Dress Purple Day on Oct. 27 to Support Children's Aid Societies

/

The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society (KHCAS) urges the community to wear purple to raise awareness for vulnerable children and families and the groups that support them on Oct. 27.

Photo courtesy of The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society.

Every October, Dress Purple Day brings awareness to the support and intervention services that are available for families through Children’s Aid Societies. Wearing purple shows that help is available and no one is alone.

“Dress Purple Day offers an opportunity to remind our local communities that the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society works together with many other social service providers to help children, youth and families facing challenges,” says Jennifer McLauchlan, KHCAS executive director. “We are wearing purple today to show children, youth and families that we care and are here to help.”

Learn more about Dress Purple Day here: https://www.oacas.org/publications-and-campaigns/dresspurpleday/.

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

Children Ages 5-11 Eligible for COVID-19 Booster Dose

/

The provincial government announced that children aged 5-11 are now eligible for a third dose (first booster) of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine according to Peterborough Public Health (PPH) on Wednesday.

Stock Photo.

To be eligible, children must have received their second dose at least 6 months (168 days) prior to receiving the third dose. Any child with immunocompromising conditions is now eligible for a fourth dose (first booster).

Proof of eligibility is required at their appointment. A referral form from a health care provider or proof of prescription medication can be accepted. Eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines is based on birth year.

The provincial booking system will have appointments available for children aged 5-11 for the PPH COVID-19 Vaccination clinic. It is located on the lower level of Peterborough Square at 340 George St.

PPH encourages anyone to review their immunization schedule and clinic calendar for updates on eligibility and appointment availability. COVID-19 vaccine appointments can be booked:

“With back to school around the corner, it is important to ensure all children are up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, PPH medical officer of health. “As a reminder, it takes approximately 14 days for a dose to take full effect. Getting the vaccine now will provide an additional layer of protection for children returning to school in September.”

For more information visit the PPH youth and COVID-19 vaccine webpage.

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

"Stand With Tim" Campaign Raises Over $14,000 For Non-Profit Organizations to Benefit Children

/

Community organization Peterborough Cares’ “Stand With Tim” campaign raised $14,270.59 for the New Canadians Centre (NCC) and United Way Peterborough & District’s "Backpacks for Success" program.

Backpacks are being stuffed at Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute on Tuesday. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service.

The funds were received by both organizations at the Peterborough Police station on Saturday with Mayor Diane Therrien and Coun. Lesley Parnell in attendance.

The one-day fundraising event began on Aug. 19 on the corner of King and George Street where local musicians performed a free concert while volunteers collected donations. Musicians included SJ Riley, Shawn Hully, Cole LeBlanc, Baz Littlerock, Ariel Riley, High Waters and Joe McCulley.

There was $2,000 from the Peterborough Police Service to kickstart the fundraiser. The police service board gave $1,000, the police senior team gave $500 and the police board chair gave $500.

A GoFundMe was set up to aid in the fundraising efforts for those who could not attend the event.

Proceeds were split between the NCC and United Way. The latter’s campaign was using the proceeds to fill 690 backpacks with school supplies for children returning to class in September. They needed $15,000 to complete their goal since the demand for school supplies increased by 90 per cent according to the United Way.

During the last three years, proceeds went to homeless shelters. Acting police chief Tim Farquharson took a preventive approach this year by using the proceeds for children’s education. He says prison incarceration rates, crime and imprisonment correlate with the number of kids who fail to graduate high school.

“Anything we can do to encourage that chance to reach a potential by staying in school as long as possible, the better,” he said in a prior interview with PTBOCanada.

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

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough Children Receive 73 Fully-Loaded Backpacks From Local Accounting Firm

/

Getting back to school just got easier for local children of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough as accounting firm Gauvreau CPA gave them fully stocked 73 backpacks with school supplies on Friday afternoon.

