Thumbs Up from friends who enjoy the trail 

Dear Editor

On behalf of my friend and I, we would like to give a ‘thumbs up’ to the Township Parks staff for maintaining the waterfront trail and benches so well. We live at Port Perry Villa and walk all year long to get fresh air and exercise. It’s nice to meet other people on our walks too.

Thank you,

Joan Bridge

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Operation Scugog 2025 Christmas Campaign

Dear Editor

As Operation Scugog embarks on its annual Christmas Campaign, we are reaching out once again to enlist the community to help make the 2025 drive a success. We are asking for your support to bring a little more joy to our clients in need this holiday season.

If you would like to donate food or gift cards, you can drop items off at the Food Bank portables located beside the Victory Church on Alma Street. The Food Bank is open for in person donations on Tuesday afternoons 12-3 p.m. and on Wednesdays from noon to 4p.m. until Tuesday December 16. Food donations can also be dropped off in the donation bins located in Port Perry at Foodland 268 Queen St., VOS ‘ Independent 1893 Scugog St., and Food Basics 1894 Scugog St.

Food items needed include canned ham, gravy, cranberries, stuffing, juices, jam, cheese whiz, honey, olive oil, cereal and crackers. Toilet paper, laundry soap, shampoo and toothbrushes are always in need. Christmas goodies like chocolates and cookies are also very much appreciated.

Monetary donations and gift cards can be dropped off at the Food Bank location during the above noted times or on any day through the mail slot in the door at the top of the ramp. So that we may issue charitable tax donation receipts, please ensure to include your name and address. For gift cards, please be sure to include the amount. Alternatively, you can donate online through canadahelps.org or send a personal cheque through Canada Post, should the strike action be resolved before December 16, to Operation Scugog, PO Box 353, Port Perry, Ont. L9L 1A4.

Operation Scugog would also like to extend a special big Thumbs Up to those businesses, community organizations and individuals who continue to support our Food Bank at this special time of need as well as throughout the year. We are fortunate to live in such a special community, as we couldn’t do what we do for our clients without you and our many dedicated volunteers. 

Karen Teed on behalf of the 

Operation Scugog Christmas Campaign

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Calling all animal lovers

Dear Editor

It’s that time of year again to purchase your Pegasus Animal Sanctuary Calendar. Since 2017 our mission has been to rescue abused, neglected, and abandoned farm animals, rehabilitate them, and offer a second chance to live out the rest of their natural lives in a safe, loving environment. 

We have been blessed with widespread support of our sanctuary to provide the quality care for as many farm animals as funding will allow. 

Our calendar is full of beautiful images and back-stories of our rescue family, some of which are depicted on the cover here. Our calendars make great stocking stuffers and special gifts for all those animal lovers on your Christmas list. You can purchase your calendar in Port Perry at Crusty Pizza, 1869 Scugog St., or at Foodland, 278 Queen St.  Also please consider purchasing an hour + VIP Tour gift certificate for four, where you and your family and friends have a chance to get up close and personal with all our rescue family. By the way donkey cuddling is high on everyone’s wish list!   

Currently we have 50-55 volunteers assist us 7 days a week! If you are interested in experiencing the joy and sense of accomplishment that comes with volunteering at Pegasus, we are always looking for those special individuals who share our passion for animals so please give us a call! 

Finally, we always appreciate donations at this time of year to support the daily needs of our animals. For further details please visit our website pegasussanctuary.com or contact us directly at 647-292-1700.

 Warm regards, Jack Hurst, Chief Shoveller

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“Community Gift Giving” program

Dear Editor

Hello, my name is Jillian Howsam, I am an Independent Sales Consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics and am participating in the “Community Gift Giving” program in partnership with the Port Perry Place LTC Home.

We have adopted the Port Perry Place LTC Home and along with your support, will provide each resident with a Christmas gift.  Please join us in this wonderful program to aid in ensuring that each resident at the Port Perry Place LTC Home will have a gift to open this festive season.

Each gift will be a memorable gift that will be wrapped in a beautiful Christmas bag with a card attached from you. The cost of each gift is $30.  Cheques can be made out to “Community Gift Giving Program”.  We will issue a receipt that can be used for advertising and promotion only.  All gifts will be delivered to the residents on Christmas morning. 

Thank you for helping to make this a bright Merry Christmas for the residents of the Port Perry Place LTC Home.

 Thank you,

     Jillian Howsam 905-432-5575 and 

Janet Howsam 905-985-2253

Please note: whether or not the rotating postal strikes are still in effect, please feel free to drop your cheques off at Focus on Scugog, 250 Queen St., Port Perry, Monday through Friday during business hours. If possible, please call 905-985-8585 to ensure someone will be in the office to accept the envelope.

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Level the Playing Field for Local Cab Owners

Dear Editor

As the owner of a small-town taxi service, I’ve proudly served this community for decades. I know the roads, the people, and the needs of my passengers — from seniors heading to appointments, to students getting to school, to visitors discovering our town. I’ve always believed that being local means being reliable, fair, and accountable.

But lately, it’s becoming nearly impossible to compete with ride-sharing companies like Uber. While I’m required to pay for costly commercial vehicle insurance, obtain annual safety certificates, and undergo background checks every year, Uber drivers can often operate under far lighter requirements. Those costs add up quickly and are driving small operators like me into the red.

I’ve never charged surge pricing, even during storms or late-night calls. My rates stay fair and consistent because I care about the people I serve — not just the profit. Unlike large ride-sharing corporations, every dollar I earn stays in Canada and goes right back into our community. I pay taxes here, employ local people, and support local causes.

All I’m asking for is a level playing field. If local cab companies are expected to meet high safety and regulatory standards, then so should everyone offering paid rides in our town. Otherwise, we risk losing not just small businesses, but the community trust and service that come with them.

Sincerely,

Laurent Coqu, Owner, Port Perry Taxi

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