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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough's Pathway to Fame Adds Eight New Names In Induction Ceremony

Eight names are immortalized into The Pathway of Fame after an induction ceremony of the 2021 class at the Nexicom Studio at Showplace on Saturday.

The private event hosted no more than 50 people due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Photo Courtesy of The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough & District.

The eight inductees were nominated for their contributions to the community in various areas. Their names will be engraved on stone markers at Del Crary Park’s Pathway of Fame. The class of 2020 was also recognized during the ceremony.

The private event is typically open to the public however due to COVID-19 restrictions, spacing was limited to 50 people.

The first Pathway of Fame names were placed back in 1998. Photo Courtesy of The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough & District.

David Goyette (Cultural/Community Betterment)

Selflessly donating his time and resources to a variety of community organizations and causes, remains at the heart of Goyette’s existence. His skills as a musician, artist, painter and writer serve to augment a life that has contributed much to the local landscape.

Graham Hart (Media)

As the decades-long ‘face’ of CHEX Television prior to his retirement, Hart achieved a broadcast legacy in this community without equal. His selfless community service to countless organizations as an active board member, event host and ambassador has brought him countless honours and accolades.

Brian MacDonald (Dramatic Arts)

MacDonald’s unbridled passion for theatre has brought him numerous acting roles and directorial opportunities – but his co-founding and chairmanship of Arts For Awareness has exemplified his belief in the power of The Arts as a vehicle for raising awareness of social issues.

Dr. Ramesh Makhija (Cultural/Community Betterment)

Chemist Makhija’s research into environmental challenges has earned him local, as well as national distinction and has led to a number of related initiatives, Peterborough’s blue box collection program among them. But he has always made time to give back.

John Mariasine (Media)

As the warm, and inclusive morning voice of 1420 CKPT radio for 20 years, Mariasine’s stellar broadcast career served as an inroad to his involvement with a variety of local initiatives and causes, together with his unwavering commitment to his audience and to his community.

Megan Murphy (Cultural/Community Betterment)

Blessed with a spark and quick wit that endears her instantly to others, Murphy’s talents as an actress, filmmaker, musician and radio personality are surpassed only by a giving nature that has benefitted a number of community causes.  Megan joins her late father, Marty Murphy, a lawyer and respected community Samaritan, who was inducted to The Pathway in 2014.

 Paul Rellinger (Cultural/Community Betterment)

From camping out on the roof of The Brick to raising funds for Habitat For Humanity, helping an adult learner attain reading skills to emceeing a benefit for someone in need, Rellinger’s inability to say ‘No’ guarantees he is rarely seen on the sidelines.  

David Sutherland (Community Builder)

As the founding president of Sir Sandford Fleming College, the late Sutherland’s nurturing of the College’s connections with the community it serves laid the groundwork for the future, including Fleming’s ongoing association with Trent University.  

The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough & District is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1997 to honour community citizens and individuals in the Arts and Humanities.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Upstanding Volunteers Spreading Smiles for Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity ReStore may sell refurbished items but it could be labelled a happiness factory thanks to volunteers David Macleod and Keir Lewin.

(left to right) Keir Lewin, Christina Skuce, David Macleod and Craig Meridith. Habitat for Humanity accepts volunteers for setting up displays, processing donated products, providing customer service, repairing furniture and more. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Macleod has volunteered for the ReStore for almost a year, starting back in September 2020. Lewin, an 18-year-old Kenner student, had completed his last day of volunteering Friday after spending the entire summer with the ReStore.

Both men have been taken under the wing of social worker Craig Meridith who has worked with special needs people for over a decade.

"The positivity on them is unbelievable,” explained Meridith. “That’s what makes my job fun. David and Keir bring nothing but fun and a positive attitude to the table and they want to learn.”

“They are an incredible part of our Habitat family and they make it possible for us to raise funds to build more affordable homes in the community,” said Christina Skuce, Habitat director of Philanthropy and Communications.

Macleod arranges and organizes the home decoration section that ranges from kitchen utensils, dishware, movies, paintings and more. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Staff and customers have noted the positive attitude that both volunteers carried which has been contagious to anyone who talks to them.

“Listening to their passion and how proud they are working at the ReStore is incredible,” explained Skuce. ”I was tearing up earlier, listening to David saying how happy he is to be here. They have the best attitude, they’re happy and everyone on staff loves them.”

Lewin was born in Toronto but was moved to Peterborough at a very young age. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Macleod organizes the home decoration section and also works as a greeter for the retail store. He originally started volunteering twice a week but has bumped that up to three days. Lewin aids in the garbage disposal and moving small inventory around the store.

“A lot of people come in here and actually just see David and talk to him as well,” explained Meridith. “He’s turning into a fan favourite in the community which has also led to a lot of people coming into the ReStore.”

