Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough

10/06/2026

💜 THREE WEEKS UNTIL REBEL WITH A CAUSE! 💜

The countdown is on!

On October 28, we’ll gather for our annual Rebel with a Cause event. The evening will celebrate the people in our community who challenge injustice, advocate for others, and create meaningful change.

This year’s theme is Justice & Mental Health, and we’re so excited to honour five incredible Rebels:

⚖️ Dan Hughes — Peterborough Duty Counsel
💜 Jordanne McLaren — Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre
🩺 Chrysalis Outreach Midwives
🚲 Wild Rock

And that's not all…

🎵 Live music from Joslynn Burford, Cheyenne Burnett & Sarah van den Berg
🎤 Hosted by our Indigenous Partnerships and Housing Worker, and local artist and musician Missy Knott
🍽️ Food & refreshments
🛍️ Silent auction

📅 October 28, 2026
🕠 5:30–8:30 PM
📍 577 McDonnel St., Peterborough
🎟️ Tickets: $50

Whether you join us to celebrate our Rebels, support the work of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough, enjoy the music and food, or simply spend an evening with your community, we would love to have you there.

🎟️ Get your tickets today, space is limited!
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/annual-gala-6514

10/05/2026

We were moved. We were challenged. And now, we must act.

This week, EFRY Peterborough had the incredible privilege of welcoming Yusuf Faqiri in partnership with Trent University to share the powerful documentary My Brother, Soleiman with our community.

For almost ten years, Yusuf and his family have carried the unimaginable loss of Soleiman “Soli” Faqiri, and have turned that grief into a relentless call for justice, accountability and change.

What we heard was not simply the story of one family or one tragedy. It was a reminder of what can happen when people experiencing mental illness encounter a justice system that is not equipped to provide the care, dignity and humanity they deserve.

But Yusuf also left us with something incredibly important: hope and responsibility.

We cannot hear stories like Soli’s, be moved by them, and then simply move on.

We must ask harder questions. We must challenge systems that cause harm. We must demand that mental illness is met with care rather than criminalization. And we must continue building community alternatives that recognize the humanity and dignity of every person.

Nearly ten years later, Soli’s story is still being told. His name is still being spoken. And his life continues to inspire change.

Our deepest gratitude to Yusuf for trusting us with his brother’s story, for reminding us that change is possible, and for challenging each of us to recognize the role we can play in creating it.

Let being moved be only the beginning. We encourage you to follow Yusuf Faqiri and the Justice for Soli movement, continue to share Soli’s story, and be part of the call for meaningful change.

Learn more and find ways to take action at Justice For Soli

10/05/2026

💜 MEET OUR FOURTH REBEL: JORDANNE MCLAREN 💜

As the Manager of Client Services and Human Trafficking Response at Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, Jordanne has spent the past decade supporting survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking as they navigate pathways to safety, healing, and justice.

Her work is grounded in trauma-informed advocacy, compassion, and the belief that justice does not look the same for every survivor. Through her advocacy and systems work, Jordanne helps survivors understand their choices, navigate complex justice systems, and access the supports they need.

We are honoured to recognize Jordanne McLaren as a 2026 Rebel with a Cause.

Here is her story 💜

"Jordanne McLaren is the Manager of Client Services and the Human Trafficking Response at the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, where she has spent the past decade supporting survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking as they navigate pathways to safety, healing, and justice.

A significant focus of Jordanne’s work is supporting survivors as they navigate complex legal and justice systems. She provides trauma-informed advocacy, legal systems information, court preparation and accompaniment, and support throughout police reporting and criminal court processes. Her work also includes helping survivors understand and explore other avenues of legal recourse and connecting them with medical, legal, and community-based supports.

Jordanne’s approach is grounded in the belief that justice does not look the same for every survivor. She is passionate about ensuring that survivors have access to accurate information, meaningful choices, and compassionate support so they can define and pursue justice in ways that feel right for them.

