Street Level Advocacy Partners With Starbucks And Second Harvest To Feed Vulnerable Population

Street Level Advocacy, an organization that works with the vulnerable population in Peterborough has partnered with Second Harvest and can now take leftover food from Starbucks.

Scott Couper at ‘The Coldest night of The Year’ event. Photo courtesy of Scott Couper.

Scott Couper from Street Level Advocacy says Kevin the manager at Starbucks on Chemong reached out to him inquiring about the food the coffee shop has to throw out at the end of the day.

Before he could take the food Couper had to register with Second Harvest, a food rescue organization that aims to connect restaurants and organizations to reduce food waste.

Second Harvest ensured Couper had proper food handling training, and provides an app that notifies him when there is food to pick up.

Photo courtesy of Scott Couper.

Couper can often be found handing out warm clothing and food to vulnerable people in Peterborough.

“I’m building trust and a relationship with these people,” he said.

He notes that not only does the Second Harvest program feed hungry people, it also cuts down on food waste that is prominent in the restaurant industry.

While Second Harvest services various restaurants, Couper says for now picking up packaged sandwiches from Starbucks is all his organization can handle.

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Two Local Men On A Mission In Europe To Transport Refugees And Deliver Supplies

For John Graham and Dave Black, from Campbellford and Springbrook, donating money to Ukrainian relief efforts was not enough. The two packed up their lives and are currently in Europe, transporting refugees farther west from the Polish/Ukraine border with a rented van, plenty of patience and over 10,000 km of European highways under their belt.

David Black and John Graham before leaving. Photo sourced from their Facebook page.

It started out as a conversation, says Graham.

The two friends were sitting at around a table in Campbellford feeling helpless watching the Russian invasion unfold in Ukraine.

“It was a spur of the moment decision,” said Graham. “I checked how my family would feel about me going and I got medium support.”

Black, who is ex-military and ex-police, says the two are at a point in their life that they have enough freedom to pack up and leave for a long period of time.

Graham arrived in Berlin, Germany on March 14, picked up a rental vehicle and took to Przemysl, Poland to begin the mission. Black met him on March 19.

Their goal is to not only transport refugees, but to pick up much needed medical supplies and bring them back to the Poland/Ukraine border.

“We’ve been staying true to our goal of bringing supplies back,” said Black. “There’s just too many people here and not enough supplies.”

As of Wednesday the two estimate they have driven over 10,000 km, and 27 refugees. They have driven through places like Berlin, Prague, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria.

On Monday the two transported a woman who had been struck by shrapnel in her leg to a nearby hospital.

Because of the influx of people in Przemysl their hospital is at capacity. Black and Graham brought the woman to a hospital in Dresden, Germany to seek treatment.

“I think most are still in a state of shock,” said Graham. “It’s bit of a relief to no longer be in the refugee centre, but I can’t speak for what’s going on in their mind when we’re driving them farther away from their home.”

The group of seven they are currently driving with - including three children - are going to Rotterdam, Prague and Berlin.

On Wednesday their passengers learned that the last bridge in their hometown had been struck, meaning anyone that was still there will have to stay.

“They know people that are still there,” said Graham. “It’s very upsetting.”

Because of the language barrier, the two say their passengers mostly talk amongst themselves and try to keep the children entertained.

“The language isn’t there but the time we get where we’re going these people are very important to me,” said Graham. “We’ve eaten together and slept next to each other for days at a time.”

The two note how much support is flooding into Poland to help.

“John and I noticed the other day about 25 fire trucks in a convoy going across the Polish border to presumably to fight the fires in combat zones,” said Black.

Black has been wearing a ball cap with a Canadian flag on it and says many people are pleasantly surprised to see Canadians helping.

At home, Tobey VanRoon and Bill Davenport have been helping Graham and Black’s mission.

VanRoon has organized a GoFundMe that is being used to purchase medical supplies and pay for gas. Any money remaining will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross's Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.

Davenport has been compiling videos sent by Graham and posting updates to a Facebook group.

Before our conversation ended, Graham had a final, specific request.

“One of the big asks - they’re very short on tetanus and thrombosis medication.  They’re doing field amputations here because of shrapnel wounds,” said Graham. “There’s no medication to ensure they don’t get infected. If anyone has any access to that, if you can get it here I can get contacts to hospitals in Ukraine.”

The best way to contact both Graham and Black is through the Facebook group.

