closing day this year.”
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Hike For Hospice Going Virtual This Year With Hike Your Way Event
/In a pandemic year, Hospice Peterborough is encouraging people to gather a team to support end of life care, life-threatening illness and bereavement in the community through a virtual version of their Hike for Hospice called “Hike Your Way”.
Hike Your Way will be a week long, self-led event taking place from September 13-19th. Participants are encouraged to walk, bike, or hike while supporting the work of Hospice Peterborough. Networking, stories, photos, and fun will be shared through the Hike for Hospice Peterborough Facebook page.
You can register yourself or with a team by clicking here. Those who register by September 1st will be entered into a draw for a $100 Montana’s gift certificate.
Last year, Hospice Peterborough supported more than 750 adults and 165 children and youth through end-of-life, grief, and bereavement. Thanks to the generosity of the community, and through such events as Hike for Hospice, all programs and services are offered free of charge to the people that need them.
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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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Local Family-Owned Company AON Helps to Support Women and Children in Crisis
/A recent $5,000 donation from AON Inc.—a major employer of women in Peterborough—is helping YWCA Peterborough Haliburton address the urgent needs of women and children trapped with abusive men throughout the pandemic.
“AON Inc. is pleased to provide support to the YWCA 2020 Crisis Campaign to help women and children in our community escape violence which has been elevated due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Sarah Joore, AON Inc. Chairperson Charitable Donations. “We understand the increased stress non-profit organizations in our community are facing and hope that our contribution will support the YWCA’s current initiatives to assist those with the greatest needs in our community in the months ahead.”
Photo courtesy YWCA
As the reality of COVID-19 landed in Ontario, reports were released from other countries indicating that demand for violence against women services had as much as tripled following self-isolation.
YWCA staff anticipate a dramatic increase in the need for shelter and support services as women gain more opportunities to seek help during Stage 3 of the reopening plan—particularly once children return to their regular school routines.
While funding from Provincial and Federal Governments has helped women’s shelters address a number of unexpected costs associated with COVID-19, annual government funding covers less than 65% of the organization’s operating costs.
Photo courtesy YWCA