Both Meridith and Skuce explain that this work helps anyone with special needs to gain life skills and mature in their mental and cognitive development.

“I couldn’t be more happier watching them grow as individuals and contribute in such a positive manner,” exclaimed Meridith. “It’s exciting to watch them here I could do this five days a week if I could instead of just three.”

“I love that they can go home at night and they are proud of what they did here at the ReStore.” said Skuce.

For more information on volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, email volunteer@habitatpkr.ca or call 705-750-1456.

“We’re a team,” exclaimed Macleod. “My good friend Craig Meridith helped me get here and I like the job.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Group Revitalizing Skateboarding With Skatepark Upgrades

After several coats of blue paint, the West49 skatepark gets a facelift from the Peterborough Skateboard Coalition and volunteers on Sunday.

Dan Post (left) performing a grind known as a “tailslide.” Post moved to Peterborough in October and met several coalition members and friends at the West49 skatepark. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The group is made up of skateboard enthusiasts that want to improve skateboard spaces, events and programming through advocacy, fundraising, partnering and engagement in Peterborough.

The paint was supplied by the City of Peterborough with help from Cassandra Babcock, Facilities Manager and Coun. Lesley Parnell according to coalition member Dan Post.

Several members and volunteers painted the McDonnel Street skatepark and spray-painted “tags” of the coalition’s logo. The concrete was patched by skateboarder Riley Wilkins before the park was covered in blue.

Coalition member Geoff Rix performing an “Indy” grab while airborne off a launch ramp. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Built in 2002, the 8,400 square feet skate park was painted as one way of reinvigorating skateboarding back into Peterborough.

The sport has gained popularity in recent years as a new sport in the Olympics, the rehashing of the popular video game series “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater” and veteran skaters that can be in skateparks again from the COVID-19 pandemic according to Post.

Sparo Lindsay rides the ramp vertically. Lindsay is the owner of beauty salon Union Studio in downtown Peterborough, Photo by David Tuan Bui.

He wants to grow the Peterborough skateboarding community of all ages and skill levels and wants the city to help foster and accommodate.

"We gave it a bit of revitalization to inject some more energy back into the place, to create a sense of pride,” he said.

Coalition member Aiden Finn performing a “kickflip” while going gap-to-gap from a higher level to a lower one. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The group is seeking help from the City of Peterborough to make more upgrades to the facility such as high-wattage LED lights for nighttime skating, exterior seating, more garbage and recycling bins, a water fountain and a sunshade.

"It's all part of bringing this park back up to a community standard that's more welcoming, more accessible and more inviting," said Post.

The coalition is lobbying the city to build a second skatepark to accommodate the skateboarding community’s growth in Peterborough. The proposed park would have a design that would cater to skaters of all skill levels.

"This design of this park comes from an era it was built," explained Post. "Skateboarding has no rules and so it is constantly evolving. The terrain we skate also needs to evolve alongside it."

The Peterborough Skateboard Coalition is always openly looking for new volunteers to help grow the skateboard community. Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Skateboard Coalition.

Expanding skateboarding accessibility in Peterborough can foster Olympic-level athletes since the city already displayed elite hockey and lacrosse players in the past according to Post.

“There is a need to start training and for younger kids to start training, as some of them are going to have Olympic aspirations,” he said. “We have an opportunity to produce some high-level elite skateboard talent here as well that could one day make it into the Olympics.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Class of 2021 Inductees Announced for Peterborough's Pathway to Fame

The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough & District has announced their 2021 inductees on Tuesday.

Photo Courtesy of The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough & District.

Eight people were nominated for their contributions to the community in various areas. Their nominations were submitted by the public and had an anonymous committee to make the final decisions.

The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough & District is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1997 to honour community citizens and individuals in the Arts and Humanities.

The inductees’ names will be engraved on stone markers at Del Crary Park’s Pathway of Fame. They were first placed back in 1998.

Last year’s inductees were unable to run an induction ceremony due to the pandemic — typically held at Showplace Performance Center —however, organizers are planning for the event on Sept. 11 at the Nexicom Lounge at Showplace. The event may be cancelled as necessary.

David Goyette (Cultural/Community Betterment)

Selflessly donating his time and resources to a variety of community organizations and causes, remains at the heart of Goyette’s existence. His skills as a musician, artist, painter and writer serve to augment a life that has contributed much to the local landscape.

Graham Hart (Media)

As the decades-long ‘face’ of CHEX Television prior to his retirement, Hart achieved a broadcast legacy in this community without equal. His selfless community service to countless organizations as an active board member, event host and ambassador has brought him countless honours and accolades.

Brian MacDonald (Dramatic Arts)

MacDonald’s unbridled passion for theatre has brought him numerous acting roles and directorial opportunities – but his co-founding and chairmanship of Arts For Awareness has exemplified his belief in the power of The Arts as a vehicle for raising awareness of social issues.

