Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough Receives $6,000 from "Lids For Kids" Campaign

More smiles on kids’ faces and more heads are covered after the “Lids for Kids” campaign raised $6,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough (Peterborough Bigs) donated by PTBOCanada on Wednesday.

Members of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough and PTBOCanada at the cheque presentation.

The proceeds support weekly virtual programs to keep children on the waiting list connected to the agency. Examples include weekly trivia games and craft nights, including painting pictures and decorating pots in which they plant seeds.

Each hat purchased had $10 go towards the charity. They were available on PTBOCanada’s shop page in five different styles.

“It was great to have an opportunity to get behind the cause that simultaneously builds community through the PTBOCanada hats but also works for charity, said Thomas Jenkins, Peterborough Bigs board member. "We were absolutely honoured to be the charity choice for this."

"It's amazing to have people that are so supportive both with their time and energy and with their dollars," said Brent Shepard, Peterborough Bigs executive director. "It makes a big difference."

PTBOCanada owner Kirtus Evoy presented the check at their studio in East City to Peterborough Bigs. The campaign originally raised $5,000 from 500 hats sold but Evoy threw in an extra $1,000 totalling $6,000.

The campaign began back in late April with several local celebrities and notables showing their support such as WWE wrestler Bobby Roode, sports broadcaster Dan O’Toole, Peterborough Chamber of Commerce president Stu Harrison and more.

Activities were limited with COVID-19 between the brothers and sisters but with the donated money, the organization is hoping to do more with the mentorship program.

"This is going go a long way to help us pull out of that (COVID-19 pandemic) and build on the good stuff that we've already seen happen in the history of Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough," said Shepard.

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Help PTBOCanada Support Peterborough Humane Society's "Strutt Your Mutt" Fundraiser

During the month of September, editor David Tuan Bui, his fiancée Autumn Nadeau and other PTBOCanada staff are getting in shape for the Peterborough Humane Society’s (PHS) Strutt Your Mutt fundraiser.

(left to right) David Tuan Bui, Autumn Nadeau and Macaroon after the pair’s first walk of the month to kick off “Strutt Your Mutt.” Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The virtual challenge encourages anyone to register on PHS’s website then get active by running, cycling, yoga or any physical activity to raise money for animal wellness.

Community members and local businesses can sign up online as an individual or team and set their personal wellness and fundraising goals. Prizes are available for the highest individual and team fundraiser.

Bui and Nadeau will walk every day possible during the whole month to raise money. Their plan is to raise $1,000 but may continue to increase the goal if the amount is exceeded.

They are running since their pet cat Macaroon was adopted from PHS on Oct. 15, 2018 and saw it as a way to give back to the animal shelter.

“She is my very first cat and I would love to give back to the Humane Society for giving us a furball who's given us so much joy,” exclaimed Bui.

David Tuan Bui joined the PTBOCanada team on Mar. 1 when owner Kirtus Evoy purchased the business from Neil Morton. Photo By David Tuan Bui.

If you would like to donate to PHS on PTBOCanada’s behalf, click here.

If you would like to create your own individual page or start your own team, click here.

The fundraising campaign is seeking its goal of $25,000 at the end of the month.

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Peterborough Humane Society Issues Virtual Challenge For Shelter Needs Fundraiser

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) is calling the community to participate in the month-long “Strutt Your Mutt” fundraiser all September to help raise funds for animals in need announced Monday.

A puppy showing affection to Emily Craigen. Funds raised from Strutt, support greatest shelter needs as well as special programs such as the Milo Fund and Safe Nights for Pets (SnooPy) program. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The challenge encourages anyone to register on PHS’s website then get active by running, cycling, yoga or any physical activity to raise money for animal wellness.

Community members and local businesses can sign up online as an individual or team and set their personal wellness and fundraising goals. Prizes are available for the highest individual and team fundraiser.

“One benefit to a virtual event is that people and animals that don’t like crowds could participate from a distance,” said Emily Craigen, PHS’s communications and development coordinator.