Through her frontline work, human trafficking programming, community partnerships, and systems advocacy, Jordanne has seen firsthand the profound impact that trauma and involvement with the justice system can have on mental health. She is committed to creating spaces where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered while working to challenge the systemic barriers that too often make accessing justice more difficult."

For more information and tickets to this year's event:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/annual-gala-6514

10/04/2026

10/01/2026

09/30/2026

🧡 Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also recognized as Orange Shirt Day. A day dedicated to honouring the survivors, families, and communities affected by the legacy of residential schools in Canada 🧡

The orange shirt has become a powerful symbol of this work. It comes from the experience of a residential school survivor who had her orange shirt taken from her on her first day at residential school, a small but profound reminder of how children were stripped of their identity, family, and dignity. “Every Child Matters” is a call to remember the past, acknowledge ongoing harm, and commit to healing and change.

Today is about listening, learning, and understanding the impacts of the residential school system, and reflecting on how we can support reconciliation in meaningful ways. It invites us to consider the stories, voices, and experiences of Indigenous Peoples with humility and care.

To learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and the meaning behind Orange Shirt Day:

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html

https://orangeshirtday.org

To learn more about EFry’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, you can check out our list of actions on our website

https://efryptbo.org/programs-and-services/maamawi/

Thank you for taking a moment today to honour the lives affected, show respect for the resilience of Indigenous communities, and continue to reflect on how truth, recognition, and reconciliation shape our shared history and future 🧡

09/29/2026

💜 BECOME A REBEL WITH US! 💜

Our annual Rebel With a Cause event is coming up, and we are looking for local businesses, organizations, and community partners to join us as sponsors!

This year, we’re turning things up a notch with a Halloween gala focused on Justice & Mental Health. 🎃✨

On October 28th, we’ll come together to celebrate four incredible Rebels who are challenging systems, advocating for our community, and creating meaningful change.

Your sponsorship helps us make this special evening possible while supporting the programs and services of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough.

✨ Sponsorship opportunities include:
• Recognition before, during, and after the event
• Social media recognition
• Event and program recognition
• Tickets to the event at select sponsorship levels
• Opportunities to showcase your business or organization

We also welcome in-kind donations of food, silent auction items, and event supplies!

Whether you’re able to sponsor the event, donate an auction item, or simply help us spread the word, were would love to have you be part of Rebel with a Cause 2026.

📅 October 28, 2026
🕠 5:30–8:30 PM
📍 577 McDonnel St., Peterborough
🎟️ Tickets: $50

Interested in learning more about our sponsorship opportunities?
Email [email protected]

Want to join us for the evening?

https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/annual-gala-6514

Join us for a little Halloween magic 💜

09/29/2026

Every Child Matters
September 30, 2026 9AM-1PM at Healthy Planet Area, 911 Monaghan Rd

All are welcome to joing Nogojiwanong Urban Indigenous Working Group in remembering those that never made it home and honour the survivors of Residential School and their families.

To***co Ceremony Conducted by Knowledge Carrier Kathy MacLeod Beaver
Jingle Dress Healing Dances
Healing Songs with Local Drummers
Lunch Provided

09/27/2026

We were proud to walk in the Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride Parade today, celebrating the strength and diversity of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Thank you to Peterborough Pride for bringing our community together and creating space to celebrate and connect, and a huge thank you to everyone who stopped by our table at Pride In The Park!

09/22/2026

Please join us for a screening of “My Brother, Soleiman.” The documentary chronicles the Faqiri family’s 10-year journey fighting for justice after Soleiman’s beating death by provincial jail guards.

The event will be followed by a panel discussion on justice, mental health, incarceration and human rights.

October 1, 2026
5:00–8:00 p.m. | TSC 1.07
Trent Student Centre – Event Space (TSC 1.07), Trent University

To RSVP, simply scan the QR code on the poster.