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Local Man On The Ground In Ukraine Provides An Update On His Experience

Zach England, from Little Britain, landed in Poland on March 7 to join the International Legion of Territorial Defence, and help defend Ukraine against Russian invasion.

Currently England is on a train from Odessa to Lviv with two children, who’s father asked him to accompany them while they meet up with family members.

The children, who England thinks are about 13 and 14, were with their father who is now actively fighting so they are going to stay with family members.

Once he drops them off safely England is meeting the rest of his volunteer group in Lviv.

A blurry view of the train England is travelling on. Photo by Zach England.

“The situation is not good,” he said. “It’s the same all over, not enough weapons and aid materials to properly fight or resist.”

In a post to his personal Facebook he assured family and friends that he was ok, and put a call out for donations.

Donations made to him directly would help purchase things like medical supplies for himself and civilians.

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Art Gallery Of Peterborough Puts A Call Out For Volunteers For Board Of Directors

The Art Gallery of Peterborough is accepting applications for volunteers to join their Board of Directors and multiple committees.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

"If you are an art lover and enthusiastic about supporting your regional gallery and connecting people with art, share your story and apply to join our Board of Directors. Help the gallery offer programs that will speak to your friends and neighbours," said the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

The Art Gallery of Peterborough (AGP) is encouraging applications from members of equity-seeking communities; including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions, regardless of age.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on March 31.

For more information and details on how to apply visit the AGP's website at agp.on.ca or call 705-743-9179.

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Little Britain Man To Join Ukrainian Soldiers On The Front Lines

Zach England, a Little Britain resident, is heading to the frontlines of Ukraine on Monday to join the International Legion of Territorial Defence, and help defend Ukraine against Russian invasion.

Before leaving, Zach visited friends in Edmonton to pick up some gear. Here he poses with Bohdan Dan Marfei, a Ukrainian community organizer. Photo courtesy of Mike Thomas.

The International Legion of Territorial Defence was introduced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on March 1. Visa requirements have been temporarily lifted for foreign volunteers who wish to enter the country to join the fight against Russian forces.

“I’ve been watching it on the news and the government can’t get involved, so the people are getting involved - you know?,” said England. “It just doesn’t make any sense, why can’t anything be done? If there’s children over there fighting I’ll gladly take one of their places.”

England, who lives in Kawartha lakes but works as a pipeliner in the Edmonton area, previously worked as a firefighter in western provinces and hopes his medical training will be helpful in Ukraine.

“I’ve done forest firefighting, oil field firefighting, natural disaster response - I’ve survived things I shouldn’t have survived countless times,” he said. “You learn how to control your fears. I am nervous absolutely I’m going to an active combat zone, it’s normal to be nervous.”

Before leaving on Monday, England picked up supplies like a bulletproof vest, ammunition holster, medic kits and army helmet. In hit kit he also included a box of tampons, which he says work well for plugging bullet wounds before bandaging.

England leaves on his journey on Monday, flying from Edmonton to Toronto, then to Warsaw, Poland where he will meet volunteers from America, Ireland, Scotland and England.

“We all have similar views, we’ll help the people as much as we can, we’ll be smart and pick our fights.”

He has been in contact with the Ukrainian Embassy in Ottawa, filled out the paperwork, and meets the requirement of having some sort of medical, police or military background. He does not know what he will be doing when he arrives.

Englands Facebook post before he heads to the front lines. He writes ‘Ready to go plus a gift for the boyz. Slava ukraine."‘ Photo courtesy of Zach England.

England leaves behind his nine year old daughter, who he says understands only some of what her father will be doing while away.

“I don’t think she quite understands what war is and I don’t want her to know everything, if she think I’m just over there helping people that’s fine.”

He says in a way what he is doing is for his daughter, or rather for young people just like her.

“I told her I’m going to help little girls just like you.”

England has no family or friends in Ukraine and no Ukrainian heritage. He doesn’t know when he will return, but says as of now he should have access to WIFI and cell service to keep in touch with home.

While England did acquire some of his equipment in Canada he is welcoming donations so he can purchase much needed equipment and medical supplies when he lands in Poland. Those interested in doing so can send donations to his online fundraiser, or e-transfer him directly at englandzach32@gmail.com.