There are roughly 115 animals that are housed at the PHS. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This year’s goal is to raise $25,000 that will go towards providing essential vaccines, veterinary care, food and socialization of the hundreds of animals that come to PHS according to their press release.

“Don’t let the name “Strutt your Mutt” mislead you,” says Shawn Morey, PHS executive director. “We’re calling on all community members, pet owner or not, cat and dog lovers alike. We want to get folks active while supporting our four-legged friends.”

PetSmart often takes PHS animals to their store for display to be available for adoption. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Not only does doing this benefit the animals at the PHS but is a way to improve your own physical health according to Craigen.

“One of our participants in last year’s event lost 15 pounds through her evening walk with her daughter and their family dog,” she explained.

Registration has begun with the challenge taking place from Sept. 1 to 30. To sign up or donate, visit the Strutt Your Mutt website.

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Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament Raises $7,500 for Alzheimer's Awareness

The first annual “Golf for Loved Ones” tournament raised $7,464 for Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton (PKLNH) at The Quarry Golf Club in Ennismore announced Thursday.

Photo Courtesy of Alzheimer Society of Peterborough.

The tournament hosted 98 golfers on June 26. Lori Banks and her family ran the event in honour of her mother Edna Banks as she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s for a decade before passing away in 2017.

“The tournament was about raising money, but also about raising awareness,” said Lori. “I don’t think people realize how many people in our area have dementia.”

The intention was not just to raise money but to raise awareness about the 8,590 people living with dementia in PKLNH. Organizers gave each golfer a purple bracelet and purple ribbon to wear for their round to aid in the campaign.

The event was considered a great success according to both the Banks and Kevin Carter, Quarry Golf Club owner. The event has already been booked for next year.

“Lori and Ron ran a great event,” said Carter. “They were very organized and managed to get a great turnout. The golfers had a great day with excellent weather. Lori and her family raised a lot of money for the Alzheimer Society and the tournament will continue to grow and raise more money down the road. The Quarry was thrilled to be involved with such a great cause.”

“Hopefully we can make it bigger and better. We got a lot of feedback from the golfers saying they would be coming back next year,” said Lori. “We raised a lot of money, but we’d like to double it next time. We’ve already booked the course for next year.”

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Ice Cream Parlour Serving Up Smiles for Children's Charity

Central Smith Ice Cream served charity ice cream cones for Five Counties Children’s Centre’s “Do It For The Kids” campaign on Saturday.

(Left to Right) Allison Zomer, Central Smith server; Jennifer Scates, Central Smith co-owner; Linsay Kampf, Five Counties communications coordinator and Olivia Stevenson. Central Smith server. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The creamery was selling $2.50 single-scoop vanilla ice cream cones with blue and green sprinkles — the Five Counties’ colours — where proceeds go towards the charity. They also sold $2 donation cards as another method to raise money.

The one-day event is a wrap-up of a campaign that the creamery runs monthly. The events were organized by the creamery staff including a cakewalk, bake sales, 50/50 draws and a “Do It for Dad” ice cream day.

“It’s really been a grassroots organization and it’s been driven by the staff,” said Jennifer Scates, Central Smith co-owner. “It’s been phenomenal.”

Central Smith has over 60 flavours of ice cream, sherbet or sorbet that are available in cones, cups or sundaes. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The ice cream parlour has raised roughly $1,800 towards their $5,000 goal to be donated on Halloween. Central Smith has unaccounted funds in the past month that has yet to be counted toward the total.

The staff chose Five Counties as their charity of choice back in September. The creamery runs a charity campaign every two years where Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Team55 and Terry Fox have been past recipients.

Central Smith began exclusive production of premium ice cream in 1952. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The store plans to run future campaigns until September such as charity walks, 50/50 draws and bake sales. Several of the events run have been organized and initiated by the staff.

“We’ve just been slowly building momentum through the year,” said Scates.

Central Smith was founded in 1896 and celebrates its 125th anniversary in mid-July.

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Splash Challenge at Peterborough Lift Locks For Easter Seals Fundraiser

It will be tough to top this water challenge!

