Two Local Girls Earn $10,000 Grants For Habitat for Humanity In Writing Contest

Elementary school students Olivia Grady and Emma Mattson were runner-ups in the “Meaning of Home” writing contest that earned a $10,000 grant each for Habitat for Humanity announced Monday.

Mattson (left) and Grady (right) were two of over 12,000 entrants across Canada that participated in the contest. Photo Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity.

The nationwide contest invited Canadian kids from grades 4-6 to submit a poem or essay explaining what home means to them.

A winner and three runner-ups are selected from each grade and are awarded $30,000 and $10,000 respectively towards their local habitat build. The earnings will go towards building homes for families in need of a safe and secure place to call home according to the press release.

Matson wrote her poem “Houses and Homes” which earned her a runner-up award, sharing the spot with two other girls representing Habitat Greater Ottawa.

“A house is made of wood and bricks.
A home is made of love and family.
Home is the heart of my family.
Home keeps us all together.

Home reminds us of those good times.
Home means love.
Home means family.
Home helps us make memories.

Our home is always there for us.

When I am in my home, I feel safe.
I feel comfortable in my home.
My home means so much to me.

My home is no ordinary house.
It’s a home.

Our home means more to us in these times.
Covid-19 made us spend more time in our houses than normal.
I now realize what my home really means.
It means family.

Home is wonderful.
When I think of home I think of my indigenous culture.
When I am home, I feel like me.
When I am in my home I think of my family, my culture and my background.

I don’t live in a house.
I live in a home.”

— Emma Mattson

Grady got runner-up with her entry, “What Does Home Mean to Me?” for the grade 6 category.

“Home can mean several things. To me, it doesn’t just resemble a building. Those 4 walls and a roof I’ve spent my whole life in means more than I can explain. The comfort, safety and love that comes from my home makes this place more than what you think.

I know I’m at home when I feel that single feeling of comfort the moment I walk through the door. My dog, greeting me with her kisses and happiness, mom and dad, giving me the hug that I have awaited all day for and my brother so joyous to see everyone together again. However, comfort isn’t just the hug you get when you walk into the house. It’s also helping each other, doing fun things together and knowing that you are loved.

An essential part of home to me is safety. Knowing that in the darkest conditions, I am always safe in my parent’s warm embrace. Safety is trusting that I can come home to escape my sorrow, bitter thoughts and just be myself. It also means to flee the cold rainstorm that I’ve been drenched in to a place that brings me a sense of security and safety. When I’m safe, that’s how I know that I’m at home.

Finally, the heart of my home is love. You don’t have to spell “love” to feel it. The simplest things my family does shows me that they love me whether it’s watching movies together, playing games or just giving each other our time. When someone says “home” I immediately think of love for it is the true key to a happily ever after.

I hope that one day, everyone will have a home to experience the things that I believe home means.”

— Olivia Grady

Sarah Budd, Humanity CEO, expressed her gratitude for the girls’ efforts in earning $22,890 for the habitat build. Each student entry also earns a $10 donation for their local Habitat.

“I’d like to congratulate both Olivia and Emma for their participation and incredible efforts in supporting affordable housing in their community,” she said. “Because of their hard work, these $10,000 grants mean that we can help more local families and individuals have access to safe and affordable homeownership.”

This year’s Meaning of Home contest raised a record of $300,000 for local Habitat for Humanity organizations across Canada.

Full contest results can be found on the contest’s official website.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Electric City Works, Traynor Farms, Welsh Marketing and FutureProofing Retail

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition… 

South - Eatery by Electric City Works is Peterborough’s newest restaurant. Located at 597 Monaghan Road, owners Tara and Adam Genge say that South features delicious pub fare currently available for takeout orders Wednesday to Saturday. Electric City Works, meanwhile, is located on Charlotte Street.

Originally Chalk Therapy, Tara and Adam expanded the furniture refinishing business to include retail, event and workshop space, partnerships with other makers and a fully licensed Market featuring local beer and wine, fresh homemade baked goods, soups and sandwiches, grocery items and heat at-home meals.

The South - Eatery will be the source for much of the food available in their Market.

