The Easter Bunny has been declared an essential worker in Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic, but can't deliver treats in public spaces.
Kids of all ages will be happy to learn that one thing not getting cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic is the Easter Bunny.
That’s because Ontario Premier Doug Ford has just declared the Easter Bunny an essential service.
Ford issued a formal declaration on Tuesday afternoon (April 7) confirming the Easter Bunny “is an essential service provider and will be authorized to deliver Easter chocolate, candy and related treats to the children of Ontario.”
Ford’s declaration followed a similar declaration by Toronto Mayor John Tory on Tuesday, who tweeted that both the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy are essential workers. He urged Ford to make the same declaration for all of the province.
Asked about declaring Easter Bunny & Tooth Fairy essential as NZ did. Confirmed of course the Easter Bunny & Tooth Fairy are essential workers in Toronto. Asked @fordnation to make sure they are essential provincewide as well. Thanks to everyone planning to #StayHome for Easter.
On Monday (April 6), New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern started the bunny ball rolling by adding both the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy to her country’s list of essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, while the Easter Bunny can continue to deliver treats to children this weekend in Ontario, there are some limits.
Ford’s declaration does prohibits the Easter Bunny from delivering treats in “parks, playgrounds, and all other outdoor recreational amenities” because of physical distancing requirements.
“I know it is tough for the younger kids to explain what is going on right now and the kids have simple things they are worried about like the Easter Bunny,” Ford said during a media conference at Queen’s Park. “So kids, the Easter Bunny has become an essential service and he will make sure they have chocolates ready for Easter.”
The emergency dapartment team at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay with a message for the community: "We are here for you, please stay home for us." (Photo courtesy of Ross Memorial Hospital)
Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) in Lindsay has shared the current and future steps it is taking in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The hospital’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre continues to provide assessments over the phone, and referral for further assessment and testing if needed. RMH’s assessment team has provided 1,607 assessments and 434 tests since first opening on Sunday, March 15th.
With the testing capacity in Ontario increased, the hospital is now sending tests daily to Kingston General Hospital’s lab, with test results received within one or two days. The backlog in tests across the province has been significantly reduced.
As of Monday (April 7), a total of 82 positive COVID-19 cases have been reported in the City of Kawartha Lakes by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. Not all of these positive cases were tested at RMH.
RMH has established a dedicated unit for the care of patients with probable or positive COVID-19. As of Sunday (April 6), the hospital is providing care to three patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Team members from the medical north unit at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay with messages for the community: “We’re here for you, please stay home for us.” and “We’re all in this together.” (Photo courtesy of Ross Memorial Hospital)
The hospital has also been able to free up 55 beds for a potential increase in COVID-19 patients. This was done by working with government, community partners, patients, and families to discharge patients who do not require acute care at the hospital — either to home with community supports or to long-term care facilities or retirement residences.
If needed, RMH will be able to free up an additional 48 beds by May, by repurposing several clinic spaces that are currently closed. If the demand caused by COVID-19 patients exceeds the hospital’s bed capacity, the hospital will implement plans (currently in development with community partners) to open an off-site care setting.
In terms of personal protective equipment (PPE), RMH has received delivery from the provincial supply including procedure and surgical masks and gowns. Ontario Health has asked hospitals to refrain from discarding N95 and surgical masks, as evidence supports there are methods of reprocessing and reusing these types of PPE.
RMH is continuing to accept donations of unopened and unused surgical masks, N95 respirator masks, gloves, and waterproof gowns to support front-line workers. If you have items to donate, contact Marc Sorensen at msorensen@rmh.org or 705-324-6111 ext. 8952 to arrange for a donation during regular business hours.
The Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation has established a special fund, called Heroes at Heart, to support urgent equipment and technology needs as the hospital responds to the pandemic. To support the COVID-19 response at RMH, you can donate to the Heroes at Heart fund by telephone at 705-328-6146, by email at foundation@rmh.org, or by visiting foundation.rmh.org.
Front-line workers at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) are prepared for an expected surge of COVID-19 patients over the coming days. Pictured are workers in PRHC's COVID-19 unit (from left to right: Aimee, Stephanie, Jessica, Emily, and Morgan) sharing the message "We're here for you. Please stay home for us.” (Photo by Moran via Jessica Scott-Salgado on Facebook)
Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is “preparing for and expecting a surge” of COVID-19 patients as the virus continues to run its course in the Peterborough region.