Wayne Harding, Rotary Club of Peterborough president, his son Jackson Harding, Easter Seals ambassador Mitchell McCall and brother Eli McCall got blasted with a fire hose twice while paddling in the canal below the Lift Locks on Monday afternoon.

The soaking was part of the Carl Oake Rotary Splash Challenge encouraging Peterborough families to film or photograph aquatic activities such as water balloon fights, pool dives or anything to get wet. It began back on May 17.

The challenge doubles as a fundraiser where all proceeds will go towards Rotary projects in Peterborough and Easter Seals.

The challenge started on May 14 and runs until June 19. Photo By David Tuan Bui

“The needs of the community don’t go away, in fact, they probably increase as we all know,” said Rick Storey, Rotary Club of Peterborough. “This has been good to have some fun, having some smiles and we will raise some money for Easter Seals and Rotary Club which is fantastic.”

Rick Storey (left) with Peterborough Fire Services, the latter provided the firehose to spray the canoers. Storey did not get soaked during the event. Photo By David Tuan Bui

The challenge replaced the 35th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swimathon typically held at the Balsillie Family YMCA pool every February. It could not be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over $1.2 million has been raised during the 35-year span helping Rotary projects such as the Habitat for Humanity Youth Program, Homeward Bound Program, Family Day at Del Crary Park and Strong Kids program at the YMCA.

Mitchell McCall (left) and Eli McCall (right) were one of two canoes that went through the fire hose provided by Peterborough Fire Services. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This fundraiser will help aid Easter Seals since their annual Peterborough Easter Seals telethon was postponed from June 13 to Sept. 26 because of the pandemic that was announced on June 4.

Wayne Harding (left) and Jackson Harding (right)

Challenges will be accepted until this Saturday for anyone willing to participate by using the hashtag #CarlOakeRotarySplashChallenge on social media.

Donations can be made online at the Rotary Club’s official website.

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Omemee Woman Gives Open Invite for Heart Health Awareness Fundraiser With Physical Activities

What started as a personal goal has developed into a worldwide movement and fundraiser for Annie Smith with the 3rd annual Annie's Pace Global Adventure (APGA) in a four-day event starting Friday.

Photo Courtesy of Annie Smith.

The event’s purpose is to raise heart health awareness, test people’s physical limits and promote activity with the motto, “Your heart is worth an hour a day.” Anyone is encouraged to do anything that gets them moving such as sports, walks or even as simple as gardening.

“Moving the body is number one,” said Smith.

Smith was diagnosed with cardiac sarcoidosis in 2016; an invisible, rare, incurable and life-threatening disease. Since the diagnosis, her physical capabilities have become limited.

Merchandise such as t-shirts and wristbands were made in past events. T-shirts have sold out but wristbands still remain available by contacting Smith. Photo Courtesy of Annie Smith.

Her campaign encourages others to post their heart stories and/or weekend activities on Smith’s Facebook or Instagram page while tagging themselves during the event.

Smith trekked 161 kilometres in 2019 through four days and 180 kilometres in 2020. This year, she will go an abridged distance on a treadmill due to her physical capabilities for Friday, Sunday and Monday. She will do a 26-kilometre walk with two friends starting from Jackson’s Park to Reaboro on Saturday.

“I don’t want it to be about me, I want it to be able to be about the people and bringing that awareness,” said Smith. “I want the world to unite for four days for heart disease awareness.”

Her inspiration came from her cardiologist Dr. Heather Ross who raised almost $1 million with Test Your Limits. She began APGA to aid in that goal for heart disease and heart failure research. Smith wants to raise $16,000 through three years where she already raised $10,875 in the first two ($5,500 in 2019 and $5,375 in 2020).

Not only has Canada partaken in the event, but it has also gained worldwide recognition including reaching countries as far as Hong Kong, Scotland, Greece, USA, Switzerland and Australia.

“I was crying the first day I started,” said Smith. I woke up and saw Hong Kong that already sent their video. It blew my mind. It was so much fun for me seeing them all doing it.”

