Sentinel Risk Insurance Group and Darling Insurance Donate $20,000 to Food For Kids From Fundraising Golf Tournament

Peterborough Food for Kids and Kawartha Lakes Food for Kids walk away with $10,000 each in a donation from Sentinel Risk Insurance Group and Darling Insurance announced on Wednesday afternoon.

The golf tournament had taken a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funds were raised from an annual golf tournament hosted by both insurance companies held at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Aug. 31. All proceeds from the sold-out event go to the chosen charity, with a new charity chosen in each calendar year.

Proceeds go towards Food For Kids’s local student nutrition programs—working to provide students with access to nourishing food at school which helps with concentration in class, a reduction in school absences and achieving higher academic scores according to a press release.

“This donation was a true group effort on behalf of everyone involved and we are beyond thankful for that,” said Greg Kruk, partner, Sentinel Risk Insurance Group. “Supporting students and providing them the right tools to be successful in school has always been crucial—perhaps now more than ever given today’s cost of food.  Our team is thrilled to be able to help to the Food for Kids organization and highlight the important work they do.”

“Giving back to the communities that we live and do business in is an important part of the work we do,” said Peter Blodgett, Darling Insurance president. “This year’s tournament was the first year we’ve been back post-pandemic, and the support we saw from our communities, partners and teams was incredible—this level of donation is not possible without their support--and we are sincerely thankful for that.” 

“100 per cent of the money raised at the golf tournament will go directly to helping local student nutrition programs to provide nourishing food at school for all students,” said Angela Fuchs, Peterborough Food for Kids community development coordinator. “Last year there were over two million meals served in Peterborough City and County and your donation will help to support students to be able to do their best each day at school.”

“The nutrition programs in City of Kawartha Lakes will be serving almost a 1000 more meals every day due to growing need and this donation will directly help schools afford more food,” said Megan Curran, Kawartha Lakes Food for Kids school nutrition program coordinator. “With the increasing cost of food, donations like this help our schools sustain their programs and continue to help students thrive.”  

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Hometown PTBO: Jen Johnstone of Alzheimer's Society Running the 'Pulling for Dementia' Fire Truck Pull

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks to Jen Johnstone of the Alzheimer's Society and Andrew Pyle of CIBC Wood Gundy about the 'Pulling for Dementia' fire truck pull to benefit the Society's programs and services for those living with dementia.

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Rotary Fore the Kids Golf Tournament Tees Up Vital Support for Five Counties Children's Centre

There were 87 golfers teeing off for the Rotary Club of Peterborough ‘Rotary Fore the Kids Golf Tournament’ to support Five Counties Children's Centre (FCCC) at Bellmere Winds Golf Resort in Keene last Thursday.

(Left to right) Linsey Kampf, Five Counties; Laurie Heigh, Rotary Club of Peterborough; Craig McFarlane, Linwood Homes and Lyn Giles, Five Counties. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The tournament was renamed ‘Fore the Kids’ a couple of years ago and has ran for over 25 years. Last year, FCCC assisted over 6,200 children according to a press release. The tournament’s proceeds went towards FCCC and aiding children.

“We are thrilled to see the community come together once again to support Five Counties Children's Centre,” said Wayne Harding, Golf Committee Chair. “The success of this tournament would not have been possible without the dedication of our golfers, our sponsors, and the incredible team behind the scenes. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of children and families in our region.”

Notable winners included Carolyn Kitchen, Gail Huges, Carm Warman and Debra Moore, with the ‘Team Low Score’ award in the Women's category. Dave Hannah, Jason Pulchinski, Andy Edwards and Eric Lodgins won for the men’s category. In the Team Low Score, Mixed competition; Wendy Hill, Jim Coyle, Sandy Fulton, and Dave Fulton captured the honour.

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Habitat for Humanity PKR Hosting Inaugural Sunday Dinner at the ReStore Fundraiser

Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region is hosting its First-Annual Sunday Dinner at the ReStore to celebrate community, connection and a shared commitment to affordable homeownership on Oct. 22.

The event features a harvest dinner, wines, cocktails, entertainment and a silent auction. The items are donated by local businesses.

