The Peterborough Community Health Centre (PCHC) in downtown Peterborough has a washer and dryer and a new community kitchen that will enhance care for marginalized communities, thanks to a $30,000 donation from a local construction company.
The donation from MCI Constructors Inc. (previously Mortlock Construction Inc.) funded the purchase and installation of the washer and dryer along with the full outfitting of the kitchen, both of which will allow the PCHC to address immediate client needs as well as improve the centre’s ability to provide wraparound community-based care.
The PCHC’s mandate is to serve people who do not have a primary care provider and experience barriers related to social, economic, cultural, or systemic factors, including people who are experiencing homelessness, people who self-identify as Indigenous, are from racialized groups or communities, have physical or mental disabilities, identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, or are newcomers such as immigrants and refugees.
“This gift is about supporting the people and services that make our community stronger,” said MCI Constructors Inc. co-owner Craig and Ashley Mortlock in a media release.
“The PCHC provides essential care to so many individuals and families, and we wanted our contribution to reflect our values and our long-standing commitment to the community we live and work in.”
According to PCHC, having on-site laundry services better supports clients who are unhoused or experiencing housing instability by providing clean clothing and managing essential laundry needs directly within the centre.
The PCHC says the new community kitchen expands opportunities to improve health outcomes through food-based supports. Not only will it ensure clients who arrive hungry receive nourishing meals, but the kitchen will be used for nutrition education and food literacy programming and support partnerships focused on food security.
The community kitchen could also support expanded food access initiatives, including daily meals, food cupboards, and culturally relevant nutrition supports.
“We’re deeply grateful to MCI Constructors,” said PCHC executive director Ashley Safar. “Their support of kitchen and laundry appliances at the PCHC helps us extend patient care beyond the exam room into food, wellness, and community connection.”
While the PCHC’s core healthcare services are supported through Ontario Health, donations enable the centre to respond to additional client needs that contribute to their health, dignity, and wellbeing.
The PCHC is continuing to seek community support for additional priorities, including Indigenous wellness initiatives such as traditional healing and plant medicine, expansion of its 2SLGBTQIA+ informed care program, and emergency supports to help clients meet urgent needs such as transportation, food, or replacing identification.
To learn more about supporting the PCHC or to make a donation, email Brooke Erickson at brooke.erickson@ptbochc.ca.
