The Balsillie Family YMCA in Peterborough has officially launched its 2026-27 Strong Kids Campaign with a goal of raising $215,000 to help children, youth, and families access YMCA programs regardless of their ability to pay.

The YMCA unveiled the goal on Thursday (November 5), noting that 35 per cent of the goal — $75,250 — has already been raised, largely thanks to the success of a Strong Kids Campaign fundraiser held earlier this fall.

Funds from the YMCA’s annual campaign provide financial assistance for programs including day camps, swimming lessons, health and wellness activities, recreation, memberships, and other YMCA experiences.

“Strong Kids is about creating opportunities,” said YMCA of Central East Ontario fundraising coordinator Charity Brown. “Every donation helps remove barriers and ensures that children and families in our community can access the programs, support, and sense of belonging that the YMCA provides.”

A major boost to this year’s campaign came during Thursday’s launch with the presentation of a $45,000 donation from A Night in White Garden Party. The ninth annual event supporting the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign was held on September 18 at Johnston’s Greenhouse and Landscaping in Peterborough.

The donation, presented by YMCA group fitness coordinator and event committee chair Chris Leney on behalf of the Garden Party’s sponsors, volunteers, attendees, and supporters, is the largest amount the event has generated for the YMCA to date.

“We are incredibly grateful to Chris and the entire Garden Party team,” Brown said. “This extraordinary contribution will directly support children and families across our region and demonstrates the power of community generosity.”

Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal and mayor-elect Michael Eamon attended the campaign launch, along with YMCA of Central East Ontario president and CEO Dave Allen and Strong Kids committee members Shaun Pearce, Lindsay Seabrooke, Spencer Lupton, and Logan McCrea.

The Strong Kids Campaign is the YMCA’s annual fundraising initiative to ensure children and families facing financial challenges can participate in programs, memberships, and day camps.

Donations can help a child participate in recreation or camp, allow a low-income family to access a YMCA membership, and support youth development and leadership opportunities.

The campaign has deep roots in Ontario. In 2007, 27 YMCA associations across the province joined together under the Strong Kids banner in an effort to increase access to YMCA programs for children, youth, and families regardless of income. The initiative emphasized the YMCA’s charitable mandate of making programs and services broadly accessible.

That commitment to access continues across the YMCA of Central East Ontario today. The organization reports providing almost $894,000 in financial support over the past year, with 2,910 people receiving assistance across its service area.

The 2026-27 Strong Kids Campaign began on July 1 and runs until June 30, 2027, with money raised remaining within the YMCA of Central East Ontario service area to support local children, youth, and families.

With Giving Tuesday taking place December 1, the YMCA is encouraging individuals, businesses, and organizations to consider contributing to the campaign during the holiday season.

To donate to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, visit ymcaofceo.ca/support/.

Peterborough Community Health Centre (PCHC) is celebrating one year of operations from its two-floor, purpose-renovated clinic and gathering space in Peterborough Square Mall in the city’s downtown core.

PCHC offers many healthcare services and programs in one location, with its priority populations those who are marginalized and underserved — including people who self-identify as Indigenous — and who do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner. The non-profit organization blends Indigenous teachings with Western health practices to deliver high-quality care that fosters physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

To mark its one-year anniversary, PCHC hosted an open house on Wednesday (November 4) in their upstairs gathering space. The event, titled “A Year in Review: 13 Moons,” brought together PCHC staff, board members, clients, partners, and other stakeholders and community members to recognize the achievements of the organization over the past year.

Celebrating a year of learning, building relationships, and growth

“As we look back on our first year, we can reflect on how we too have grown and learned through each season of our first year in our journey,” said Ashley Safar, inaugural executive director of PCHC.

“Just as the moons mark the passing of time, our first year at the Peterborough Community Health Centre represents a cycle of learning, building relationships, creating connections, and laying the foundation for the years ahead. We recognize that growth takes time, and that every experience teaches us something, and that our journey is strengthened when we walk together.”