“We are excited to host our first Sunday Dinner at the ReStore and bring people together to share a meal as you would at home with family,” said Susan Zambonin, Habitat CEO. “This unique event not only promises an evening of delicious food and connection but also an opportunity for our community to rally behind a cause that truly makes a difference for families in need of safe, decent and affordable homeownership.” 

All proceeds from this event will contribute to Habitat for Humanity PKR's Phase 2 development, a 12-unit affordable condo project currently under construction in the City of Peterborough.

The event runs from 5:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m. at the The Peterborough North ReStore at 300 Milroy Drive. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased via phone at 705-874-0201 or online at www.habitatpkr.ca 

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Local Realtors Hold Second-Annual Lemonade Stand To Benefit Sick Kids Hospital

Local realtors and brothers Dan and Dion Gemmiti brought back an old classic in a lemonade stand to raise money for Sick Kids Hospital on Brealey Drive on Friday morning.

Brothers Dan Gemmiti (left) and Dion Gemmiti (right) sharing an ice-cold lemonade with 20-year-old Manny Frew-Clarke (middle). visitors could get photo ops in a sports car or in front of a trailer with posters of the lemonade stand. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The stand began at 8 a.m. and people were lined up to get a delicious summer drink and donate money prior to the opening. All proceeds went towards Sick Kids Hospital. Visitors could ‘donate what you wanted’ while they got to enjoy lemonade, baked goods and candy that were available at the stand.

Aside from the snacks and refreshments, the public was invited to share their Sick Kids’ stories and take pictures for this one-day event. Hearing the various experiences that visitors told the Gemmitis was rewarding and inspirational when they put on the lemonade stand.

“We're hearing all kinds of amazing stories from people that have been there and people that are currently there who are joining us at our lemonade stand,” he said. “Even strangers are putting in large amounts of money so it's just an incredible day.”

”It's pretty hyped up the whole time but there are a few moments where we met a girl today that's in and out of Sick Kids and you can't help but get a little emotional hearing it,” said Dan. “It's a very powerful day.”

The brothers have had a close family member who has used Sick Kids Hospital’s services but know several people who have benefitted from it.

“We're blessed to have a big community here but there's so many family and friends that we know that have been there and have benefitted from that great hospital so it really is a great place,” explained Dion. “It's where miracles happen and Peterborough's been great to support it.”

The jar of donations was almost full in the last hour of the lemonade stand but there was no goal for the fundraiser according to the Gemmitis.

“It's not goal-driven by the money, it's goal-driven by the feel-good stories,” explained Dion. “Our heart is full and it will be for a long time. The money is secondary to bringing everybody together.”

The fundraising lemonade stand was the second consecutive year the brothers ran it. They aim to continue it annually for as long as possible.

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Motorcycles Rev It Up In the Inaugural United on the Highway Poker Run & Fundraiser

Motorcycle revved things up for the inaugural United on the Highway Poker Run that explored the historic downtown and toured through the Kawarthas on Saturday.

Motorcycle enthusiasts gear up to put up their kickstands and begin their Poker Run. The event was originally slated for July 15 but was rained out. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

Bikers gathered at the Venture North parking lot before touring around the Kawarthas. They made stops at multiple locations to draw cards and win prizes, with all proceeds going to the United Way of Peterborough.

“The best fundraisers are the ones that are interactive and fun for everyone involved. People have been very excited about being able to play this classic game while exploring downtown Peterborough and the Kawarthas,” said Terry Guiel, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “As a motorcycle enthusiast myself, I thought this would be a unique way to mix my passions for the downtown, motorcycles and also raising money for amazing local organizations in our community.”

Some of the prize packages include $500 and $1000 worth of motorcycle prizes, a downtown shopping spree and a plethora of other prizes.

The riders finished the tour in downtown Peterborough then experienced downtown restaurants, pubs, patios and retail stores.

“When the rubber hits the road, kind hearts and strong passions for the community are even more revved up,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “We are so grateful to Terry and the team at the DBIA for driving this event, and for helping build a more resilient Peterborough. Bikers are very giving people and we want to thank everyone who is attending and who generously donated a prize.”

