Public Invited to 'Curl With Cathy Funspeil' to Support Trent Student-Athletes On Feb. 15

To support student-athletes, Trent University’s Athletics & Recreation invites the public to join their president, Cathy Bruce, for the inaugural ‘Curl with Cathy Funspeil’ held at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Feb. 15.

Photo courtesy of Trent University and the Peterborough Golf and Country Club.

The proceeds go towards Trent’s Green & White Athletics Financial Awards. It is given to entering student-athletes who achieved an entering academic average above 80 per cent and have been recruited for Trent athletics.

No curling experience is necessary to participate as it is a non-competitive tournament. All required equipment, such as sliders, grippers and brooms, are provided.

Each team will play two six-end games from an early draw (9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.) or a late draw (11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.).

The cost is $100 per person and includes a $70 charitable donation receipt and a lunch buffet.

Registration is open to groups of four or for individuals. Those looking to register can sign up online.

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PVNCCDSB Raises Nearly $60,000 During Annual United Way Campaign

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) has raised $59,893 for its 2024 United Way campaign to support the latter’s four organizations serving local communities, announced on Wednesday.

File Photo.

Funds were raised through payroll donations and school fundraising initiatives. They included as pumpkin carving contests, soup sales, dress-down days, put-your-principal-to-work raffles and more.

“Housing, food insecurity, domestic violence - these are the types of issues that often keep our staff up at night because they see the need firsthand in our schools and communities,” said Galen Eagle, the Board’s United Way campaign chair. “It’s incredibly empowering to witness the way our staff rally together to address these challenges through our annual United Way campaign. Their dedication to supporting United Way programs is a reflection of their deep care for our students, families, and neighbours.”

“The generosity of our staff speaks volumes about the social justice spirit that defines our Catholic schools,” said Stephen O’Sullivan, director of education. “Rooted in Catholic Social Teachings, our school communities embrace the call to care for the vulnerable and build a just society. This campaign is a testament to the compassion and faith-driven commitment of everyone at PVNC Catholic.”

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Hometown PTBO: Renée Oake Carrying On Her Father's Legacy Through the Carl Oake Rotary Swim

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Renée Oake, about her father's recent passing, carrying his legacy through the Carl Oake Rotary Swim and how the fundraiser has impacted the community.

Anyone can donate at any time online at the Rotary’s website.

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Alzheimer Society Launch 'Dining for Dementia' to Mark Alzheimer Awareness Month

To recognize Alzheimer Awareness Month during January, the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton have launched a ‘Dining for Dementia’ fundraiser, which also helps local businesses.

Photo Courtesy Of The Alzheimer Society PKLNH.

Inspired by the Alzheimer Society of Durham's campaign, this initiative brings diners to local restaurants. During that time, they can contribute to the local Alzheimer Society and support restaurants during a slower time following the holiday rush.

A portion of each meal at participating restaurants will be donated to support counselling services, education, and recreational programs for caregivers and those living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. 

The following restaurants are currently participating in this initiative: 

Peterborough:

• Hanoi House

• Allen Gourmet Coffee & Eatery

• La Mesita Mexican Restaurante

• Bobo Tea

• Brickhouse Craft Burger

• The Favourite Greek

Cobourg:

• The Pink Café

Campbellford:

• Riverview Family Restaurant

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Rotary Swimathon Founder Carl Oake Passes Away Ahead of 39th Annual Fundraiser Launch

Ahead of the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 39th Rotary Swimathon launch scheduled for Feb. 28 at the YMCA of Central East Ontario, founder Carl Oake has passed away at 79 years old on Thursday, announced at the Baker Tilly KDN on Monday morning.

(From Left to Right) Renee Oake, Tana Oake, Vanessa Oake Hogan and Lesley Oake share a moment of love as their father and/or husband, Carl Oake, had passed away last week at 79 years.. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Also known as the Carl Oake Rotary Swim, the fundraising event supports Easter Seals and Rotary projects, raising over $1.4 million since its inception. A goal of $50,000 has been set for fundraising efforts towards Rotary projects which is being collected until March 28.