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Norwood Woman Receives 4-H Ontario’s Most Distinguished Volunteer Award

Cathy Stockdale from Norwood is one of three recipients of the 2022 4-H Ontario Arbor Award, 4-H Ontario’s most distinguished volunteer award.

Cathy with her daughter Rebecca at a 4-H judging clinic . Photo courtesy of Cathy Stockdale.

4-H is a non-profit youth development organization that allows young people to learn about selected topics through fun, hands-on activities and mentorship.

The Peterborough 4-H association has several clubs across the county that teach about life skills.

“I’ve done it all from poultry to outdoors to crafting clubs, quilting, sewing, cooking, gardening, square dancing, even a giant veggie club,” she said.

All clubs are able to operate because of volunteers like Stockdale.

“I am getting close to 30 years of volunteering. It’s something that I did as a kid, then it eventually evolved into a leader position.”

Stockdale says that even though her own children are no longer participating in 4-H clubs, she continues to lead them because of how rewarding it is.

“Teaching kids a new skill and having them grasp that new skill, seeing the light go on when they figure it out is a very big reward. It's like watching the light bulb come on like ‘oh I can do this!’,” she said. “Watching that satisfaction of them completing that task is very rewarding for me as a leader.”

She notes that teaching young people life skills is something that does not seem to happen as often as it did years ago. Looking back to when she was in school she remembers learning basic skills like sewing, cooking and basic car maintenance.

“It's starting to come back - teaching these skills, we lost that for a while. 4-H has picked that up. Where else can you learn how to cook something and then have a meal at the end of the meeting? Or you grow a pumpkin and then see how big you can get them?”

Peterborough County 4-H ‘adopted’ a road in Peterborough County. Stockdale’s son spearheaded this idea. Here a group of members are cleaning up litter. Photo courtesy of Cathy Stockdale.

Recipients of the Arbor Award are nominated by their local Associations, and recipients are chosen by a committee of past recipients.

“Some girls got together and apparently nominated me for this award,” said Stockdale. “They got a bunch of letters together from people that I've worked with and volunteered with, they all wrote beautiful letters and they saved them for me so I could read them afterwards.”

According to the 4-H Ontario website, nominees must have shown significant leadership, initiative and made a positive impact on 4-H at various levels.

“You don’t know your self worth until you hear it from someone else's mouth. I am very blessed.”

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YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Is Seeking Volunteers To Join Board Of Directors

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is seeking volunteers to join the Board of Directors and board committees.

Stock photo.

“We are looking for volunteers who are passionate about women’s issues and have the desire to be involved with an organization that provides life-saving emergency shelter and support programs, tools and resources that help women and children thrive,” said Wendy Hicks, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Board President. “The YWCA plays a vital role in our community and its sustainability depends on women who will make impactful decisions in support of our mission: to support the right of all women and their families to live free from violence, poverty and oppression as they build their desired futures.”

Those interested in volunteering should have between 10 – 12 hours a month to contribute and submit information through the online application by April 1.

“We value varied skills and experiences, and we are particularly interested in the areas of finance, human resources, strategic planning and governance",” said Kelly Zatorski, Chair of the Nominating Committee. As an organization, we have always been committed to ensuring a diverse perspective, one that is a reflection of the communities we serve.”

Candidates who meet this year's requirements will be invited to submit their resumes, followed by 30-minute virtual interviews scheduled toward the end of April. New appointments will be made at the YWCA’s annual meeting in June 2022.

Questions can be directed to ywcaph.boardrecruitment@gmail.com.

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Canadian Cancer Society is Searching for Volunteers for Peterborough Relay for Life

The Canadian Cancer Society is searching for volunteers for the Peterborough Relay For Life organizing committee.

Photo Courtesy of Canadian Cancer Society.

Both leadership and committee positions are open for the 2022 event.

If you:

• consider yourself a leader.

• have experience in event logistics.

• have communication skills.

• know how to engage your community.

A leadership position may be the right fit.

In these positions, volunteers would contribute to delivering an extraordinary experience for hundreds of participants.

Volunteers with Relay for Life help fund innovative cancer research projects and support programs that make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.

If you:

• consider yourself to be a people person and an empathetic individual.

• have social media skills.

• have experience in event logistics or project management.

• have or wish to develop a network with businesses in your community.

A committee position may be right for you.

Some open volunteer positions for the Peterborough Relay for Life are Social Media Coordinator, Community Outreach Lead, Food and Beverage Coordinator and Volunteer Engagement Lead.

