CMHA's 'Change the Cycle' Surpasses Goal Raising $25,500 For Mental Health Initiatives

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge’s second-annual ‘Change the Cycle’ fundraiser saw the wheels turning positively as they raised $25,500 at Nicholls Oval last Saturday.

Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

The funds raised go towards supporting Family and Youth Mental Health initiatives. The money raised barely surpassed the $25,000 goal set on April 9.

“This demonstrates the growing community support and dedication towards addressing mental health challenges among young people and families,” according to a press release statement.

This year’s edition saw 74 riders, doubling the number from the previous year.

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Riverview Park & Zoo's 13th Annual Fun Run Held On June 29 to Support Aviary Exhibits

Jog your way to helping the birds as the Riverview Park and Zoo’s (RPZ) 13th annual Fun Run takes place on June 29.

Last year’s event supported construction of the new outdoor meerkat exhibit. Photo courtesy of Riverview Park & Zoo.

This year’s proceeds will fund the aviary exhibits which include emu, peafowl, turkey and guineafowl species.

“The Fun Run began in 2011 by community members that wanted to help contribute to the Riverview Park & Zoo.” said Cathy Mitchell, RPZ manager and curator. “Jim and Jodi Mulder created and managed the volunteer-led RPZ Fun Run for seven years.”

The Fun Run's goal is to raise $5,000 to support the construction of a new outdoor aviary and the revitalization of indoor aviary spaces. All funds raised from the Fun Run will go toward this goal.

“The event has supported some significant and varied improvements to the Park and Zoo over the years,” said Mitchell. “The funds raised focus on accessibility, conservation efforts, and excellence in animal care standards. The Park and Zoo is proud to be such a key part of the Peterborough culture and is shaped and made better by the generosity of our community.”

Registration can be found online. The following is the race-day schedule:

Race Day Schedule:

• 8:10 a.m. - Yoga warmup in the Gazebo

• 8:25 a.m. - 1K runners at the starting line

• 8:30 a.m. - 1K race begins

• 9 a.m. - 1K racers pick up medals

• 9:10 a.m. - 5K runners at the starting line

• 9:15 a.m. - 5K race begins

• 10 a.m. - 5K racers pick up medals

In-person registration and race kit pick-up are available at the Rotary Education Centre at Riverview Park and Zoo on June 27 and June 28, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can also register in person on June 29 before the race begins between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. The 1k race begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 5k race starts at 9:15 a.m. There are prizes for kids under 12 in the 1k and the top three males and females overall in the 5k.

RPZ encourages those to dress up as birds for the event as there are additional prizes for the best animal costume and top three fundraisers.

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120 Golfers Tee-Off at the Fourth-Annual 'Be a Saint" St. Joseph's At Fleming Golf Fundraiser Tournament

The fourth-annual “Be a Saint” St. Joseph's at Fleming fundraiser golf tournament saw a huge increase in golfers with 120 at the Quarry Golf Club on Thursday afternoon.

Sarah Cox, St. Joseph’s at Fleming administrative coordinator puts all her trust in Celebrity golf entertainer and instructor Todd Keirstead’s trick shot. Keirstead was a guest entertainer at the first hole at the Quarry Golf Club. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This year’s event saw a massive uptick in attendance since the third edition yielded 80 participants.

“It's great to see how our fundraiser is growing,” said Sarah Cox, St. Joseph’s administrative coordinator. “It's a great way to bring awareness to the community, we have lots of new golfers out and it's also great to see that we have so many people coming back year after year to support St. Joseph's at Fleming.”

All proceeds go towards upgrading St. Joseph’s infrastructure which needs work since the long-term care home is over 20 years old. It also funds replacing aging equipment and vital programs and services.

Last year’s event raised around $26,000 which is toward the organization's goal of $3.5 million over the next few years.

@ptbo_canada We were here before once… Time for round 2 between editor David Bui and trickshot golfer Todd Keirstead. The fourth-annula “Be a Saint” golf tournament benefitted St. Joseph’s at Fleming care home! #ptbo #ptbocanada #journalism #journalist #peterborough #news #fyp #dailynewsupdate #dailynews #sports #sport #golf ♬ Ready - Official Sound Studio

“We're a little over two-and-a-half million now,” explained Cox. “We're still working towards that goal, still raising money and even outside of the campaign, once we reach that 3.5 million, we're still going to keep fundraising because there's always going to be needs in the home.

After the tournament, a silent auction was held to raise additional funds for the not-for-profit long-term care home.

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Five Counties Children's Centre Brings the Fun With Annual Backyard Summer Social On June 22

Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is bringing the heat for its Backyard Summer Social fundraising event which will take place on June 22 from 1 to 4 p.m., as announced on Monday.