“13 Moons” refers to the Anishinaabe lunar calendar, which is based on the natural cycles of the moon throughout the four seasons of a year. Traditionally, one month was 28 days (the period from one full moon to the next full moon), dividing the year into 13 months instead of 12 months. While the names and teachings of each moon differ by region and community, the 13 moons provide guidance on how to establish mino bamaadaziwin (the good life).

The 13 phases are Manidoo Giizis (Spirit Moon, January), Mkwa Giizis (Bear Moon, February), Namebin Giizis (Suckerfish Moon, March), Ziisbaakdoke Giizis (Sugaring Moon, April), Waabgonii Giizis (Blooming Moon, May), O’demini Giizis (Strawberry Moon, June), Msikomini Giizis (Raspberry Moon, July), Manoominii Giizis (Ricing Moon, August), Waabaabagaa Giizis (Changing Colours Moon, September), Bnaakwii Giizis (Falling Leaves Moon, October), Baashkaakodin Giizis (Freezing Moon, November), Manidoo Giizoons (Little Spirit Moon, December), and Mndoons Giiziis (Big Spirit Moon, December or January).

“As we reflect on the past year, we have an opportunity to recognize how far we’ve come, celebrate what we’ve accomplished, and honour the people and relationships that helped to shape our journey,” Safer said. “The 13 Moons teaching reminds us that life moves in cycles, that each season brings change, and there are lots of lessons to be learned along the way.”

Safar opened the event by thanking the many people who have made the first year for PCHC at Peterborough Square a success and who are supporting the ongoing operations of the clinic and the organization as a whole.

“To everyone who has contributed to this work, thank you for the care you bring each day, the great relationships that you’ve made with us, and the many ways that you support one another and the community that we serve. Building something meaningful takes patience, flexibility, teamwork, and a willingness to learn and grow together,” Safar said.

“Every contribution, whether big or small, has helped shape the Peterborough Community Health Centre into what it is today, and that deserves to be recognized and celebrated.”

Indigenous teachings and ceremony centre the celebration

An opening ceremony and opening remarks were given by Kathy McLeod-Beaver who is a proud Anishinaabekwe knowledge keeper and helper from Alderville First Nation.

In her career to date, she has supported Indigenous health for the past 35 years. Her current role is Indigenous Navigator for the Regional Cancer Program at Lakeridge Health. This is a regional position that includes providing cancer care navigation at hospitals including Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

McLeod-Beaver said her passion is creating safe, equitable pathways in healthcare that are guided by Indigenous knowledge and practices.

Attendees were offered sage while McLeod-Beaver and PCHC Indigenous cultural wellness coordinator Tina Cole performed the song “Walking Through Creation” on drums.

“This medicine is to help centre us — it helps keep us present,” McLeod-Beaver said. “We’re getting rid of those things that we might be carrying that don’t belong to us, that are not ours to carry. I think many of us do that, because we come from a place of love and kindness and we take on those energies without even realizing it.”

“Our songs, they too bring that medicine that we need. I know for myself personally, whenever I’m having a hard time, I get my drum out to sing. And you don’t have to know a song. This is the heartbeat of our mother.”

Following opening remarks, Safar, on behalf of the whole PCHC team, was presented with a congratulatory certificate from the office of Peterborough MP Emma Harrison.

PCHC programs manager Steve Toms then presented a new video made for the open house that features staff, board members, PCHC leadership, and community partners sharing stories and information about the organization and its programs over the past year.

“As part of today’s celebration, I wanted to create something that would tell a story of our first year, not just through milestones and accomplishments, but through the voices of the people who have helped make it happen,” said Toms.

Supporting wellness beyond medical care

PCHC employs a 30-person team of medical and paramedical professionals, including nurses, physicians, health promoters, social workers, system navigators, and other team members.

In March, the PCHC introduced a wellness team to the organization. This team includes a program manager, social workers, system navigators, a health promoter, and an Indigenous cultural wellness coordinator.

This team, sometimes known as an allied health team, provides interdisciplinary and intersectional wellness support that focuses on social determinants of health such as housing stability, social connection, access to community services, and cultural supports.