Traynor Farms continues to evolve and innovate. A third-generation family farm, you can now browse their online store to see the complete inventory of farm-raised cuts of beef, chicken, pork, and lamb, as well as heat-and-serve meals, baked goods, and more… all locally sourced of course!

They offer free delivery with a minimum order or you can place your order online and pull up for curbside pickup. You can also shop at their Farm Store located just 15 minutes south of Peterborough or you can chat with owner Greg Traynor every Saturday at the Peterborough Farmer’s market beside the Memorial Centre.

Jennifer Welsh is also adapting to the new realities of doing business. In her 31st year as the owner of Welsh Marketing Inc., you can now browse their branded merchandise, customized apparel, and PPE Covid-19 solutions on their website and social media channels. With the lack of in-person gatherings, Jennifer can offer some creative ways to continue to market your business.

If you are a retailer trying to plan your reopening strategy, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development is offering a special workshop called Future Proofing Retail: Retail Trends and Innovations for 2021 and Beyond. Join Lisa Hutcheson on June 15th for this online interactive workshop to get some inspiration and ideas. Details and registration are at peterboroughed.ca

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Local Boy Shares Inspiring Immigration Story After Five Years In Canada

Life changed at a young age on a whim for Jorge Escalera Arroyo immigrating to Canada but the 11-year-old shared his story in a podcast by New Canadians Centre Peterborough (NCC) last Wednesday.

Arroyo has expressed some interest in streaming video games like Fortnite or Spanish lessons on Youtube in the near-future. Photo Courtesy of Sarai Arroyo.

Arroyo moved from Monterrey, Mexico when he was six after his father received a job opportunity at Quaker Oats Peterborough.

The grade 5 student received an invitation from the NCC to record a 12-minute podcast of his experience living in Canada. He talks about his struggles, adjusting to a new culture and eventually expresses his love for living in Canada.

“I like the community because they’re so kind,” said Arroyo. “People are generous too. I also like the school because I understand it more than Mexico.”

Arroyo highlights his early struggles in school from learning both English and French and being bullied by other students. He credits his teachers for helping him learn them quickly.

He initially had a difficult time since he was learning three languages at once (including his native language of Spanish) and says kids were teasing him for not knowing them well right away.

The Westmount Public School student wanted to share his story to inspire others while the world is under a pandemic.

“I know we’re going through a very rough time,” he said. “I thought if anyone is moving or having a rough time, I wanted to share them my story so they could feel a bit better and know what everybody else is going through.”

Gym is one of Arroyo’s favourite school subjects. He is a big fan of the Canadian dessert, Nanaimo bars. Photo Courtesy of Sarai Arroyo.

He also wanted to spread the message of anyone being open to others about their struggles rather than bottling them up.

“I wanted to let people know if they have something bad (experiences) to say, they should say it to get that pressure off your mind,” he said.

Arroyo says his favourite Mexican food is tamales and is fan of their street food. Photo Courtesy of Sarai Arroyo.

Arroyo often keeps in contact with friends and family in Mexico and helps children learn English he said. He is the oldest of three with a brother Roberto, 5, and sister Sofia, 3.

He is no longer bullied in school and overcame his initial shyness when he came to Canada. Arroyo’s hobbies include karate, video games and drawing.

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Peterborough's Generosity Fuels Food Drive By Kawartha Food Share

The bins were filling up with donated goods as Kawartha Food Share (KFS) held its month-long county-wide food drive at Morello’s Independent Grocer on Friday.

Customers were quickly filling up the donation bins at Morello’s Independent Grocer at Willowcreek Plaza. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The food drive will restock food banks across the county that saw higher demand for food during the pandemic according to Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager.

The event is one of five stops that will take place during the month of June in five different cities in Peterborough County. All proceeds donated at Morello’s will be donated to the Apsley food bank which lost Sayer’s Foods last December to a fire.

The other food drives will take place in Bridgenorth, Buckhorn, Havelock and Lakefield every Saturday of the month. All items donated will be circulated in their town’s respective food banks.

Each food drive is being from from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith and a few volunteers were present to collect food and cash donations and give away free items such as reusable bags and water bottles.