To view all positions and apply click here.

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Two Peterborough Men Receive YMCA Peace Medal to Honour Their Contributions to the Community

YMCA Peace week is Nov. 13 - 20. This year Dave Morello of Morello’s Independent and David McNab, a retired Ontario Provincial Police Officer have received YMCA Peace Medals.

Photo courtesy of YMCA of Central East Ontario.

Each year, the YMCA of Central East Ontario honours local Peacemakers with a YMCA Peace Medal at several community events across the region.

YMCA Peace Medals are presented to individuals or groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth or position, demonstrate a commitment to the values of PEACE through contributions made within their local, national, or global community.

Dave Morello has been the owner/operator of Morello’s Your Independent Grocers since August of 2000.

Morello volunteers with and makes charitable contributions to organizations such as Easter Seals, Rotary Club of Peterborough, Five Counties Peterborough and Hospice Peterborough.

He is also a longtime YMCA Board Member and Chair of the YMCA Strong Kids/Your Y is Here Campaign.

Morello has been recognized for his outstanding community work with a number of awards, including the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medallion, Peterborough and District Volunteer of the Year, Peterborough Business Citizen of the Year, Top 20 Most Influential Person in Peterborough, among many others.

Photo courtesy of YMCA of Central East Ontario.

McNab is a retired Ontario Provincial Police Officer, Trent University Professor and community activist.

He and his wife Kristy were instrumental in founding Salaam Peterborough, a group of families who came together to sponsor a refugee family from Syria.

When an 18 year old Syrian refugee living alone in Turkey named Rashid posted a plea on Facebook he was subject to abuse and racism in the comments. In seeing this McNab immediately wanted to help Rashid to pursue his dream of studying to become an engineer.

He has been working with Rashid to improve his English with the help of Trent University by providing structured lessons and fundraising to bring Rashid to Canada.

McNab also drove across the nation in a Lamborghini to help a young cancer survivor, and has participated in the Pedal for Hope Campaign. He was also part of a massive Christmas Toy Drive for young children that supported various organizations including the New Canadians Centre.

A virtual ceremony will take place on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. via Zoom to honour Morello, McNab and other recipients of the 2021 YMCA Peace Medal. This event is free and open to all.

Click here to register.

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Youth Group Prepares to Welcome 78 Afghan Refugees to Peterborough

The New Canadians Centre (NCC) Youth Welcome Team prepared signs and cards for the 78 Afghan refugees coming to Peterborough, on Thursday.

Ava Williams and Maryam Abdella, members of the youth welcome team, make signs at the silver bean cafe on Thursday. Photo courtesy of Lubna Sadek.

The group met at the Silver Bean Café, with NCC group leader and youth worker Lubna Sadek to help make Peterborough a more welcoming place for the refugees.

“We’re very pleased with the positive response from the community regarding the refugees arriving,” she said.

The Youth Welcome Team meets once a month to plan projects and activities to welcome new Canadians to Peterborough.

They allow high school students to complete the required 40 hours of volunteer work they need to graduate and has approximately ten members.

“I’m a refugee too,” said Sidra Abdulla, a 16-year-old member of the welcome team. “When I came to Canada I saw a lot of people help me so I like to give back too.”

(Left to right) Sidra Abdulla, Aya Darrouba, and Angel Ngwepo present their finished welcome sign at the Silver Bean Cafe on Thursday. Photo courtesy of Lubna Sadek.

Almost 2000 Afghan refugees have arrived in Toronto according to an NCC press release. COSTI Immigrant Services, the main settlement agency in Toronto, has asked the NCC to support the settlement of 78 Afghans.

Andy Cragg, NCC executive director says they anticipate many newcomers will stay in Peterborough for four to eight weeks but will ultimately settle in Toronto.

During their stay in Peterborough, the NCC provides them with temporary housing, helps meet their basic needs, delivers basic orientations to life in Canada and help them find permanent accommodations.

Until the NCC is able to meet the newcomers on Friday, they will not know exactly what their needs are. For now, the NCC is asking those interested in helping drop off welcome cards to their office at 221 Romaine St.

Landlords and property managers who can provide affordable and safe housing for refugees are asked to contact the NCC at ncc@nccpeterborough.ca

Currently, the NCC does not have the capacity to process donations. They will post a call for items after they are able to assess the newcomer’s needs.

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