Cole told kawarthaNOW that, for Indigenous clients of PCHC, this includes programming such as drumming circles, traditional healing clinics, and ceremonial services.

She said these programs are intended to help people in connecting with their culture and supporting cultural, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing.

Community voices will help guide the next five years

According to Safar, PCHC is entering its first five-year strategic planning process. Attendees of the open house were given a short survey to ask their position on the most pressing health and healthcare issues in Peterborough.

“Our survey today will inform some of our strategic plan,” Safar said. “Then there will be more opportunities where we gather the voices of patients and clients directly connected to the PCHC and some work to engage community partners as well as the community at large.”

The survey asked attendees what health and wellness supports are most important to them (with a checklist of options), what makes it hard for people in the community to get the care and support they need (with another checklist of options), and what could PCHC could do over the next five years to make the biggest difference in the health and wellbeing of people in Peterborough who face the greatest barriers to care.

Through the strategic planning process, Safar said PCHC will consider how the organization fits into the local healthcare landscape and how it can leverage relationships and collaboration to offer the best service.

To date, the PCHC has collaborated with local organizations such as the Trent-Fleming School of Nursing, Four Counties Addictions Services through the Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub, and the Peterborough Family Health Team and its Connect Clinic.

“PCHC really has become a collective of all of those voices, all of those experiences, and all of those people to get us to where we are today at this point in our journey,” Safar said.

“But we’re continuing to grow, and we’ll continue to evolve and be responsive to community, and continue working and walking alongside community as well in the work that we do.”

For more information about Peterborough Community Health Centre, visit www.ptbochc.ca.

Canopy Support Services disclosed a data breach on Thursday (November 5), saying an unauthorized party accessed a server containing clients’ personal health information.

The Peterborough-based organization provides services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Its primary service area includes Durham, Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Peterborough.

According to a public notice published on its website, Canopy discovered on August 13 that part of its legacy file server was inaccessible. An investigation by cybersecurity experts determined unauthorized access had occurred on July 30, when certain files containing personal information about clients were encrypted.

Potentially affected information includes client names, birth dates, contact details, diagnoses, psychological reports, behaviour and crisis management plans, and other care records. Canopy says not every category of information was necessarily encrypted for each client.

The affected legacy file server was being retained as a backup after Canopy has migrated the files to a cloud-based system. Since the files were available in the cloud, the encrypted copies were restored from recent, clean backups.

“No client information was lost,” the announcement states. “Our operations remained fully functional throughout the incident, with no interruption to services.”

The announcement does not explain the interval between discovery and public disclosure of the data breach, how many clients were affected, or whether information was copied or removed.

However, as part of the announcement, Canopy has provided a reference guide for protecting personal information, including warnings about potential scams, unsolicited communication appearing to come from Canopy, and signs of identity theft.

Canopy says it has reported the incident to Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, which it says is investigating.

People with questions can contact Canopy’s support term of external specialists at 1-888-305-8452, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“We value our clients’ trust and regret any concern this incident may have caused,” the announcement states. “We are committed to further improving our security and will continue to dedicate our efforts to prevent this from happening again in the future.”

Canopy’s programs include adult case management and protective services, autism services, behavioural consultation, and support for young people transitioning to adult services. Its main office is located at 150 O’Carroll Avenue in Peterborough.

For patients facing surgery at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), knowing their operation won’t be delayed and that they will receive world-class anesthesia care to prevent pain during the procedure and recover quickly brings peace of mind.

That’s why the PRHC Foundation is making it a priority to replace aging anesthesia equipment at the hospital with state-of-the-art technology that will support both scheduled and emergency procedures and help anesthesiologists to better tailor care to each patient.

“Surgical innovation is a key pillar of the $70 million Campaign for PRHC,” says Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation president and CEO. “When they give to this area of care, donors are supporting faster diagnosis and treatment of disease, shorter wait times and hospital stays, and better recovery through quicker, safer, more precise care.”