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Peterborough Concert Band Holding Special Performance to Benefit PATH On Oct. 15

The Peterborough Concert Band is holding a special musical program, ‘The PATH Forward’ to benefit Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) for Oct. 15 at Market Hall.

Photo courtesy of The Peterborough Concert Band.

The performance is conducted by Juno-nominated Music Director Saman Shahi as Kate Suhr and Megan Murphy will guide the audience through a program that features big band standards, classical gems, new compositions and vocals.   

The proceeds benefit PATH to help provide transitional housing for unsheltered citizens in Peterborough. 

The performance runs from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Market Hall, located at 140 Charlotte St. A reception will follow the performance. Tickets are $44 (including HST and fees) and are available through Market Hall online.

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Hometown PTBO: Mark Hubble and His Inaugural Hubbs Open Mini-Golf Tournament to Support Peterborough Big Brothers and Big Sisters

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with Mark Hubble about his inaugural Hubbs Open mini-golf tournament at Milltown Mini-Golf on Aug. 19 at 2 p.m. The event concludes with a pub crawl with proceeds for Peterborough Big Brothers & Big Sisters.

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First Little Lakers Night Raises Over $6,700 For Five Counties Children's Centre

The Peterborough Lakers in their ‘Drive For Five’ quest takes time to help the community as their first-ever Little Lakers Night from July 27 raised $6,784 for Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) Building Abilities For Life campaign, announced on Thursday.

Five Counties kids Mya (left) and Elsie (right) pose with Peterborough Century 21 Lakers mascot, Teddy, during Little Lakers Night on July 27. Many Five Counties clients, families, volunteers, staff and supporters took part in the first-ever event held during the Lakers’ final regular season home game. Little Lakers Night raised nearly $6,800 for Five Counties Children’s Centre. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The fund helps FCCC reduce wait times and provide priority treatment services like speech and occupational therapies for children and youth in the region according to a press release.

“We are so thrilled to receive this support from the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers, during their drive to win a fifth consecutive Mann Cup title,” said Lyn Giles, FCCC director of fund development. “We are extremely grateful to fans, donors, supporters, volunteers, staff and others who came out to support the first-ever Little Lakers Night. It was a great success and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Lakers for this annual event.”

Funds were raised during the game through donations, t-shirt sales, a silent auction, facepainting, sponsorships and proceeds from that night’s 50/50 draw during the team’s last home regular-season game.

Several FCCC kids and families attended the game and also played roles during the pre-game ball drop and singing of the national anthem. 

During the game, four FCCC kids took part in the Peterborough Lakers Backstage Experience. They received a behind-the-scenes tour from Lakers board member John D’Altoe, got high-fives from team members on their way to the field, toured the video control room, helped in-arena hosts with giveaways and met the Lakers’ mascot, Teddy.

The partnership between FCCC and the Lakers continues during the club’s playoff run. The team’s Ticket Assist Program means Five Counties kids and their families get free tickets to every Lakers’ home game.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Brings Back Fore the Kids Golf Tournament For Sept. 14

The Fore the Kids Golf Tournament is making its return on Sept. 14, at Bellmere Winds Golf Course in Keene, announced by The Rotary Club of Peterborough.

Tournament proceeds are going towards the Five Counties Children’s Centre.

“We're excited to work with Linwood Homes again this year on the Fore the Kids Golf Tournament to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and youth in need within our communities,” said Wayne Harding, tournament Chair and former Rotary president. “Five Counties Children's Centre holds a special place in our hearts and this golf tournament serves as a beacon of hope, uniting individuals and businesses in a spirit of giving and camaraderie.”

All golfers are invited to register for $150 per person with a shotgun start of 1 p.m. The fee includes a round of golf, a cart, lunch and the chance to win hole prizes. Prizes include exclusive golf lessons, lake toys and a chance at driving home in a brand-new car from Jack McGee Chevrolet-Cadillac!

The tournament also features a raffle to win items such as a Plauski Square Stern canoe and paddles. Tickets are $10 apiece or three for $20.

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