Lily G., 11 (left), got her pick of the litter for backpacks as Caitlin Walker (right) of Gauvreau CPA Firm gives her one of 73 fully-loaded backpacks. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Several employees at the firm have grown up benefiting from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and the backpacks were a way to help the next generation of children.

“We have a team dedicated to helping advance our community,” said Robert Gauvreau, Gauvreau CPA CEO. “We have a few people on our team who are connected with the Peterborough Big Brothers Big Sisters so it's got a special spot in our heart.”

Students attending high school or elementary school and part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program were eligible for the free backpacks.

Backpacks were filled with supplies such as a lunch bag, sandwich containers writing utensils, glue sticks, scissors and erasers.

Children and parents picked up the supplies throughout the afternoon and were able to select what bags they wanted on a first-come,first-serve basis.

“Everything isn't just about business all the time but the fact that our team is positively influencing the outcomes of our community to me, that is the biggest win,” said Gauvreau.

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

"Stand With Tim" Campaign Raising Money For "Backpacks for Success" Program and New Canadians Centre

/

Community organization Peterborough Cares hosted its fourth annual “Stand With Tim” fundraiser to aid the New Canadians Centre (NCC) and United Way Peterborough & District’s "Backpacks for Success" to give backpacks to needing children on Friday.

Jamie Emos (pictured) collecting donations from the corner of King and George Street in front of The Venue. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

In years past, proceeds typically go towards homeless shelters. This time, acting Peterborough Police chief Tim Farquharson is taking a preventive approach with this year’s fundraiser. He says prison incarceration rates, crime and imprisonment correlate with the number of kids who fail to graduate high school.

“Anything we can do to encourage that chance to reach a potential by staying in school as long as possible, the better,” he said.

Funds are shared between the United Way and the NCC with none going towards administrative costs. Roughly 690 backpacks with school supplies are needed for the former to get to schools in time for September.

The charity is gathering volunteers to stuff the backpacks on Aug. 30 to be available for pickup from schools the following day. No generic donor funds go towards the campaign but are collected separately.

United Way requires $15,000 to complete its goal since the demand for school supplies increased by 90 per cent according to Sara Mountenay, United Way communications officer.

“There are a lot of students whose parents simply can't afford to purchase the school supplies that everyone else has and take for granted because they're too focused on, let's face it, putting a roof over their head or paying for groceries so the demand this year was unprecedented,” she said.

NCC was chosen as the fundraiser beneficiary as the organization is in need of funding. He says he wants those families including the children to get off on the right foot and in a new country.

“We want new Canadians to come here and feel comfortable and reduce any challenges we can and set them up for success,” explained Farquharson.

The police service board gave $1,000, the police senior team gave $500 and the police board chair gave $500, totalling $2,000 to kick off the fundraiser.

A GoFundMe has been set up to aid in the fundraising efforts for those who could not attend the event.

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

Children's Music Group Wiggles To Perform At Peterborough Memorial Centre in October

/

As part of their Big Show Tour!, Children’s music group ‘The Wiggles’ is performing at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on Oct. 7 announced on Tuesday.

The group has been entertaining children for over 30 years. Their Treehouse TV shows are on in six million homes and the number one program with kids aged 2 – 11 across all kid’s networks in Canada. Photo courtesy of The Wiggles.

The group is touring Canada from Sept. 28 until Halloween and have not performed in the country in three years.

New Wiggles Tsehay Hawkins, Caterina Wiggle and John Wiggle, from the Fruit Salad TV series are new additions to the tour.

"We're so excited to be coming back to perform in Canada,” said Anthony Field, Blue Wiggle. “The show also features a variety of dance styles and performances, and we're bringing all our Wiggly friends too."

Tickets are available on the group’s website or through the PMC website starting on July 22. Children under a year old have free admission but must sit on the lap of someone with a valid ticket.

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

Police Seeking Information For Missing 11-Year Old Kawartha Lakes Boy

/

UPDATED at 11:36 p.m. on June 13, 2022.

