Looking for a gift for the nature lovers in your life? Camp Kawartha has many items in its online gift shop, from camp souvenirs to clothing, books and games to nature crafts.

There are nature guides, insect viewers, and kits to build bird houses and feeders. There are also hoodies, sweatpants, and T-shirts with the camp logo that come in adult and youth sizes and various colours as well as tuques and ball caps.

All Camp Kawartha merchandise supports ecologically responsible companies, such as the cuddly but realistic and educational Eco Nation stuffies made from recycled materials.   

All proceeds from the gift store supports Camp Kawartha programs.

Pickup is available at Camp Kawartha during regular business hours, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the camp’s main office on 1010 Birchview Rd., Douro-Dummer. Pickup before or after business hours is dependent on the availability of office admin staff. Pickup can also be arranged, with orders left with staff at Camp Kawartha’s Environment Centre, 2025 Pioneer Rd.

To view all items in the online shop, visit shop.campkawartha.ca.

Winter brings its challenges with snow and cold weather and for Community Care Peterborough, it also means several long-distance volunteer drivers have headed south for the season. This creates gaps in service for Community Care clients who rely on rides to attend specialist appointments, often in Toronto. 

“These appointments are not optional. They are essential parts of treatment plans, diagnoses, and followup care,” said Andrea Dunkley, volunteer relations co-ordinator. “When we cannot find a driver, clients face difficult decisions. Families feel stranded. And sometimes, despite our best efforts, we have to say we do not have a volunteer available.”

Can you help? Community Care is hoping to recruit five new long-distance volunteer drivers who can assist this winter and beyond.

What is involved? The driver would make occasional long-distance drives to specialist appointments, especially in Toronto. Scheduling is flexible, based on your availability. You will receive training and support by the Community Care team and you will be reimbursed for mileage.

A single ride can mean so much. The client receives timely test results, their treatment continues without interruption and their sense of dignity and independence is restored. Stress is also reduced for the client’s caregivers, and community trust in Community Care is strengthened.

Can you help? If you think this long-distance volunteer driver position is a good fit, please consider volunteering.

Visit commcareptbo.org/volunteerwithcommunitycare and click on the “apply to volunteer” button. Community Care will follow up with next steps, a simple screening process, and support to help you get started.

For more information or questions, call 705-775-3083.

You can make a real difference by helping someone get to the care they depend on.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough is again offering its annual holiday gift wrapping station at Lansdowne Place Mall, at the top of the escalator, until Dec. 24 during mall hours. Shoppers can get their gifts beautifully wrapped on the spot. Proceeds support Big Brothers Big Sisters programs for local youth.

FamJam 2026, an event for families who love New Year’s Eve but don’t love staying up until midnight, takes place Wednesday, Dec. 31 from 5 until 8 p.m. at 295 George St. N.

Hosted by Kat Tannock Realtor, this is a fundraiser for One City Peterborough. Everyone is welcome.

Still need to pick up a Christmas tree? Shop the Lake, 1525 Chemong Rd., has a selection of premium Nova Scotia balsam fir trees for sale and $5 from every tree sale will be donated to the YMCA Strong Kids campaign. 

Trees range from four to over 10 feet tall and delivery is even available for $10 for locations within 20 kilometres. And when you purchase a tree, you also get 10 per cent off your purchase in the Christmas boutique.

© Peterborough Examiner