Dr. Ramesh Makhija (Cultural/Community Betterment)

Chemist Makhija’s research into environmental challenges has earned him local, as well as national distinction and has led to a number of related initiatives, Peterborough’s blue box collection program among them. But he has always made time to give back.

John Mariasine (Media)

As the warm, and inclusive morning voice of 1420 CKPT radio for 20 years, Mariasine’s stellar broadcast career served as an inroad to his involvement with a variety of local initiatives and causes, together with his unwavering commitment to his audience and to his community.

Megan Murphy (Cultural/Community Betterment)

Blessed with a spark and quick wit that endears her instantly to others, Murphy’s talents as an actress, filmmaker, musician and radio personality are surpassed only by a giving nature that has benefitted a number of community causes.  Megan joins her late father, Marty Murphy, a lawyer and respected community Samaritan, who was inducted to The Pathway in 2014.

 Paul Rellinger (Cultural/Community Betterment)

From camping out on the roof of The Brick to raising funds for Habitat For Humanity, helping an adult learner attain reading skills to emceeing a benefit for someone in need, Rellinger’s inability to say ‘No’ guarantees he is rarely seen on the sidelines.  

David Sutherland (Community Builder)

As the founding president of Sir Sandford Fleming College, the late Sutherland’s nurturing of the College’s connections with the community it serves laid the groundwork for the future, including Fleming’s ongoing association with Trent University.  

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough's Esther Doré Honoured For 50 Years Of Volunteer Service At Hospital

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is celebrating the countless contributions of their 500+ dedicated hospital volunteers, and that includes a very special milestone for PRHC volunteer Esther Doré, who was recognized for her 50 years of service.

Inspired by her mother, 83-year-old Esther began her volunteer journey at Peterborough Civic Hospital in 1968. Times were different then, she says, but the core reasons she enjoys volunteering remain the same.

“It’s the giving of yourself and meeting people,” says Esther. “God gave me the gift that I could listen and also chat. My greatest joy is meeting people and spreading the word for volunteerism.” 

Esther Doré (photo courtesy PRHC)

Esther currently provides pastoral care at the hospital but has worn many volunteer hats over the years including planning hospital dances, organizing skits for clinical staff and taking trips to Toronto to procure items to sell at the hospital’s Gift Shop.

Esther embodies the spirit of volunteerism, PRHC says: “She is known as being funny, kind, compassionate, and the type of person you want to be around—especially when facing adversity.”

“Some people don’t have any family,” Esther adds. “Just being a good listener is so important to a lot of people. My advice is if you have spare time, it doesn’t matter whether it’s at the hospital or at hospice, just help someone. I’ve held a lot of hands through illnesses here. I’ve been truly blessed.”

For more information about volunteering at PRHC, click here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.

How The Peterborough Police Service Auxiliary Constable Program Works

The Peterborough Police Service has launched an Auxiliary Constable Recruitment Campaign. 

“The members of our Auxiliary Unit are an integral part of our Service,” says Inspector Neil Collins, Operations, Peterborough Police Service. “The enhancement these dedicated volunteers bring to our Service is phenomenal.”

Photo Courtesy Peterborough Police

HOW THE AUXILIARY UNIT WORKS

-> The Auxiliary Unit, currently comprised of 18 constables, two Staff Sergeants and three Sergeants, is overseen by the Operations Division of the Peterborough Police Service. 

-> Each year members of the Unit volunteer thousands of hours to the communities of the City of Peterborough, the Ward of Lakefield and the Township of Cavan Monaghan. 

-> Auxiliary officers serve the community in a volunteer capacity. Most hold full-time jobs in completely unrelated fields, choosing to give back to the community by joining our Service.

SERVICES AUXILIARY CONSTABLES PROVIDE

-> assisting at parades, special events and R.I.D.E programs
-> providing information on crime prevention and facilitating crime preventions programs such as the Homeguard Inspection Program
-> conducting car seat installations and working alongside frontline officers during regular police patrols
-> participating in charity events with police

Photo Courtesy Peterborough Police

HOW AUXILIARY MEMBERS ARE SELECTED

-> Auxiliary members are selected on the basis of their ability to complete the training program and their availability for service throughout the year. Members must volunteer a minimum of 12 hours each month, attend regular in-service training sessions and commit to a two year volunteer term.

-> Initial training consist of classroom instruction, such as powers of arrest and criminal code, physical restraining methods and firearms qualification. Although auxiliary members are not issued firearms, they must be capable of handling a firearm in extraordinary or critical circumstances.

Photo Courtesy Peterborough Police

The Peterborough Police Service is hosting an Auxiliary Recruitment Information Session on Tuesday September 25th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall (317 Hunter Street West). The closing date for applications is October 26, 2018. Learn more here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.