During a media briefing held Tuesday morning (April 7), Dr. Lynn Mikula, the hospital’s vice-president, chief medical executive, and chief of staff, confirmed three positive COVID-19 patients are being treated at PRHC while another 24 patients are awaiting the results of testing.
Those numbers are part of the larger provincial picture that, as of Tuesday, show 614 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 233 of those in intensive care and 187 of those breathing with the aid of a ventilator. The numbers in all three categories have increased as of late.
“There’s a lot that’s still unknown about this pandemic,” says Dr. Mikula.
“We don’t really know how big the surge will be … whether it will exceed our capacity or not. Our supply of personal protective equipment remains something we are very vigilant about. We also don’t know how long this pandemic will last. There are many concerns that we’re continuing to focus on.”
Speaking on the most recent COVD-19 numbers for Peterborough city and county, Curve Lake and Hiawatha that show a total of 44 positive cases to date — an increase of just three since Friday (April 3) — Dr. Mikula cautions “It’s a little too early what to make of that, whether it truly represents a flattening of the curve or perhaps people aren’t seeking testing or have mild symptoms and are doing the right thing by staying home.”
“I think we’re all watching it (the numbers) with bated breath to see what the next week will bring,” Dr. Mikula says.
Dr. Mikula also touched on the response to the COVID-19 outbreak by PRHC doctors, nurses and staff, expressing her pride in their ongoing efforts.
“PRHC has faced many challenges but none have been quite like this,” she says, adding, “This is unprecedented in its magnitude.”
“We care for patients with infectious diseases all the time. It is part of what we do. And we deal with crises all the time but this is unique. In the last month we have changed so much about the way we doings.”
“Our people have risen to the occasion like never before. We’ve pulled together with the support of the broader community. We’re as ready as we can be right now. There is a sense of calm preparedness in the building. We are feeling really ready.”
Tim Haines is owner of Bluestreak Records, one of 80 downtown Peterborough businesses from which you can buy gift certificates online at supportdowntownptbo.ca.. The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is bringing back its popular "spend $50 and get $25 in downtown money", while quantities last, when you purchase gift certificates from the website. (Photo courtesy of DBIA)
businessNOW™ is the most comprehensive weekly round-up of business and organizational news and events from Peterborough and across the Kawarthas.
Every week, our managing editor collects news and events related to businesses and organizations from across the Kawarthas. If you’d like us to promote your news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
The week’s businessNOW features the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) giving away another $5,000 in “downtown money” when you buy gift certificates online from any of the 80 local businesses listed at supportdowntownptbo.ca.
Also featured is a summary of federal government support for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, Peterborough manufacturers seeking materials for development of Personal Protective Equipment for COVID-19, and the results of TeamPtbo’s first COVID-19 business impact survey (with a second survey launched).
There’s also local business CrossFit Ptbo’s challenge for other businesses to donate any available medical supplies for COVID-19, Chimp Treats launching a new product and offering free delivery in Peterborough area, and Outset Media launching a Peterborough-based Monopoly-like board game available at Walmart.
This week’s virtual events include the Innovation Cluster hosting webinars on intellectual property and marketing strategies during COVID-19.
Get gift certificates when you buy gift certificates from downtown Peterborough businesses
Lacey-Kristen Klatt is the owner of Cozy Home: Designs by Lacey, one of 80 downtown Peterborough businesses from which you can buy gift certificates online at supportdowntownptbo.ca. The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is bringing back its popular “spend $50 and get $25 in downtown money”, while quantities last, when you purchase gift certificates from the website. (Photo courtesy of DBIA)
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is giving away $5,000 in “downtown money” — gift certificates you can use at participating downtown Peterborough businesses — when you buy gift cards from any of the 80 local businesses listed at supportdowntownptbo.ca.
If you’re able to, buying gift cards right now at supportdowntownptbo.ca will mean a lot for local businesses as they struggle to stay ahead of their expenses.
To sweeten the offer, the Peterborough DBIA is bringing back its popular “spend $50 and get $25 in downtown money” beginning at 11 a.m. on Tuesday (April 7) while quantities last. The last time the Peterborough DBIA made this offer, they sold out of downtown money in less than five hours.
On its website, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has also listed downtown retailers and eateries where you can order for pick-up or delivery. (Photo courtesy of DBIA)
For every $50 in gift cards you purchase from businesses listed at supportdowntownptbo.ca, you can also select a $25 Downtown Money Special Promotion. So if you spend $150, you can get $75 in downtown money. Shoppers are limited to eight $25 Downtown Money gift certificates per person.
When all $5,000 in downtown money have been sold out with purchases of gift cards, the site will label the promotion as sold out. Shoppers are limited to eight $25 Downtown Money gift certificates per person.
Federal government support for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic
As part of its support for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government is making available a number of programs including wage subsidies, reduced and deferred payment, and access to credit. A summary of the available programs is provided below.
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy a 75 per cent wage subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks, retroactive to March 15, 2020. Eligible employers include individuals, taxable corporations, and partnerships consisting of eligible employers as well as non-profit organizations and registered charities. Public bodies (municipalities, public universities, colleges, schools, and hospitals) are not eligible. The subsidy is available to eligible employers that see a drop of at least 30 per cent of their revenue (employers must re-apply for the wage subsidy each month they have a 30 per cent reduction). For more information, visit canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/wage-subsidy.html.
The Temporary Wage Subsidy is a three-month measure that will allow eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deductions required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The subsidy is equal to 10 per cent of the remuneration you pay from March 18, 2020 to June 19, 2020, up to $1,375 for each eligible employee and to a maximum of $25,000 total per employer. For more information, visit canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/frequently-asked-questions-wage-subsidy-small-businesses.html.
GST/HST and Customs Duty Remittance Deferral allows businesses, including self-employed individuals, to defer until June 30, 2020 payments of the GST/HST, as well as customs duty owing on their imports. Any GST/HST payment that becomes owing from March 27 until the end of May can be deferred until the end of June. For GST and customs duty payments for imported goods, deferral will include amounts owing for March, April and May. For more information, visit canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/additional-support-for-canadian-businesses-from-the-economic-impact-of-covid-19.html.
The Canada Emergency Business Account will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced.To qualify, these organizations will need to demonstrate they paid between $50,000 to $1 million in total payroll in 2019. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000). This program will roll out in mid-April. For more information, contact your financial institution.
The Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) will provide $40 billion of additional support through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC). BDC and EDC are working with private sector lenders to coordinate on credit solutions for individual businesses. This program includes a loan guarantee for small and medium enterprises (new operating credit and cash flow term loans of up to $6.25 million) and a new co-lending program for small and medium enterprises (Eligible businesses may obtain incremental credit amounts up to $6.25 million BDC’s portion of this program is up to $5 million maximum per loan). Businesses seeking support through BCAP should contact the financial institutions with whom they have a pre-existing relationship, so that the financial institutions may assess the client’s financial request. For more information, visit canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/financial-sector-policy/business-credit-availability-program.html.
The Work-Sharing program‘s maximum duration is being extended from 38 weeks to 76 weeks for employers affected by COVID-19. Work sharing is a program that helps employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary decrease in business activity beyond the control of the employer. The program provides Employment Insurance (EI) benefits to eligible employees who agree to reduce their normal working hours and share the available work while their employer recovers. For more information, visit canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html#h4.01.
Peterborough manufacturers seeking materials for development of Personal Protective Equipment for COVID-19
Harco Enterprises needs clear plastic to complete face shields. The company is looking to partner with other manufacturers or businesses who can create the clear thin plastic shield to build a complete face shield kit. (Photo courtesy Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) is assisting a collaboration of companies, led by Harco Enterprises Limited with the support from Merit Precision, which is reaching out to the broader business community to source additional materials for the development of urgently needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Harco Enterprises is using its skills to retool and make plastic and rubber components that can hold and attach face shields, worn by medical professionals and first responders.
Harco Enterprises is making two specific pieces that hold the face shield, and there is an immediate need for the clear plastic required to complete the face shield.
The company is looking to partner with other manufacturers or businesses who can create the clear thin plastic shield to build a complete face shield kit.
The face shield needs to be cut to be 12.0″ by 9.5″ and approximately 0.020″ thick or 0.5mm thick from Polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) material. Images of the face shield, plastic components, and the face shield dimensions are available via Dropbox.
If you are a business in Peterborough & the Kawarthas and can help with the creation of these face shields or have access to a supplier who can, contact Suzanne McCrimmon, Director of Business Development at PKED, at 705-872-6802 or SMcCrimmon@peterboroughed.ca .
Results released of TeamPtbo’s first COVID-19 business impact survey, with second survey launched
TeamPtbo has released the results of a COVID-19 business impact survey of 335 local businesses.
TeamPtbo is the self-assigned name of a collective of the Peterborough area’s economic development organizations (Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures Peterborough, and the Innovation Cluster) which are leading the area’s economic response to COVID-19.
The service, retail, manufacturing, and culinary sectors were the top four most responsive sectors in the TeamPtbo survey, which found that financial continuity, customer declines, and staff not being able to work are the three major concerns of businesses when it comes to COVID-19.
The survey, which was available from March 16th to 22nd, found that financial support of some type was the most-referred-to issue when respondents were asked about what specific assistance they required. The most-mentioned topis were wage subsidies (revenue) for workers employed and owners unemployed (20 per cent), interest leniency (8.5 per cent), rent relief (6 per cent), and deferral of taxes (3.5 per cent).
Other needs mentioned by respondents included marketing assistance, human resources support, and help finding workers. For the service sector, financial continuity and customer declines were the two largest concerns. Manufacturing has an almost equal distribution between financial continuity, customer declines, supply chain distribution, and staff not being able to work. The retail and culinary sectors both placed more emphasis on financial continuity and customer declines.
With this information in hand, TeamPTBO has created a second business impact survey, with more detailed and thorough questions for local businesses. The second survey is available at surveymonkey.com/r/COVID-19BusinessSurvey
“I can’t overstate how valuable local businesses’ input and feedback for this survey are to us,” says PKED president and CEO Rhonda Keenan. “We need local business owners to be as forthcoming and transparent as possible about how this unprecedented pandemic is impacting their business and how #TeamPTBO can help with the creation of immediate and longer term solutions.”
“All of the survey data and information will be used to communicate what specific needs are the most vital to the business community. These data sets will then be used to inform the programs and services set up by the Federal and Provincial government as well as local service providers such as Community Futures Peterborough to help local business rebound from this unfortunate situation.”
Local business CrossFit Ptbo challenges other businesses to donate any available medical supplies for COVID-19
Every little bit helps. Local business CrossFit Ptbo has donated two boxes of nitrile gloves found in its first-aid kit to Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Kawartha Community Midwives, and is challenging other businesses to do the same. (Photo: CrossFit Ptbo / Instagram)
Local business CrossFit Ptbo is challenging other businesses to donate any available medical supplies for COVID-19.
The fitness company found two unopened boxes of nitrile gloves in its first-aid kit and donated one to Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and the other to Kawartha Community Midwives.
They are challenging other local businesses to check their own first-aid kits for any medical supplies that could be used by front-line healthcare workers.
Medical supply donations to PRHC must be unopened and can be delivered from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday to Friday (the donation entrance is to the left of all the loading docks). For more information, visit theppedrive.com/peterborough.
Chimp Treats launches new product and offers free delivery in Peterborough area
“Beach Vibes” is one of three flavours of Chimp Treats’ new Fruitful Smoothies product, a new sustainably packaged and shelf-stable smoothie sold exclusively online and delivered directly to the consumer. (Photo: Chimp Treats)
Peterborough-based health food startup Chimp Treats has launched Fruitful Smoothies, a new smoothie sold exclusively online and delivered directly to the consumer.
Chimp Treats is offering free deliveries within 20 kilometres of Peterborough to help people in isolation or practising physical distancing and to alleviate the normal shipping charges.
Manufactured in the Peterborough region, the Fruitful Smoothies product is be made entirely from all-natural ingredients and is dairy free. Sustainably packaged and are shelf-stable for up to six months, it comes in three flavours: Beach Vibes, Green Glow, and Soul Shine.
It will be sold exclusively online and delivered directly to the consumer by the Chimp Treats team.
Brooke Hammer started Chimp Treats while she was a student at Trent University in 2016. Her company’s Nicecream product is currently sold coast-to-coast by retailers such as Whole Foods Market, Loblaw, and Healthy Planet. The product was developed using an innovative manufacturing process that allowed the company to a fruit-only frozen dessert on a large commercial scale.
The Chimp Treats team had been working on launching Fruitful Smoothies for months prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As a small business owner, it is important to me that I give back to my community wherever possible,” says Brooke Hammer, Founder and CEO of Chimp Treats. “We will do everything we can to help our community during this trying time. Not delaying our launch allows us to get this great product into the market and it allows our small business to keep running and for my team to keep working.”
Chimp Treats will be donating products to Kawartha Food Share during COVID-19.
For more information and to place an order, visit chimptreats.com..
Outset Media launches Peterborough-based Monopoly-like board game available at Walmart
“Peterborough-Opoly” is a Monopoly-like board game featuring Peterborough landmarks and attractions. (Photo: Outset Media)
Outset Media and Walmart Canada have launched “Peterborough-Opoly”, a limited-edition board game that takes a distinctive local spin on the classic game of Monopoly, with the properties and places in Peterborough.