Kawartha Lakes Police is requesting information on the whereabouts of 11-year-old boy Draven Graham who was reported missing Sunday evening.

Graham has autism, is 4’10”, slim build, last wearing a blue t-shirt and dark jogging pants. He has limited verbal skills, has a sensory irritation to touch, is unlikely to come out if called by name and likes to hide according to the police.

He was last seen in Lindsay on Queen Street at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday according to police reports.

There have been a heavy police presence in the Queen Street, Caroline Street and Colborne Street areas as police have been aided by the OPP Search & Rescue Team for his search.

The Ontario Volunteer Emergency Response Team joined the first responders in the search roughly around midnight.

Residents are asked to check their backyards and outbuildings for the missing 11-year-old.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kawartha Lakes Police Service at 705-324-5252.

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

Havelock Ready For Sunny Days With Approval Of New Splash Pad This Summer

/

The Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen will be getting a splash pad this summer, announced on social media.

The splash pad at The Norwood Community Centre. Photo courtesy of The ANCC.

The splash pad location is proposed for 39 George St E, in the Village of Havelock.

This is also the site of the Havelock Community Centre, a baseball field and multiple play structures.

This is an ongoing project, with no publicly set completion date.

Updates will be posted to the Township’s social media.

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

/ /

Guest User


Peterborough Police Begin 'Operation Freeze' To Encourage Smart Decision Making In Children

/

The Peterborough Police will begin ‘Operation Freeze’ aimed at rewarding children for making good choices, announced on Wednesday.

PC VanBelleghem with coupons for Operation Freeze. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police.

Peterborough Police will be presenting youth with coupons or “tickets” when they see youth making smart, safe and caring choices such as wearing helmets, helping others, or picking up garbage.

Each "ticket" is for a free small Froster from Circle K.

This ‘operation’ is made possible through a partnership with Circle K.

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

34th Annual Grandparents Of The Year Awards Have Been Announced

/

The City and County of Peterborough has announced the winners of the 34th annual Grandparent of the Year awards.

Each year Community Care has encouraged children from grade 2 through grade 6 to recognize a Grandparent, Elder or a special older person in their life, as "Grandparent of the Year".

This year Community Care received over 150 nominations in 4 categories.

The two traditional categories of primary division for students in grades 2 and 3 and junior division for students in grades 4, 5 and 6 and new this year, two categories were created in order to accept submissions in French, adding a primary French and junior French division so that students could practice their French language skills too.

“The children shared so many wonderful stories and artwork with us,” said Danielle Belair – Executive Director of Community Care. “It is always difficult for the judges to choose an honourable mention and winner in 4 categories.”

Honourable Mention and Winners by category:

In the primary English division:

  • Honourable Mention - Mahi from Kaawaate East City Public School – nominated her Nan, Sree Pathak from Katy, Texas.

  • Winner – Everley from St. Joseph C.E.S. – nominated her Nan, Mary Jane Jackman from Lakefield.

In the primary French division:

  • Honourable Mention – Felix from Kaawaate East City Public School – nominated his Grandparents Debbie and Wes LeBreton of Aldergove, B.C.

  • Winner – Faela from Kaawaate East City Public School – nominated her Grandpa Peter Minten of Strathroy.

In the junior English division:

  • Honourable Mention – Mac from St. Anne’s C.E.S. – nominated her Grandpa David Ingram of Douro – Dummer.

  • Winner – Linden Dow – St. Joseph C.E.S. – nominated his Grandpa Bruce Rogers who lives near Indian River

In the junior French division:

  • Honourable Mention - Madelyn from Kaawaate East City Public School – nominated her Grandpa Peter McKeiver

  • Winner – Willa from Kaawaate East City Public School – nominated her Grandma Bonnie Bradley from Mount Albert.

Mary Jane Jackman from Lakefield, Peter Minten of Strathroy, Bruce Rogers who lives near Indian River and Bonnie Bradley from Mount Albert have all been declared the 2022 Grandparents of the Year.

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