“So far, donors to surgical and minimally invasive innovation have made it possible for PRHC to fund a $6 million upgrade to the interventional radiology facilities and to invest $2.5 million in minimally invasive surgical tools in six operating rooms. The next step is bringing a hybrid operating room to PRHC — which would be the region’s most advanced surgical suite — and replacing outdated anesthesia equipment with modern technology in each of PRHC’s current ORs.”

Anesthesia equipment supports personalized care through thousands of procedures

Across PRHC’s 12 operating rooms and its labour and delivery unit, anesthesia care supports thousands of procedures every year. Anesthesia machines deliver oxygen and inhaled anesthetics and provide breathing support when needed. They also help anesthesiologists monitor patients during a procedure and adjust care as needed.

“This is not only an essential tool to support a patient’s life during surgery, but also to keep a patient comfortable and give them the best chance for the best recovery,” says Dr. Carla Henderson, chief of anesthesiology and co-medical director of surgical services at PRHC. “How I manage it contributes to good results for the patient. My goal isn’t just to help a patient through an operation — it’s to help them return to the life they came to surgery to reclaim.”

Before surgery, PRHC anesthesiologists like Dr. Henderson assess each patient to plan their anesthesia care. They consider factors such as height, weight, body proportions, medical history, and how the body processes medications.

“We make sure we have all the right pieces of information so we can provide safe care and the best care,” Dr. Henderson says. “Then, as a patient has surgery, we’re present the whole time. An anesthesiologist is an essential part of your care that you might not have realized is right there by your side. We don’t leave the room for any reason, because it’s our job to care for you continuously and adapt that care at a moment’s notice.”

Aging anesthesia machines increase the risk of surgical delays

PRHC’s existing anesthesia equipment is in near constant use. Dr. Henderson says each day begins with a safety check on every machine before it is used for a procedure.

“If a machine fails the safety check, it’s removed from service,” Dr. Henderson explains. “If we don’t have enough anesthesia machines, surgeries could be delayed until we do.”

The potential for delays is one reason PRHC is making it a priority to upgrade the machines, which have been in service for 13 years.

New, state-of-the-art equipment also offers features that support advances made in anesthesia care over the past decade.

New anesthesia equipment offers built-in advanced brain monitoring

One area of growing understanding is recovery after surgery, especially for patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive impairments. This is significant because the regional population that the hospital serves is aging.

That’s why the newest technology incorporates brain-activity monitoring to help anesthesiologists assess patients’ responses and guide anesthesia care. Currently, none of the machines at PRHC have this capability. Instead, the hospital has three separate devices that can be used alongside the current anesthesia machines to provide this benefit.

The new machines would also support high-flow nasal oxygen delivery, which supplies oxygen through small prongs placed in the nostrils.

For selected short procedures, this can help maintain oxygen levels without inserting a breathing tube into the windpipe. It can also help anesthesiologists put high-risk patients to sleep first before inserting a breathing tube — reducing the need for a breathing tube placement while the patient is awake.

Dr. Henderson says the technology could be useful for procedures such as biopsies and vocal cord surgery. It means patients who are typically at a higher risk of experiencing anesthesia complications will have access to safer and more advanced care.

“Every decade there’s a new advent in anesthesia that integrates the new best things,” Dr. Henderson says. “Every patient’s care should be supported by the best possible equipment.”

State-of-the-art technology helps PRHC attract the best healthcare professionals

Dr. Henderson says that, when PRHC acquired its current machines 13 years ago, they were “at the forefront” of anesthesia technology. Replacing them would help the hospital continue to provide world-class care for patients.

“Historically, the hospital’s been committed to bringing the most innovative anesthesia care to Peterborough,” she says, adding that having state-of-the-art technology is important for recruiting the best healthcare professionals.

“There’s a national shortage of anesthesiologists and we tell new recruits that we want to upgrade our anesthesia machines. When you recruit, you want to put your best foot forward. They know this is a priority and that the community is behind us, so that’s exciting.”

Since 2020, the PRHC Foundation has raised $63.6 million through generous donations to support the Campaign for PRHC, which has already begun to transform care and reimagine healthcare closer to home.