Landmarks and attractions featured in the game include the Peterborough Lift Lock, Peterborough MusicFest, The Canadian Canoe Museum, Millennium Park, Ashburnham Ale House, and more.
Peterborough-Opoly is available for a limited time exclusively at select Walmart stores and online at walmart.ca (currently out of stock online).
Outset Media is a Canadian privately held wholesale supplier and manufacturer of toys, games, and puzzles based out of Victoria, BC and founded by its president, David Manga, in 1996.
Innovation Cluster hosts virtual seminars on intellectual property and marketing strategies during COVID-19
The Innovation Cluster is hosting two virtual Hands-ON seminars this week.
The first online seminar, “Intellectual Property with Prima IP”, takes place from 12 to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7th. Marcelo Sarkis of Prima IP will facilitate the webinar, which will define intellectual property, strategies for securing it, typical costs, and intellectual property during national emergencies. Register for the free webinar at eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-intellectual-property-with-prima-ip-tickets-101311944754.
The second online seminar, “Marketing Strategies for Startups during COVID-19”, takes place from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8th. Rose Terry, marketing manager and senior innovation specialist with the Innovation Cluster, will talk about how to create a marketing plan for an uncertain future, re-evaluating and understanding your target market, understanding share of wallet during COVID-19, creating your marketing message, advertising on a budget, and recognizing growth opportunities. Register for the free webinar at eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-marketing-strategies-for-startups-during-covid-19-tickets-101231413884.
For other virtual events for business and more, check our kawarthaNOW’s new Virtual Events column.
"All this dry grass is ready to burn." Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service Chief Mark Pankhurst explains in a video why the burn ban is in effect in the City of Kawartha Lakes. (Photo: City of Kawartha Lakes)
The City of Kawartha Lakes is reminding residents that the annual burn ban is in effect in April.
During the city-wide burn ban, you are not allowed to have any type of fire on your property. Fire pits, bonfires, and burn barrels are not allowed.
Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue has already responded to numerous burning complaints, some of which have gotten out of control causing dangerous circumstances such as grass fires.
VIDEO: Don’t add to the danger
Response to non-critical calls uses vital resources and places first responders at further risk and exposure to the COVID-19 virus, according to a media release from the city.
Residents who set a fire during the burn ban will be responsible for the costs incurred for the fire service response and potential fire suppression efforts. You may also be charged under the Provincial Offences Act.
Under the city’s burn by-law, fires can only be used for the sole purpose of heating or cooking and only when no other means of heating or cooking are available. Fires used for heating and cooking must be extinguished as soon as the fire is no longer required and cannot exceed 60 centimetres in size.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has also implemented a restricted fire zone for Ontario’s entire fire region, which includes areas of the northern Kawartha Lakes. The restricted fire zone overrides any municipal by-law or fire permits that may have been issued prior to this announcement.
Residents can also take additional steps to prevent fires:
Be vigilant when discarding cigarette butts and matches while outdoors
Ensure that matches and lighters are kept or locked in areas not accessible to children and youth
Remind children and youth of the dangers of playing with and lighting fires
Be aware of your surroundings when outdoors in open fields and wooded areas
Residents are also reminded that the careless disposal of smoking materials is a main cause of accidental fires. Grass fires have the potential to cause extensive damage and injury, and also use emergency resources that could be required for other urgent situations.
Peterborough police found the body of 20-year-old Tali Nolan at a McDonnel Street address in Peterborough on April 3, 2020. They have now confirmed that Nolan's death was the result of homicide. (Police-supplied photo)
Peterborough police are seeking information in the homicide of 20-year-old Tali Nolan of Peterborough.
Last Friday (April 3) at around 5:18 p.m., the Peterborough Police Service responded to a report of a sudden death at a McDonnel Street address.
Upon arriving, police located Nolan’s body. At the time, police indicated the death was suspicious. They have now confirmed that Nolan’s death was the result of homicide.
The Peterborough Police Service Major Crime Unit is requesting information from the public concerning Nolan’s whereabouts from Tuesday, March 31st to Friday, April 3rd.
Information can be provided to Peterborough Police Detective Constable Mike Penney at 705-876-1122 ext. 232 or Crimestoppers at www.stopcrimehere.ca.