The event encourages groups, organizations and individuals to swim at the lanes at the YMCA to raise funds. Introduced last year are the ‘Cannonball’ and ‘Floating Catwalk’ Challenge. They were added to allow those who cannot swim or provide an alternate activity to raise money for teams or individuals.

His daughter and event organizer, Vanessa Oake Hogan says that this event will always continue the legacy left by her father.

“We never had any intention of stopping and especially now, we always knew it was important to the community,” she explained.

Over the weekend, several notable Peterborough figures, organizations and friends and family of the Oakes expressed their condolences of Carl’s passing on social media. The outreach was reassuring for the Oake family knowing Carl’s impact on the community.

“But the last couple of days, the outreach has been incredible and I know that's what people know him for primarily,” said Vanessa. “It really helps in dealing with this loss to know that he touched so many lives and was recognized and appreciated for that. It helps us cope with this difficult loss.”

Carl Oake and his daughter Renee after the latter finishes up swimming her lanes in 2022. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Despite Carl’s passing, it will not deter from the event in late February if at all creates an opposite effect, says Vanessa.

“I just think we have a huge boost of energy behind the event this year and renewed sense of importance,” she explained. “Hopefully the community rallies and joins us to honour dad with the end goal of helping the community.” 

The public is encouraged to participate in the events as an individual or a team and can register online. Those registered will be assigned a fundraising page. The public can also donate directly via the website and receive an instant tax receipt.

Anyone can donate at any time online at the Rotary’s website.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Rename 'Breakfast Cup' To Honour Dedicated Program Volunteer; $6,000 Donation to Five Counties From Golf Fundraiser

The Rotary Club of Peterborough has renamed its friendly competition of its morning meal program the ‘Breakfast Cup’ to the ’Koeslag Cup’ to honour one of its late dedicated volunteers, Peter Koeslag, announced on Monday morning.

The Koeslag family as part of the newly named ‘Koeslag Cup’ with this year’s winner. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcement was made at the Northminster United Church during a club’s meeting, including a $9,000 donation to Five Counties Children’s Centre. The proceeds were raised from the Club’s ‘Fore For Kids’ golf tournament held on Sept. 26 at Bellmere Winds Golf Resort in Keene.

The Koeslag Cup was a Prince of Wales school breakfast program that started in 1994 with Rotarians Isadore Black and Dr. Garry Humphries. Rotarians and local volunteers would be in teams to prepare delicious and nutritious meals daily for Prince of Wales Students.

Koeslag has been known to make a challenge among the volunteers to see which group could create the most exciting breakfast menus for kids during the last weeks of school before the Christmas holidays and summer break.

“He enjoyed seeing the smile on people's faces, he didn't do it for money, he just did it because he loved doing that,” said Paul Koeslag, Peter’s son. “Part of it was because when he was younger, he didn't have those opportunities. Dad just loved helping people.”

The Rotary Club of Peterborough, which meets at noon two Mondays per month, is one of four clubs in the area and one of over 46,000 clubs, with 1.4 million members around the world. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

He created a special trophy that would be awarded twice yearly to the winning team, as judged by students and school staff.

“Peter was very active in the school program,” explained Kein Seim, Rotary president. “Between him and a couple other ones that have been it for 30 years, they've been instrumental in bringing it along. From pretty meagre beginnings to a full kitchen and full breakfasts, Peter himself is very handy. If we needed something, he would make it.”

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Darling Insurance and Sentinel Risk Insurance Raise $51,000 for Easter Seals Through Charity Golf Tournaments

After hitting the links from two charity golf tournaments, Darling Insurance and Sentinel Risk Insurance raised and donated $51,000 for Easter Seals, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Darling Insurance.

The proceeds help Easter Seals to provide programs and services for children and youth with physical disabilities in Ontario. Their programs and services include access to mobility equipment, financial assistance for camp programs and educational support for children with disabilities.

“We are thrilled with the success of this year’s golf tournaments and we are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from our community,” said Peter Blodgett, Darling Insurance president. “Supporting Easter Seals aligns with our company’s commitment to giving back to the communities we serve. This donation will go a long way in helping children and families across Ontario.”