PTBOCanada Featured Post: The Summer Company Program For Young Entrepreneurs

Attention aspiring young entrepreneurs, the Summer Company program is back. The Summer Company program is a youth entrepreneurship program offered by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade, & Employment. Peterborough Economic Development has been proudly administrating the program in the Peterborough region for over a decade.

The program provides students aged 15 to 29 with the opportunity to open and operate their own summer business. Students are provided with funding, business training, and mentorship throughout the summer.

With respect to funding, successful applicants receive up to $1,500 to start their summer businesses. They are also eligible for up to a $1,500 award upon completion of the program. The business training portion of the program is provided through a series of workshops throughout the summer. Past workshop topics include: mastering social media; marketing and sales; managing business risk; networking; and taxation. The workshops are facilitated by local business professionals who are experts in their respective fields.

Students are also assigned volunteer mentors from within the community to provide them with support and guidance as they run their summer businesses. The mentors are business owners and professionals who understand the unique stresses and challenges that accompany running a small business. Students are often matched with a mentor in a similar industry. For example, past pairings include: a fire spinner with a full-time magician; a boat cleaner with one of the top 100 boat dealers in North America; as well as a promotional videographer with a media and marketing specialist.

In addition to funding, business training, and mentorship, the Summer Company program offers students several other competitive advantages. Firstly, students participate in the annual Summer Company Program Celebration otherwise known as Media Day. Media Day is an opportunity for the students to interact with local media and dignitaries and to promote their businesses. Several media outlets, including CHEX, Peterborough This Week, and the Peterborough Examiner, are invited to cover the event. Secondly, an article on each student and his/her business is featured on the Peterborough Economic Development website. Thirdly, Summer Company students have the opportunity to connect with other program participants and alumni. The annual Summer Company Training Day brings together participants from several different regions for a day of learning and networking.

Several students have been recommended for the program thus far. For example, Christina Kylie of Stellar Pixels plans to provide website design, re-design, and update services to small businesses in the community. Christina has noticed that many business owners allow their websites to go dormant by failing to regularly update their web content and security.

Christina was initially interested in the program because she is considering entrepreneurship as a career path and she wanted to gain practical work experience. Christina’s business is well aligned with her educational objectives. She is currently attending Durham College for web design. Christina can be reached at (705) 313-5563, admin@stellarpixels.ca, or @StellarPxStudio.

Students interested in the program can apply online here.

As part of their applications, students must complete a business plan, start-up budget, and cash flow forecast. The deadline for applications is May 23rd, 2014. However, students are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible as viable business plan are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Summer Company Coordinator Carrington Hickey is more than happy to answer any questions students may have and to walk students through the application process.

For more info on the program, contact Carrington Hickey, Summer Company Coordinator, at Peterborough Economic Development:
Phone: 705.743-0777, ext. 2124
Email chickey@gpaedc.on.ca
Website: PeterboroughCanada.com
Twitter: @PtboEcDev

If your business/organization is interested in a PTBOCanada Featured Post Advertorial, email sales@ptbocanada.com!

How It Works: Becoming A Blood Donor

There is always a need and a demand for blood donors. No matter what the season, the weather, the month of the year... someone, somewhere needs the gift of life. With the Sirens for Life campaign in full swing until September, PTBOCanada's Julie Morris wanted to give you a glimpse of the steps involved and how simple it really is to be a blood donor. If you've never donated before but have often been curious as to what is involved, we hope this encourages you to go ahead and make that appointment. Here's how it works...

Shelley will greet you upon arrival at the clinic (the Blood Donor clinic is located at 55 George Street North) and help get your appointment underway and book your next one!

The next step is to get a quick poke to check your hemoglobin level. In order to proceed with the process, your hemoglobin count must be 12.5 or above. Anything lower and you will not be able to donate that day. After this step, you will then make a stop at one of the booths to fill out the first part of the questionnaire. It you'd like, prior to your visit you can preview the Record of Donation online.

The remainder of the questions on the questionnaire are verbally asked to you when you continue on to one of the privacy rooms. In addition to the remainder of the questions, you will also have your blood pressure and temperature taken. Your blood pressure must be no lower than 90/50 and no higher than 180/100.  Your temperature must fall between 35.8 C and 37.5 C. Check out the Basic Eligibility for complete details. 

Tracey Hughes, who is a teacher at TASSS, in the middle of completing her 20th donation!  

Dan Mundell from the Peterborough Fire Department and Don Broersma from the Peterborough-Lakefield Police both enjoy some snacks after donating. One of the many long term volunteers of the clinic will offer you treats and juice after your donation is complete and if you're lucky maybe even an ice cream cone!

The Peterborough permanent blood clinic is located at 55 George Street North. They are open Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays 8 a.m. to noon, and the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to noon. You can check out their FAQs to answer any questions you might still have as you think about donating. 

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook.