Festival Chair Michelle Thornton reflects on 25 years of Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival

For 25 years, Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival has united the community in a powerful show of support for cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Thanks to the dedication of the Festival Organizing Committee, host team Survivors Abreast, and so many participating paddlers, volunteers, sponsors and donors, the Festival has raised more than $4.9 million in donations to the PRHC Foundation—helping fund vital equipment and technology that keeps cancer care close to home.

Now, as the Festival prepares to celebrate its silver anniversary on Saturday, June 13 at Del Crary Park, organizers are hoping to surpass the $5 million milestone.

We spoke with 2026 Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival Chair, Michelle Thornton, about her personal connection to the event, the impact it has had on cancer care in our region and what makes this year’s celebration especially meaningful…

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival. How long have you been involved with the Festival and what first inspired you to join?

Michelle: I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. Luckily it was caught early and surgery at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) was the only treatment I needed. I had my operation that September and joined Survivors Abreast Dragon Boat team in November. I attended my first Festival in 2015 as a brand-new paddler. I remember being in the boat thinking—because in the beginning after diagnosis, all you think about is cancer—but I remember being in the boat thinking, “I’m focusing on paddling and I’m not thinking about anything else.” It was great! Then in 2017, I was approached by one of the founding members of the Festival to become Chair. Carol Mutton offered to co-chair with me as a bit of an incentive. It’s a really rewarding experience. I’ve met some amazing people along the way, made some great friends and heard some really inspiring stories.

You attended your first Festival in 2015, and now—more than a decade later—you’re chairing the Festival’s silver anniversary. What is it about this event that continues to inspire your commitment year after year?

Michelle: When I first came to the 2015 Festival, it really opened my eyes. I thought the government paid for hospital equipment and technology. It dawned on me that it was events like the Dragon Boat Festival that helped fund the equipment that helped diagnose me at PRHC. I realized then that this was way bigger than me. Being a part of this event is a way to give back and also pay it forward for somebody in the future. This is a huge community event that does a lot of good and can make a real difference in someone’s life. Along the road, I’ve met some amazing volunteers and committee members that keep coming back every year. They truly inspire me to keep going.

Beyond the excitement and community spirit, this Festival has a very real impact on cancer care in our region. Why is supporting PRHC Foundation through events like this so important to you personally?

Michelle: The thing is, I had my surgery at PRHC. My family was able to be with me without having to travel, so I know how important it is that care is close to home as much as possible. I actually did a deep dive in terms of all the equipment that has been fundraised with the money Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival has raised and it’s just, it’s amazing. You know, we’ve replaced mammogram machines, ultrasounds, we supported new CT scanners, an additional MRI… The list goes on. The Festival has really touched every part of the cancer care spectrum at PRHC. Our mandate is breast cancer, but really the equipment that we fundraise for supports all cancer care. I think everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer. The Festival’s contribution is significant and it’s important. I’m really proud of these accomplishments and what we’ve managed to do to help our regional hospital over the 25 years.

The Festival has raised nearly $5 million for cancer care at PRHC. This year’s fundraising goal is especially meaningful. Can you explain the significance behind the number $325,018.01?

Michelle: This year we increased our goal by 25%, so it’s $325,018.01. The 25 reflects the 2 out of 5 Canadians who will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime. The 18 is for the 1 in 8 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer and the .01 is the percentage of men who will be diagnosed with breast cancer. So, all of the numbers mean something.

As you look ahead to this milestone Festival on Saturday, June 13, what are you most looking forward to on race day?

Michelle: We have five out-of-town survivor teams coming to help us celebrate this year, which is significant. So, the flower ceremony is going to be special. It’s a really festive day, although the purpose is a serious one, we make it fun. We have a beer garden and a Festival branded merchandise tent. There’s a petting zoo, games for the kids, face painting. The food and artisan vendors are amazing. And really, it’s the atmosphere. It’s electric. You can feel it, people are high-fiving and smiling, there’s music, and they’re hugging. It’s a community that comes together to make a difference, and you can really feel that connectivity. I get shivers thinking about it and my passion just grows as I visualize it.

Supporting the Campaign for PRHC one bite at a time

This June, dining out in Peterborough comes with an opportunity to support the $70 million Campaign for PRHC. Here’s how you can help simply by enjoying a meal at one of two restaurants by The Imperial Group:

  • $2 from every butter chicken sold at The Imperial Tandoor will be donated to PRHC Foundation
  • $2 from every burrito bowl sold at Agave will be donated to PRHC Foundation

Plus, The Imperial Group will match the donated proceeds up to $500!

We’re so grateful to these local businesses for giving back to our community in such a meaningful way. Treat yourself this June, support local and help strengthen healthcare for patients and families across our region.

Community generosity is advancing cardiac care at PRHC

Experts at Peterborough Regional Health Centre recently performed the first-ever Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) procedure in the hospital’s donor-funded Cardiac Cath Lab. It’s another important milestone on the journey towards full-service cardiac care at PRHC and it would not have been possible without donor support.

Through the Campaign for PRHC, donors invested $3.55 million to renovate and upgrade PRHC’s two cardiac cath lab suites with state-of-the-art technology. Not only are these advancements making cardiac care faster and safer, but they’re supporting lifesaving services not previously available at PRHC. 

Until recently, patients who needed an ICD procedure had to travel to Kingston or Toronto for care. Today, patients can receive this lifesaving treatment at PRHC, close to home and surrounded by loved ones, thanks to the donor-funded Cath Lab facilities.

An ICD is a small battery-operated device placed under the left or right collarbone with leads inserted into the heart to monitor its rhythm. If a life-threatening change occurs, the ICD can automatically shock the heart back into a safe rhythm, even if the patient is unconscious and alone.

For patients living with serious cardiac conditions, having access to this procedure close to home can be life-changing.

“It’s extremely exciting to see another example of how donor generosity coupled with PRHC’s vision and the skills of its doctors, nurses and staff can so significantly transform patient care,” says Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of PRHC Foundation. “Donor investment in building PRHC’s capability and capacity to transition to a comprehensive cardiac care program has enabled the introduction of ICD insertion right here, close to home. We’re incredibly grateful to every single donor who’s been a part of this ongoing journey. Thank you!”

PRHC’s first ICD procedure was successfully performed by Dr. Heather Cox in March 2026, with support and training provided through collaboration with University Health Network. PRHC is now the only hospital between Kingston and Scarborough offering this surgery.

For PRHC Foundation donor Jim Neill, whose visionary philanthropy inspired so many others to support the future of cardiac care in our region through the Campaign for PRHC, this latest advancement reflects the incredible impact a community can have when it comes together.

“The new lifesaving treatments coming to PRHC will once again change the face of cardiac care in our region,” says Mr. Neill. “I’m glad that my commitment is helping ‘keep our hearts here’ as PRHC builds on a donor-funded cardiac care foundation, on its way to a third cardiac lab and ultimately a full-service heart centre. I’m honoured to be part of the tradition of philanthropy that has supported this hospital since the beginning. I hope that my donation and what it’s helping to make possible will encourage and inspire others, as the donors who have come before have inspired me.”

Swing Fore Mental Health will benefit patient care at PRHC

The second annual Swing Fore Mental Health golf tournament is returning to Black Diamond Golf Club on September 17, 2026, bringing our community together in support of mental health care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. This year’s tournament will be held in memory of Fred Smith, a cherished friend to so many at Black Diamond Golf Club.

Mental health affects families, friends, neighbours and colleagues. Events like Swing Fore Mental Health help shine a light on the importance of compassionate mental health care while continuing the conversation to eliminate stigma in our communities.

PRHC Foundation is grateful to the organizers, sponsors, golfers, volunteers and supporters who make this tournament possible. Proceeds from this year’s event will directly support mental health care services at PRHC, helping ensure patients and families in our region have access to the care and support they need, close to home.

For questions or tournament registration information, please email Barb Timms.

MILK + TEA extends their “Eat local. Give local.” philosophy to PRHC

There’s a delicious new way to support patient care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

For a limited time, MILK + TEA in downtown Peterborough is donating a portion of online sales of sourdough bagels, cookies, cinnamon rolls, English muffins, and Bubble Tea Boba Kits to the PRHC Foundation in support of the $70 million Campaign for PRHC.

Every purchase helps keep world-class care close to home. So when you enjoy a treat, you’re also supporting PRHC doctors, nurses, staff, patients and their families. Thank you, MILK + TEA!

You can browse their delicious menu items here.

Tracey Germa’s fundraiser for cancer care at PRHC

Tracey Germa’s fundraiser for cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is gaining momentum. What began as a goal of $12,000 has already been surpassed, and she’s not stopping there. Tracey has now raised her sights to $15,000 in support of cancer care.

Her commitment to this cause is personal. In February 2021, Tracey was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a mastectomy shortly after and completed 20 rounds of radiation that summer. For the past five years, she has continued her treatment with Tamoxifen. Now, as she approaches the end of her treatment on May 31st, she’s marking this milestone in a meaningful way by giving back to the place that supported her through it all.

Tracey is reviving a fundraiser she first launched during her recovery. She’s selling packs of blank-inside cards in support of cancer care at PRHC.

This year’s cards feature new artwork created by her husband, James. The design is inspired by a powerful moment during Tracey’s recovery. After her surgery, she noticed a single leaf clinging to a tree in her backyard throughout the winter. It became a quiet but powerful symbol of strength and resilience. Over time, that same tree has grown and flourished, mirroring Tracey’s own journey. The updated design reflects this story of renewal and includes imagery of regrowth alongside the word “hope.”

To learn more about Tracey’s story, support her fundraiser, or purchase a set of cards, please visit her personal fundraising page for full details.

Business Cares: Empowering local businesses to give back

On April 28, the PRHC Foundation, alongside partner Hanoi House, announced the launch of Business Cares. This new partnership program is designed to help local businesses support patient care at PRHC while strengthening connections with their customers, employees, and community.

The launch marks an exciting new opportunity within the Foundation’s $70 million Campaign for PRHC, inviting businesses across the region to play an active role in helping advance healthcare close to home. Business Cares makes it easy for companies to integrate giving back to their community into their own engagement and fundraising goals, while aligning with their values and building their brand in meaningful, authentic ways. Partners also gain exposure through PRHC Foundation’s communications channels, while becoming part of a trusted network of businesses.

“Business Cares is about creating a strong connection between community-minded businesses and the future of healthcare in our region,” said Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation. “We know that the area’s businesses care deeply about the communities they serve. This program offers a simple, flexible way to turn that care into impact. They’ll help PRHC Foundation fund lifesaving equipment and technology, and strengthen relationships with their teams and customers. We’re grateful to Hanoi House for joining the program and helping to bring it to life, including this launch.”

Whether it’s hosting a fundraiser, running a point-of-purchase promotion, becoming a sponsor, or making a direct contribution, businesses can support in ways that fit their unique goals and be part of a cause that touches everyone in our region, across generations.

For Hanoi House owner Susan Tung, joining Business Cares is a natural extension of the restaurant’s longstanding commitment to community. “Being part of PRHC Foundation’s Business Cares program is a meaningful way for Hanoi House to give back to the area we love and call home, while strengthening our business,” said Susan. “Supporting our regional hospital is an investment in the health of the community we serve every day, including our customers, our team, and their families. That involvement has created a real sense of pride among our staff and patrons.”

Hanoi House has supported PRHC Foundation over the past several years through their own fundraising initiatives, including a dumpling drive and pop-up buffet that raised more than $3,000 for patient care. Becoming a Business Cares partner formalizes that commitment.

As a regional hospital serving more than 600,000 people across Peterborough and the surrounding counties, PRHC relies on community support to fund the state-of-the-art equipment and technology needed to deliver exceptional care. With the launch of Business Cares, PRHC Foundation is inviting businesses of all sizes to join a trusted network committed to community impact. For more details on the program and how to get involved, please visit our dedicated Business Cares page.

Smile Cookie makes a return to PRHC April 27-May 3

From Monday, April 27 to Sunday, May 3, the scrumptious Smile Cookie returns to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre cafeteria’s Compass Canada Tim Hortons location – they’ll be serving up those famous chocolate chunk smiles all week long (while supplies last).

These cookies are more than just a delicious treat. Each one, topped with a pink icing smile and bright blue icing eyes, helps make a real difference. 100% of proceeds from Smile Cookie sales at this location are donated to the PRHC Foundation, funding essential equipment and technology that empowers life-changing and lifesaving care at our regional hospital.

A big thank you to Compass Canada Manager, Warren, and his amazing team for bringing this initiative to life year after year. And to every supporter, thank you! Each cookie purchased helps turn a small moment into big, meaningful impact.

If you’re at PRHC, please grab a cookie, share a smile, and help us make this week extra sweet!

The innovative technology of a donor-funded hybrid OR isn’t optional, it’s essential

As a Level 2 vascular centre serving a regional population of 600,000, Peterborough Regional Health Centre is ready to raise its level of excellence in vascular care with a state-of-the-art hybrid operating room (OR). It’s a $6 million priority of the Campaign for PRHC that’s essential to patient care and donors can help bring it to our hospital.

Vascular disease is the leading cause of preventable death and disability in Canada. Patients often face multiple serious conditions at once, requiring complex, time-sensitive care. Each year, experts at PRHC perform more than 1,000 vascular procedures, with nearly three-quarters of patients travelling from outside Peterborough City and County to receive care at PRHC. For these patients and their families, timely access to advanced surgical care close to home is vital—preventing strokes and loss of limbs.

Now, patients who need multiple vascular procedures undergo each one and its recovery separately. If there will be a need for real-time medical imaging during surgery, the range of procedures that can be performed is limited due to the image quality of the current onsite diagnostic tools. This results in patients being referred to other hospitals where they’ll wait longer to receive the care they need.

An alternative exists: A hybrid OR combines a fully equipped surgical suite with advanced medical imaging in one, bigger space. There, specialized teams can perform multiple open and minimally invasive procedures in one surgical session with access to high resolution imaging. But PRHC is one of only a handful of Ontario’s Level 2 vascular centres without a hybrid OR. When having one is the standard of care, not having it means challenges recruiting surgeons who’ve trained on the technology and sending patients elsewhere for care, putting patients and PRHC’s vascular program at risk.

“In medical school I had access to a hybrid OR. It allows me to operate on patients safely, with extreme precision,” says Dr. Sajjid Hossain, PRHC vascular surgeon. “In vascular surgery, technology isn’t optional. It’s essential to care. A lot of the time patients come to us in life-threatening scenarios where minutes matter. Being able to access state-of-the-art imaging and advanced technologies is a difference between saving a life, saving a limb, or losing both. This is what vascular surgery should be.”

PRHC agrees and has self-funded the creation of the space in the hospital building to enable the hybrid OR. The PRHC Foundation is committed to raising the $6 million needed to outfit the space with its cutting-edge equipment.

“A hybrid OR is vital for the future of patient care at PRHC,” says Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO. “Donor support will ensure patients from across our region can receive their lifesaving care close to home.” A hybrid OR will also help reduce patient wait times and help treat more patients, safely and efficiently, with better results. 

For Dr. Hossain and PRHC, the need is clear. But he realizes it can’t be resolved without support from generous donors. “When I came to Peterborough, I learned that crucial equipment and technology is funded by donors. That was eye-opening. Since then I’ve been regularly surprised and touched by the generosity of this community,” says Dr. Hossain. “People here really stand behind their healthcare professionals. Thank you so much.”

For more information or to donate, please call 705-876-5000 or click here.

Saddle up for the 3rd annual Jackpot Barrel Race at Trent River Stables

Get ready for another thrilling day at Trent River Stables as the 3rd annual Jackpot Barrel Race returns on Monday, May 18 in support of cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. As the first show of the season, this much-anticipated event brings together riders, spectators and supporters for a high-energy day rooted in community spirit and giving back.

From fast-paced barrel racing to exciting pole bending, the event showcases talented riders of all ages and skill levels across multiple divisions. And there’s plenty more to enjoy – browse local vendors, bid in the silent auction, or grab a bite from the canteen.

Whether you’re competing, cheering from the sidelines, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, it’s a great way to kick off the season while supporting a meaningful cause.

Schedule:
• 7:00am – Open riding
• 8:00am – Exhibitions
• 9:00am – Open riding
• 10:00am – Show starts

Races will take place rain or shine at Trent River Stables, 202 Donegal Road, Norwood. Spectators are welcome – please remember to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the day!

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the PRHC Foundation, helping fund vital equipment and technology for cancer care at your regional hospital. For more information, please contact Trent River Stables by phone at 705-931-4692 or by email.