Five Counties Children’s Centre staff members Linsey Kampf (left) and Maddie Jackson (right) encourage people to come out to the third annual Backyard Summer Social on June 22. In each of its first two years, the Backyard Summer Social has raised more than $40,000 annually. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The summer fun is at FCCC’s backyard space on 872 Dutton Rd. in Peterborough.

The funds go to FCCC’s Building Abilities For Life Campaign which funds priority, high-demand services like speech therapy and occupational therapy in an effort to reduce long waiting times for kids to receive these critical services according to a press release.

Activities at the Social are a petting zoo, alpacas, axe-throwing, circus performers, inflatable jousting, classic picnic games, live music, drinks, treats and foods from local vendors.

“The Backyard Summer Social is an adults-only event that lets you be a kid again, at least for an afternoon,” said Lyn Giles, FCCC director of fund development. “No tux, gown, or heels are required — instead, sun dresses, T-shirts, shorts, or sandals are how to make a fashion statement here.”

Tickets to the Backyard Summer Social are $125 each and available online, through email at development@fivecounties.on.ca or call 1-888-779-9916, ext. 300).

Along with a $75 charitable tax receipt, each ticket purchased to the Backyard Summer Social includes all food from various local vendors, one drink ticket, live music, access to all activities and games and a chance to win prizes.

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Community Care Gets Happy Feelings Receiving $136,877.45 From Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign

There was no frowning from Community Care Peterborough as they received $136,877.45 from this year’s Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign.

Several Community Care staff along with Tim Hortons owners and employees celebrated the unveiling of the funds raised during the Smile Cookie Campaign. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Local Tim Hortons owners revealed the fundraising number to Community Care staff at the Hunter Street Tim Hortons location on Thursday morning.

The campaign ran from April 29 to May 5 with all Peterborough Tim Hortons participating and locations in Curve Lake First Nation, Lakefield, Havelock and Bridgenorth.

“This is fantastic news,” said Danielle Belair, Community Care CEO. “This was truly a successful event. We couldn't have done it without all of our volunteers and with the support of the all communities in the County of Peterborough and also all of the owners of the Tim Hortons.”

The proceeds will help the Meals on Wheels program that supplies meals to seniors with disabilities who cannot cook/shop for themselves or are discharged from a hospital with limited/no help available during their recovery.

“The funds will go a long way in supporting Community Care Peterborough’s programs and services that empower seniors and adults with physical challenges, helping them to remain happy and healthy in their own homes” said Belair. “As a not-for-profit agency we rely on support from our community to keep up with the high demand for our services.”

The following were all participating Tim Hortons locations:

Peterborough

• 721 Ashburnham Dr.

• 1527 Water St.

• 1200 Lansdowne St. W.

• 336 Lansdowne St. E.

• 871 - 875 Chemong Rd.

• 157 George St. N.

• 645 Lansdowne St. W.

• 55 Park St. N.

• 81 Hunter St. E.

• 898 Monaghan Rd.

• 1781 Lansdowne St.

• 1420 Crawford Dr.

• 1901 Lansdowne St. W.

• 949 Highway 7 E.

• 110 Chandler Cres.

Lakefield

• 139 Queen St.

Bridgenorth

• 758 Ward St. N.

Curve Lake

• 1420 Mississauga St.

Havelock

• 50 Ottawa St. W.

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Hometown PTBO: Miranda Zeppieri Raising Money For the Battlefield Ride 2024 Campaign For Wounded Warriors

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Wounded Warriors Canada advocate Miranda Zeppieri about her fundraising efforts for Battlefield Ride 2024, her family's history working in the military and first responders communities and her history of riding for Wounded Warriors.

Follow the link to donate to Zeppieri’s fundraiser.

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Smile Cookie Campaign Raises $50,713 for Five Counties Children’s Centre

The Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) did not frown as it received $50,713 from the annual Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign in Cobourg and Colborne.

Five Counties Children’s Centre CEO Scott Pepin gets help from volunteers to serve up smiles during the recent Smile Cookie Campaign at Tim Hortons in Cobourg and Colborne.. Tim Hortons has been raising funds for local charities for over 25 years. In total since its inception in 1996, the Smile Cookie Campaign at Tim Hortons has raised more than $111 million for charities and community groups. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The campaign ran from April 29 to May 2. The proceeds of each Smile Cookie sold helped FCCC’s high-demand treatment services such as speech therapy and occupational therapy, reduce wait times for kids and their families in Northumberland County.

“Smile Cookie really lived up to its name, as the funds raised from their sales will put smiles on the faces of many children and their families in our community who can get the care they need when they need it,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “We want to say a huge thank you to the Northumberland community for showing their support through the purchase of Smile Cookies and their donations during the campaign.” 