“Since the government doesn’t fund hospital equipment, PRHC relies on the generosity of our community to fund the tools and technology the hospital’s doctors, nurses, and staff need to save lives,” says Heighway.

“A growing and aging population of 600,000 people counts on PRHC to be there when we need it most. By donating to the Campaign for PRHC, community members aren’t simply supporting the hospital — we’re supporting each other and the future of care for generations to come.”

To learn more about bringing updated anesthesia machinery to PRHC and to make a donation, visit the PRHC Foundation website at prhcfoundation.ca or call 705-876-5000.

This branded editorial was created in partnership with the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.

The Salvation Army Peterborough is launching its annual Christmas fundraising campaign facing an $88,000 shortfall from last year and continuing growth in demand for its services.

The organization’s Hope for All Seasons mail-out appeal begins in early November, followed by the launch of its familiar Christmas kettles across Peterborough on Thursday, November 12. Fundraising will continue through December 31, with a goal of raising $675,000.

Money raised during the holiday campaign determines much of the budget available for community and family services during the following year. According to the Salvation Army, last year’s campaign ultimately brought in $582,000 of the $670,000 it says was needed to meet expected demand in 2026.

The final $88,000 gap came despite a late surge in giving.

In late December last year, the organization told kawarthaNOW it was still about $150,000 short of its $675,000 campaign goal, warning that the shortfall could affect its ability to provide services during 2026. At the same time, it reported a 15 per cent increase in the number of people accessing its programs during 2025.

That pressure has continued this year.

By the end of 2026, the Salvation Army expects its breakfast program alone will have served around 26,000 meals.

“We had to find creative solutions to ensure everyone received something,” said Major Naomi Dalley, supervisor of the Salvation Army Peterborough’s social services program. “It has been a hard year.”

The organization experienced an unexpected increased demand for services this fall when One City Peterborough’s Trinity Community Hub in downtown Peterborough temporarily closed for repairs on September 23.

The hub, which reopened October 19, provides a daytime drop-in and meal program as well as overnight shelter for people experiencing homelessness and housing instability. During the closure, some people who would normally use Trinity turned to the Salvation Army for assistance.

“Whenever a local resource centre experiences a setback, we experience part of the ripple effect,” Dalley said.

Trinity Community Hub normally provides meals and refreshments, washrooms and showers, basic supplies, health and housing supports, and overnight shelter for up to 45 adults.

The Salvation Army’s own services include its food bank and hot breakfast program, along with emergency financial assistance for needs including rent, utilities, and medical expenses.

It also operates a trustee program to help clients manage finances and criminal justice services supporting people with restitution requirements and those returning to the community after incarceration.

The organization’s Christmas Assistance Program provides grocery cards to individuals and families along with toys for children.

When last year’s Hope for All Seasons campaign launched, the Salvation Army was already reporting record demand. More than 500 voicemails were received shortly after telephone registration opened for Christmas assistance, while lineups at its breakfast program and food bank had continued to grow.

The organization has previously said the composition of people seeking help has also changed. While the breakfast program once primarily served people experiencing homelessness, families, students, and people heading to work have increasingly been turning to the program as housing and food costs strain household budgets.

“The $88,000 shortfall hit hard, and we still have a couple of months to go,” Dalley said of the impact on this year’s operations.

She is hoping the community will respond to this year’s campaign with the additional support needed to close that gap while meeting projected demand in 2027.

“Every donation helps us continue providing essential services to people who need them,” she said.

The Salvation Army’s Christmas kettles will begin appearing at locations throughout Peterborough on November 12.

The kettles accept cash and coins, while TipTap terminals allow people to donate using debit or credit cards. QR codes are also available for online donations.

A kettle will also be at the Peterborough Petes’ Teddy Bear Toss game on December 10.

Donations can be mailed or delivered in person to The Salvation Army Peterborough at 219 Simcoe Street. Donations can also be made by phone at 705-742-4391 ext. 6 or online at salvationarmyptbo.org.

The Salvation Army has been providing services in Peterborough since 1885.