The Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough (EFry) is shining a light on local community leaders who are making a difference in their fields and, in turn, providing a reason for hope during challenging times.
That’s one goal of the society’s upcoming fundraising event on November 27 that includes the presentation of “Rebel with a Cause” awards to local change-makers.
The 2024 recipients are Cheyenne Buck (drop-in program coordinator for One City Peterborough), Kelli Marshall (Indigenous enrolment advisor/dancer for First Peoples House of Learning at Trent University), and Jocelyn Enright (community engagement coordinator for Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre).
EFry will recognize the three recipients with an awards ceremony, which is part of an overall evening of entertainment for those who attend the fundraiser taking place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27 at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough.
Kristal Jones-Craighead, EFry’s morning drop-in program coordinator at Trinity Centre, told kawarthaNOW it’s important to acknowledge the change-makers and highlight the contributions they are making in the community.
“Those who work within helping professions don’t choose their field for praise or accolades, yet they remain some of the most deserving of praise and accolades,” Jones-Craighead said.
“It is important to recognize the very good work that so many are doing — work that often goes unnoticed and unappreciated,” Jones-Craighead added. “There is so much heaviness all around us but, like Mister Rogers taught us, you’ve got to look for the helpers.”
“When you take a moment to inventory the accomplishments, unwavering empathy, and innovative thinking of Rebel with a Cause award recipients, things begin to feel a little lighter, we feel more inspired, we contribute to building a more inclusive community and continue to dismantle systems of oppression — one meal, one dance, one delegation, one tiny home, one anti-oppressive business practice at a time.”
This year, EFry is introducing two new awards categories that recognize the efforts of community partners and businesses that work in thoughtful and creative ways “to support and uplift vulnerable communities experiencing challenges associated with mental health, addiction, homelessness and criminalization,” a media release noted.
The inaugural recipients are Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) with the Radical Audacity Award and Arising Collective with the Business Excellence Award.
This year’s EFry awards event raises money for its morning drop-in program at Trinity Centre. For five days a week, the program provides breakfast, shelter, and resources to as many as 79 people.
EFry is promising a “fun evening” for people who attend the November 27 event, which features a performance from Babe Chorus and a reading by Peterborough poet laureate Ziysah von Bieberstein. There will also be fundraising endeavours including a silent auction, a 50/50 draw, and a photo booth.
“Mostly, attendees can expect to leave feeling energized from being in a room with so many radically audacious, empowered, and deeply kind community-builders,” Jones-Craighead said. “It is our hope that attendees feel entertained, inspired, and excited that they’ve helped to celebrate some incredible people while raising funds for essential resources in our community.”
Tickets for the event, which is sponsored by LLF Lawyers, cost $25 and are available online at showplace.org or in person at the Showplace box office at 290 George St. N. Tickets include a light dinner and refreshments.
EFry is a not-for-profit organization that has worked for more than 15 years toward ending the criminalization of poverty, mental health, addiction, and domestic violence.