“We’ve had a number of people who’ve come and said they changed their day just so they can come out and make a donation to Kawartha Food Share today,” said Smith. “It’s fabulous to see the generosity in our community. So many people looking out for their neighbours, it’s just wonderful.”

Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith helped Kawartha Food Share last November in their “Winter is Coming Food Drive” which raised almost $40,000 in cash and food donations. Photo by David Tuan Bui

Morello’s donated $500 to the campaign according to one of Smith’s volunteers. The grocery store had prepackaged food bank bags available for purchase for either $10 or $20.

Several bins were already full of donated goods by the first half-hour of the food drive according to Smith.

Food Bank Bags were piled at the store’s entrance to be purchased and donated to Kawartha Food Share. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

KFS distributes 150,000-200,000 pounds of food in a month which feeds over 9,000 individuals.

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Hometown PTBO: NHL Alumnus John Druce Details His Hockey Career, Being Starstruck On the Golf Course and Pedal For Hope

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks to former Washington Capitals forward John Druce about being in the NHL, his coaching career, meeting a certain James Bond actor while golfing and participating in Pedal for Hope.

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Online Charity Event Concerning Children's Mental Health During Pandemic

Local vlogger and content creator Michelle Ferreri will hold a free online fundraiser to support children's mental health during the pandemic announced on Wednesday.

Michelle Ferrari currently has over 24,000 followers on her Facebook Page. Photo Courtesy of Michelle Ferrari.

The event, “A Virtual Conversation On Youth Mental Health and the Current Pandemic Crisis,” featuring child psychiatrist Dr. Jean Clinton is scheduled for June 18 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

It helps parents with tips and tools to help themselves and their children navigate through the pandemic and mental health crisis.

All proceeds will go towards Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) as the event urges anyone to donate what they can for children’s mental health.

Dr. Jean Clinton is a Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University. Photo Courtesy of Michelle Ferreri.

The announcement was made after the Government of Ontario announced that there would be no return to in-class school prior to September due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Questions can be submitted prior to the event at hello@michelleferreri.com. The event will be live-streamed on her official Facebook page and will be available on Ferreri’s official website after the event.

If you would like to donate towards the cause, you can visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/health-services-foundation/campaign/michelle-ferreri-presents-dr-jean-clinton/. The goal is set at $5,000.

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PTBOCanada Donates Sign Wars Funds to Children's Foundation

The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation (KHCF) received a cheque of $6,360 from PTBOCanada on Thursday morning.

Deb Aben (left) recieves the cheque of $6,360 from PTBOCanada owner Kirtus Evoy (middle) and Pete Dalliday (right). Photo by David Tuan Bui

The funds came from the Peterborough Sign Wars campaign PTBOCanada ran in late April, selling “Meet me in Aisle 15” t-shirts.

The PTBOCanada team including owner Kirtus Evoy, Fresh Radio 100.5’s Pete Dalliday and editor David Tuan Bui arrived at the charity to donate the proceeds.

Fresh Radio and The Wolf were one of several businesses that were highly active in the #PTBOSignWars. File Photo.

Deb Aben, Executive Producer of KHCF was there to accept the money on behalf of the charity and could not be happier to receive the donation.

“When the call came through was just so thrilled that it’s going towards helping kids who are in need of our community,” said “It’s going to make a huge difference this summer.”

“It was amazing to see the community come together over a quick period handing out thousands of smiles through the sign wars and raise money for a great cause,” said Evoy. “I’m proud to be part of an amazing community.”

KHCF sends kinds either for one or two weeks of summer camp every year with the exception of last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The money will go towards sending kids to summer camp and their “Soaking Up Summer” program. Developed last year, the program purchased athletic equipment, toys or anything designed for kids to play outside and be active. The campaign was created as an alternative to sending kids to day camp due to the pandemic.

“I felt I’d won the lottery,” said Aben. “How lucky these kids are to be the beneficiaries of something that engaged the community and made us smile, laugh and made us feel like a kid again.”

KHCF supports children in activities that are not government funded, provides money for families newly caring for extended family members, post-secondary bursaries and gift cards for youth transitioning to independent living who were formerly in youth care.

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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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