“We are so proud to partner with Darling Insurance on these events,” said Greg Kruk, Partner at Sentinel Risk Insurance. “It’s heartwarming to see so many people come together to support Easter Seals, and we look forward to continuing our work with such a fantastic organization.”

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United Way Announces 60 Per Cent Fundraising Goal Reached; Launches ‘PJs for United Way’ For Dec. 13

United Way Peterborough & District has revealed that they have reached 60 per cent of its $1.5 million campaign goal and introduced its ‘PJs for United Way’ event set for this Friday.

Photo courtesy of the United Way.

“We are inviting the entire community to participate in Peterborough’s biggest pajama day ever,” said Shirley Turner, United Way campaign chair. “Not only will this event raise funds for the United Way, but it will raise awareness of the United Way. Whether you’re rocking fuzzy slippers, fun onesies, or classic flannel, your $5 will help create real change in our community. Because giving back should feel this good!”

Also known as Peterborough Pajama Day, the event asks participants to donate $5. United Way encourages local businesses and workplaces to share photos on social media in their PJs.

“Our theme for this year’s campaign is Building Community. The funds raised by our donors allow us to support the Peterborough community through essential services like housing support, food programs, and mental health supports,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “But to participate in the United Way campaign as a donor also means you are Building Community yourself. You are Building Community when you decide to join your neighbours and partake in the United Way movement. We are pleased to announce PJs for United Way because it is another way to Build Community this campaign.”

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Kawartha Food Share Receives Nearly $44,000 From Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign

Kawartha Food Share (KFS) has many reasons to be happy as they received $43,992.81 from the Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign in a cheque presentation at the former’s facility on Wednesday afternoon.

Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager (middle) with several members of Tim Hortons with the funds raised from the Holiday Smile Cookie fundraiser that began in mid-November. The campaign raised $10.7 million in total which was donated to over 600 charities and organizations across the country. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The campaign ran from Nov. 18 to 24 at all Tim Hortons locations in Peterborough, Lakefield, Bridgenorth, Curve Lake and Havelock.

Over 43,000 cookies were sold, raising $87,985.62, split evenly between Tim’s Foundations Camps and KFS. Last year, the campaign raised $67,290.96.

“We’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who generously participated in our Holiday Smile Cookie campaign,” said Axel Schwan, Tim Hortons president. “From guests who bought our Holiday Smile Cookies, to our restaurant owners, their team members and the volunteers who enthusiastically gave their time to bake and hand-decorate literally millions of cookies, this year’s campaign was a true display of the impact that kindness can make across the country and right here in our local communities.”

The money will help KFS purchase goods to distribute among its 37-member agency food banks, food cupboards and other food action programs in the City and County of Peterborough.

“This donation couldn’t come at a better time as we’re in the thick of the busy holiday season,” said Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager. “We will use these funds to purchase much-needed food items for our 37 member agencies and ensure that they are all well stocked for the holidays and beyond.”

On Friday, KFS is hosting its 24th annual ‘Loonies On the Street’ fundraiser outside of Peterborough Square from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Volunteers will take loose change donations throughout George Street with Peterborough Lions Club collecting on the Hunter Street Bridge. Food donations are also accepted during the event.

Due to the postal strike, donation letters could not reach community members. Those who cannot donate at the event can go to KFS’s warehouse at 665 Neal Dr. and donate online.

This year’s goal is to raise $100,000.

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Tebey Golf Classic Raises and Donates $34,400 For Youth Mental Health In Peterborough

The 2024 Tebey Golf Classic, held May 30 at Wildfire Golf Course, donated $34,400 to youth mental health services in the Peterborough area in December.

Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation held the event. Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter for Youth and Families each received $17,200 to continue their work supporting youth in our community.

“This donation would not be possible without the golfers, sponsors and donors who support the event each year. To you, we are grateful. We are also grateful to Tebey, his family, and his team for being a face and a voice for youth mental health. Thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm. Since the event’s inception in 2017, over $250,000 has been raised to support youth mental health in the Peterborough area,” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director.

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