Donations are accepted online or at Sunset Grill in Peterborough from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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Annual Fundraiser Issues Virtual Water Challenge To Peterborough

The Carl Oake Rotary Splash Challenge launched Monday, challenging Peterborough families to flim aquatic activities such as water balloon fights, pool dives and water guns among many things to get wet.

Photo Courtesy of

The challenge replaced the 35th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swimathon typically held at the Balsillie Family YMCA pool. It could not be held due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

The fundraising challenge runs from May 17 to June 19 where proceeds go towards Easter Seals helping physically disabled children and rotary projects in Peterborough.

Participation includes sharing photos and videos on social media while using the hashtag #CarlOakeRotarySplashChallenge.

With the Rotary Victoria Day Fireworks cancelled for the second year in a row, funds to help disabled children are needed more than ever according to event organizers.

Over $1.2 million has been raised during the 35-year span helping Rotary projects such as the Habitat for Humanity Youth Program, Homeward Bound Program, Family Day at Del Crary Park and Strong Kids program at the YMCA.

On their centennial anniversary, the Rotary Club has built a shade shelter on the Rotary Greenway Trail, contributing to refurbishing transitional housing units with the YES program, and a new health centre at Camp Kawartha.

Oake’s daughter and Century 21 United Realty broker Vanessa Hogan Oake has organized the event with her firm as she takes over the partnership.

“I’m honoured to carry on this event that was started by my father,” she said.

“It’s fun and to be safe and follow the rules until everything opens up,” said Rick Storey of the Rotary Club of Peterborough. "Use your imagination, the sky is the limit, the water is the limit.”

Donations can be made online at the Rotary Club’s 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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#PtboSignWars T-Shirts Now Available For Order (And You Don't Have To Go To Aisle 15 To Get Them)

It has been quite the week in Peterborough, Ontario as #PtboSignWars dominated the local social media scene and won over the hearts of the community at the same time. 

The “Meet me in Aisle 15” T-shirt is a reference made by Merrett’s Home Hardware that the product sold in that aisle could ambiguously be things that could be at a party. Photo by PTBOCanada.

PTBOCanada got the ball rolling last week after posting a sign war inspired from a town in Virginia. From there, they challenged a few local businesses to fire their signs up and get the #PtboSignWars started. 

Anden Kitchen & Bath, Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre and Friendly Fires were the first three Peterborough businesses to exchange shots. Five days and hundreds of fantastic witty signs later, #PtboSignWars was making headlines across the country on social media and has motivated other cities in Canada to do the same.

Pete Dalliday of Fresh Radio played a big role in the campaign, encouraging Peterborough to participate in #ptbosignwars and helping the “Kids For Lids” fundraiser that benefitted Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Peterborough.

“After 14 months of pandemic life this was exactly what the community needed,'' he said. “Reading the signs made me laugh out loud but reading the thousands of comments from viewers and listeners was perhaps my favourite part.” 

As always, PTBOCanada is always looking to give back to the community. Following a very successful PTBOCanada “Lids For Kids” campaign, Kirtus Evoy, owner and Publisher of PTBOCanada, is pleased to announce that even more money will be raised for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Peterborough. 

Based on one of the most popular and shared sign exchanges this past week between Anden and Merrett’s, PTBOCanada is launching a limited edition #PTBOSignWars “Meet Me In Aisle 15” T-shirt. 

$10 from every T-shirt sold will go directly to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Peterborough as they will benefit from all the proceeds. Anden, Merrett and Friendly Fires have already committed to buying T-shirts for their staff and customers while Kori Malakos and Matt D’Agostini from Ricart Promotions have quickly made this idea a reality. We thank all of them for their support to kick this campaign off. 

T-Shirts can be ordered by going to ptbocanada.com/shop. Shirts can be purchased until Wednesday, May 5th at 9:00 a.m. where pickups can be done in roughly two weeks.

For more information, contact Kirtus Evoy at kirtus@ptbocanada.com.

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