Five Counties was among hundreds of charities and community groups in Canada and the U.S. to benefit from the Smile Cookie campaign his year. Nearly $18.8 million was raised in total in 2024 according to a Tim Hortons news release.

"We'd like to extend a huge thank you to every Tims guest who supported our annual Smile Cookie campaign this year,” said Axel Schwan, Tim Hortons president. “Through your generosity and support, we're collectively making a big impact for more than 600 charities and community groups.”

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Kawartha Food Share's 'Porch Pirates For Good' Food Drive Is Back to Plunder Peterborough On June 1

Kawartha Food Share's (KFS) ‘Porch Pirates For Good’ food drive is back in Peterborough to restock empty shelves for June 1.

For the past four years, the food drive has yielded over 140,000 pounds of food and over $12,000 in monetary donations. Photo courtesy of

Households are asked to leave a bag(s) of non-perishable food items on their front porch for the Porch Pirates to collect starting at 9 a.m.

Food bank clients have reached an all-time high throughout Canada as rising costs of food and supply chain shortages have affected their clients, donors and purchasing power, according to KFS.

The following is a list of items requested for donation:

• Peanut Butter

• Canned tuna

• Canned vegetables and canned fruit

• Individually wrapped school snacks

• Pasta and pasta sauce

• Alpha-getti, Kraft Dinner and Chef Boyardee

• Breakfast cereal

• Gluten free items – like pasta, cookies, oats etc.

• Canned soup/stew

• Feminine hygiene products

• Diaper

• Monetary Donations (can be made online or during item collection)

For every $1 donated, $3 worth of food can be purchased, according to KFS. Volunteers can collect cheques or cash during their pickups.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Introduces New Fundraiser to Help Those Live "Brighter Futures"

The Rotary Club of Peterborough has introduced a new fundraiser called Bright Futures. It support of local and international Rotary Projects that help individuals and families to live Brighter Futures, announced on Monday.

The Rotary Club of Peterborough was established in 1921 and currently has just over 70 members. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The fundraiser is a raffle ticket fundraiser with more than $7,500 in prizes available. The winning tickets will be drawn live at a dance party at the McDonnel Street Activity Centre on June 8.

“Organizers aimed to offer prizes that would appeal to a broad number of adventure-minded people including a $5,000 travel voucher from Blowes & Stewart Travel, a five-night cottage rental on Catchacoma Lake and a Palusky Kayak and Paddle,” said Amy Simpson, Bright Futures committee co-chair.

The dance is a casual celebration with snacks, a cash bar, silent auction and live music from local band The Patio Stones. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the draw itself will take place at 9 p.m.

The owners of the winning tickets do not need to be present to win the draw prizes but is preferred for more dramatic effect according to Susan Sharp, co-chair.

“It would certainly add to the excitement to have the winners on site when the big prizes are given away,” she said.

Raffle tickets can be purchased for $10 each or three for $20. Dance tickets are $50. For raffle tickets, dance tickets or auction donations please email contact@peterboroughrotary.ca.

Tickets can also be purchased in person at Grady’s Feet Essentials, 231 King St..

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Five Counties Children's Centre Chosen As Smile Cookie Campaign Recipients

Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) has been selected as the local charity that benefits from the annual Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign, announced on Monday. 

Five Counties volunteers will be at local Tim Hortons locations in Cobourg and Colborne next week to assist with the Smile Cookies Campaign. The annual fundraising campaign returns, with proceeds supporting Five Counties kids. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The campaign runs from April 29 until May 5 at locations in Cobourg and Colborne.  

“We are very grateful to Tim Hortons locations in Cobourg and Colborne for selecting Five Counties to be the beneficiary of the annual Smile Cookie Campaign,” says Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “Fundraising efforts like this help reduce wait times and ensure more children and families get the access to care they need when they need it.”  

Residents are encouraged to visit a Cobourg or Colborne Tim Hortons to support Five Counties to purchase a Smile Cookie. Bulk orders are also available and can be ordered by completing this form. During the campaign, Five Counties staff, volunteers, families, and supporters will be at Tim Hortons locations to collect donations and thank visitors for dropping by.  

All money raised from Smile Cookie for Five Counties will go towards its Building Abilities for Life Campaign. This campaign funds priority, high-demand services like speech therapy and occupational therapy to reduce long waiting times for these critical services.  

Tim Hortons has been raising funds for local charities for over 25 years. Last year, Tim Hortons restaurants across Canada raised a record-breaking $19.7 million for over 600 local charities and community groups. The Smile Cookie Campaign has raised over $90 million since the program’s inception. 

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