Some people are dumping clothing and other unwanted items Diabetes Canada donation bins during the COVID-19 pandemic, even though the charity has placed signs on the bins indicated the donations cannot be picked up and used right now. Some people are even dumping garbage and items unsuitable for donation at the bins, creating a serious health and safety issue. (Photo: Diabetes Canada)
Charities that normally collect donations of clothing and textiles are urging Canadians who are decluttering during the COVID-19 pandemic to stop dropping off items at donation bins.
Charities such as Diabetes Canada and Goodwill stopped accepting donations across the country in late March, including in Ontario after the provincial government closed all non-essential services.
With the charities closed, there are no workers available to pick up donations from either homes or donation bins. For example, Diabetes Canada has temporarily laid off more than 500 staff who manage its donation bins.
However, people continue to drop off donations at the bins — although signs on the bins clearly ask them not to.
Even worse, some people are now also using the bins as a location to dump their garbage and other unwanted items.
Charities such as Diabetes Canada and Goodwill normally rely on clothing and textiles donations as a major source of revenue. However, with the charities closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have no workers available to pick up and process the donations. (Photo: Diabetes Canada)
“This is posing a serious health and safety issue,” Diabetes Canada writes in an email. “We have contacted government agencies to help us to remove the garbage; however we have not yet been successful. We simply do not have the financial resources to deploy staff to clean the garbage around our more than 5,000 bins.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has already created a major challenge for charities that rely on clothing donations for a significant source of revenue. For example, Diabetes Canada uses the revenue to support diabetes research and to send children with Type 1 diabetes to camp. The organization’s donation bins also divert 100 million pounds off textiles from the landfill annually.
So not only have the charities lost their major revenue source, they are also dealing with complaints from local residents about the mess around donation bins.
If you have unwanted clothing and textiles for donation, hold onto them until the donation bins are open again. These charities will need the donations more than ever when they can actually use them, when the crisis has passed.
Curbside green waste collection in the City of Peterborough begins on Tuesday (April 7) and runs weekly until the last week of November.
You can put your leaf and yard waste out to the curb every week for collection on your regular garbage and recycling collection day.
Green waste must be in paper yard waste bags, bushel baskets, or in a garbage bin labelled with the City “Green Waste” stickers. Plastic bags will not be accepted.
There are no quantity limits for curbside green waste collection.
However, if your regular collection day is Friday, don’t put out any green waste, garbage, or recycling on Good Friday (April 10).
Due to the statutory holiday, collection will move to the following Monday (April 13).
Members of the Peterborough Singers perform a virtual arrangement of The Tragically Hip's "Bobcaygeon" on April 5, 2020 in in solidarity with Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon, where 23 residents have died from COVID-19. (Screenshot)
When Syd Birrell, artistic director of the Peterborough Singers, became aware of the “Sing Bobcaygeon From Your Front Porch” event on Sunday night (April 5), he decided the choir would participate — if only virtually.
The event was organized by Richard Kyle, a Bobcaygeon resident and rhythm guitarist of The Tragically Hits, a Tragically Hip tribute band.
Canadians across the country were encouraged to sing The Hip’s tune “Bobcaygeon” in solidarity with Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon, where 23 residents have died from COVID-19 as of Monday (April 6).
VIDEO: Bobcaygeon Porch Sing in support of Pinecrest
Members of the Peterborough Singers participated virtually from the own homes, singing their own arrangement of “Bobcaygeon” by member David Geene, which was created for the choir’s Canadian Legends concert in February.
And it wasn’t just the Peterborough Singers who participated.
The Tragically Hip’s guitarist Paul Langlois also performed the tune (with his guitar) on Facebook Live.
There'll be no ferris wheel in Norwood in October 2020, as the Norwood Agricultural Society has decided to cancel the Thanksgiving weekend fair due to uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo: Norwood Fair / Facebook)
It’s been a popular Thanksgiving tradition since 1868, but the Norwood Fall Fair won’t be happening in 2020.
The board of directors of the Norwood Agricultural Society has decided to cancel the 2020 fair, scheduled for October 10th to 12th, due to to uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In this time of uncertainty, for the protection of our volunteers, for the protection of our community and also for the protection of our cash reserves, the Board of Directors of the Norwood Agricultural Society wishes to advise the 2020 Norwood Fair is officially cancelled,” the board writes on the fair’s Facebook page.
“This decision was made after much consideration, discussion and anxiety. We thank everyone for their support over the past 151 years and we look forward to ‘business as usual in 2021’.”
The only other time the Norwood Fall Fair was cancelled was in 1939, in advance of the beginning of World War II — it returned eight years later in 1947.
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