Peterborough Blogs
Community Care Peterborough Reveals New Video to Rally Support and Volunteers
/Community Care Peterborough (CCP) has released a new promotional video of its services to attract volunteers and financial support to continue serving seniors, announced at their office in East City on Tuesday morning.
The video, ‘Life Changes, Community Doesn't,’ tells the story of a former volunteer named Sophie who uses the same services she once helped provide. The video highlights Community Care Peterborough’s programs, such as Meals on Wheels, transportation, wellness programs and support for those returning home from the hospital.
“This video reflects a powerful truth—circumstances may change as we age or face challenges, but our community is always there,” said Danielle Belair, CCP CEO. We want people to know that they play a critical role in sustaining this network of care.”
While all positions for volunteers are needed, Drivers are one of the higher priorities for CCP.
“We’re looking for roughly 30 drivers but extras are always good, explained Catherine Pink, CCP director of support services. “Every just one day a week. Every little bit helps.”
In addition to raising awareness of the organization's services, the video serves as a call to action for community members according to a press release.
Community Care Peterborough is actively seeking new volunteers to help deliver meals, provide rides to medical appointments, and offer companionship through its various wellness programs. The organization is also appealing to donors to help fund these critical services, as demand continues to grow.
“Our volunteers are the heart of what we do,” said Belair. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to reach as many people or provide the level of care our clients deserve. We hope this video inspires others to get involved and help us keep this community strong.”
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Senior Skating Returns to Selwyn Township
/Senior skating will take place in Lakefield and Ennismore starting next week.
Selwyn Township has announced the return of senior skating every Monday from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at the Ennismore Community Centre and every Tuesday and Friday from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre.
The skate is open to anyone aged 55+.
Selwyn Township also announced this year’s sponsors for the events.
The Regency of Lakefield will sponsor the Lakefield skates, covering the admission fees for the season, while Swish Maintenance and Blue Diamond Window Cleaning are teaming up to sponsor skating at the Ennismore rink, which is also free.
Senior skating starts next week and runs until the end of March 2025.
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Career Expo Sees 90 People For AON Inc.'s Long-Term Care Home Station Place In Havelock
/With AON Inc.’s long-term care home ‘Station Place’ undergoing construction in Havelock, their career expo saw 90 people fill the Havelock Centre last Thursday.
“This event was primarily to start the conversation with our community members about future employment opportunities,” said Cheryl Filiatrault, AON Inc.’s Manager – People & Culture. “The home will not be ready to open until summer 2025 so currently there are no positions to fill yet in Havelock. However, we will begin hiring in early 2025 and will be looking at 150+ new hires at that time.”
This was the first career expo AON Inc. held for Station Place. Filiatrault; Rebecca Hooper, human resources manager and April Coulter, chief nursing officer discussed several topics at the expo.
“We wanted to invite the community to come and spend some time with us and learn more about who we are at AON, what we stand for and the services that Station Place will bring to the community of Havelock,” said Filiatrault. “(We) presented information about the Home’s design, our approach to resident care, and about the many different career opportunities that we will come with Station Place’s opening in 2025.”
The site is located at 628 Old Norwood Rd. in Havelock. AON Inc. won the bid to build the 128-bed long-term care home on Feb. 17 last year. The groundbreaking ceremony occurred at the site on Aug. 9. The building is roughly 86,355 sq ft. and the project’s completion is slated for September next year.
“This home has been the buzz around AON for a few years now and to see it coming together has been exciting for everyone involved,” explained Filiatrault.
Those who missed this past expo will have more opportunities to attend another says Filiatrault.
“We plan to hold similar events in the surrounding communities over the coming months. We plan to host Career Expos in Campbellford, Norwood, Marmora, etc,” she said.
The home will have dining, activity areas, lounges, and access to outdoor spaces. Over 150 staff will work in the building.
Ontario Government Invests Up to $6 Million In Grants For Seniors
/The Ontario Government is investing up to $6 million through the Seniors Community Grant Program to support 282 community projects that help seniors and older adults stay fit, active, healthy and socially connected.
“The Seniors Community Grants Program is a great example of how our government is working for local communities,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “We are pleased to provide funding for so many programs that bring older people together to avoid being socially isolated, learn new skills, get fit, enjoy group activities and stay connected to their neighbours and friends.”
Up to $25,000 per project is invested in local programs, services and events to provide seniors with opportunities for greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement according to a press release. It continues to state that Program is a unique Ontario government grant designed to reduce social isolation, fight ageism and create positive connections.
“Seniors need to connect with the community and stay fit, healthy, and active,’’ said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By investing in seniors programs, we will be helping more adults get the programs and services they need to live healthy, independent lives.”
Seniors Community Grants projects receiving funding in Peterborough this year include The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough Kawartha Lakes Northumberland and Haliburton. They will receive up to $23,209 to provide rural seniors living with dementia and their caregivers a series of ‘night out’ events to support socialization, reduce stigma and build a more dementia-friendly community.
Age-friendly Peterborough will receive up to $25,000 to transform the way seniors age in place by providing customized health, fitness, social, educational and recreational workshops at several City apartments primarily occupied by older adults according to Jayne Culbert, Age-friendly Coordinator.
“The proportion of older adults 65 and better increased 16 per cent in the Peterborough region from 2016 to 2021 and that number will continue to grow,”she said. “Twenty-five per cent of the residents who live in the greater Peterborough area are seniors and, in some townships, it is over 30 per cent. This is significant as the national and provincial average is 19 per cent. Receiving funding from the Ontario Government helps organizations to support our local older population through innovative projects.”
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Community Care Peterborough's "Grandparent of the Year" Winners Announced
/Elders were honoured at Community Care Peterborough’s 36th-annual Grandparent of the Year awards ceremony as the winners were announced at the Peterborough Public Library on Tuesday.
The event encouraged children from across the region of Peterborough to recognize a Grandparent, Elder or a special older person in their life.
Nearly 200 nominations from students in grades one to six were submitted including a hand-drawn picture of them with their loved ones.
This year, nominations from children in grade one were accepted; previously, it was open to grades two to six. Several dozen French applications were also received, allowing children to practice their French language skills.
“Each year we are so touched by the array of heartwarming stories we receive from across the City and County of Peterborough,” said Danielle Belair Community Care CEO.
The awards ceremony is referred to as a ‘Smiles All Around’ event.
This year, Community Care presented eight awards, with four winners and four honourable mentions awarded across two categories: Primary (grades 1 – 3) and Junior (grades 4 – 6).
Winners and Honourable Mentions by category:
In the Primary Category (English language):
Winner – Levi Kloosterman, Grade 3, St. Teresa Catholic Elementary School – nominated his Grandpa Frank Drumm (nicknamed “Bubba”)
Honourable Mention – Keira M, Grade 2, Edmison Heights Public School – nominated her Great Grandpa Giuseppe
In the Primary Category (French language):
Winner – Ari Singh, Grade 2, Edmison Heights Public School – nominated his Grandma Suriakala
Honourable Mention – Makayla Anokye, Grade 2, Edmison Heights Public School – nominated her Grandma Thy Oeun
In the Junior Category (English language):
Winner – Kimberly Chambers, Grade 4, St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School – nominated her Nana Darlene Damiani
Honourable Mention – Charlee Dawson, Grade 6, St. Paul Catholic Elementary School – nominated her Grandma Laraine Langley
In the Junior Category (French language):
Winner – Owen Anderson, Grade 5, Kaawaate East City Public School – nominated his Grandma Jane Anderson
Honourable Mention – Madi McKeiver, Grade 6, Kaawaate East City Public School – nominated her Grandma Cathy McKeiver