· Home

Local Heroes Classics with John Blake Local Heroes live in every community. They're people who freely give of their time to help others, but ask for nothing in return. John Blake continued on with this series of features, which was originated by Graham Hart. John profiled close to eighty Local Heroes, and considered this a chance to meet some very dedicated people. Below are the final 26 segments from John's series. The segments: Paul Gemmiti Paul Gemmiti is a Peterborough man who realizes the importance of giving the gift of life can never be overstated. View our report Joan Martin and Valerie Stevens We travel to the Peterborough Blood Donor Clinic and take a look at a job that, at first glance, can be very deceiving. After people donate blood, they are placed in the watchful care of volunteers - who are then a direct link between the donors and the nurses on duty. View our report Marilyn Slatter If you have a computer at home that's gathering dust because you have yet to master activities such as going on the internet or sending e-mail, one answer may be this local hero. Marilyn Slatter holds free classes in Bridgenorth, to help get people and their computers working together. View our report Katie Workman Katie Workman is a young singer who uses her talents to help orphans on the other side of the world. View our report Doreen Landry and Becky Driscoll We span the generations at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.... and see how age is not a factor when you're volunteering to help others. Doreen Landry and Becky Driscoll are a good example of this. View our report Jackie Reid Keeping in contact with an older parent living alone, to ensure everything is ok, can often be a concern for family members. Telephoning is the obvious answer, but having someone else phone on a regular basis can offer that welcome, extra bit of reassurance. That's where local hero Jackie Reid comes in. View our report Bill Russell and Jean-Marie Bernard Outpatient surgery at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre is always a beehive of activity, and patient care is "the" top priority. In this segment, John Blake profiles two local heroes in this very busy department, who help maintain that high level of care. View our report Gord Harrison The importance of teaching children about fire prevention can never be overstated. Gord Harrison is a fire prevention officer, who regularly visits public schools to help educate young students, and help keep children safe. View our report Blood Pressure Checks When it comes to your health, having your blood pressure checked regularly is a good precaution. As we see in this segment, several specially trained local heroes have been offering free checkups in the Lindsay area as part of Ontario's Cariovascular Health Awareness Program. View our report Student Breakfast Some people believe that starting your day off right means having a good breakfast. For students at Hastings Public School, that's where local heroes are helping out. View our report Ken Ruttan Ken Ruttan is a sports champion who, since retiring, has become a champion volunteer. Ken is one of the people who helps maintain the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame. View our report Gary Gulla What would you do if you were caring for an infant or a child that began to choke. Gary Gulla is a local hero who helps caregivers prepare for that kind of emergency. View our report Ray Chiovetti Getting around to do everyday things like shopping can be very difficult for seniors who are no longer able to drive, or simply do not have a vehicle. Ray Chiovetti is a local hero who takes the time to help many of them get out and about. View our report Blind Runner Running is an excellent way to stay physically fit. For someone who is blind, it can be an obstacle that is difficult to overcome. That's where the local heroes featured in this segment have made a difference in many people's lives. View our report Meals on Wheels Meals on Wheels has been serving seniors in the Kawarthas since 1964. The organization relies on volunteers to get those meals delivered. It's much more than a delivery service, as the staff become welcome visitors into residents' homes. View our report Quilts For Cancer Patients These local heroes bring warmth and comfort to cancer patients undergoing treatment. It's a cause that touches their lives in a very personal way. View our report Heather and John Collins Being happy, active, and feeling fulfilled, - three key components everyone would like to have in their life. But when it comes to helping others achieve those goals, that's where these local heroes are hard at work at Extendicare Lakefield. View our report Alan Dawson We often take many things in life for granted, such as being able to feed ourselves. For some people, it can be a difficult challenge. Alan Dawson is one local hero who takes the time to be there for people who need that type of help. View our report Diane McMillan Pets are great fun, they're good company, and they have a way of cheering people up, helping them forget their troubles. This Local Hero travels around the community with her three dogs, sharing their friendship with others. View our report Caps For Cancer Everyone wants to look and feel their best, including cancer patients undergoing treatment. There are "local heroes" out there who are working hard to help these patients feel good about themselves and rest more comfortably. View our report Dave Green If you don't use it, you lose it. That's the motto of this week's "Local Hero". Dave Green is passing on his strong belief in physical fitness and an active lifestyle to seniors. View our report Jimmy Watkins No one would have thought that a volunteer at the Peterborough police station, who helped keep things neat and tidy, could make such a positive impression on everyone there. Well, that's exactly what has happened over the years. Staff wouldn't let this local hero leave for a new job without showing their appreciation. John Blake was on hand for the celebration. View our report Lakefield Animal Welfare Society Volunteers We take you behind the scenes at the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society. The organization has two paid staff members, but they readily admit that without the many hours put in by volunteers, the society would be forced to close its doors. View our report Kawartha Food Share Volunteers are racking up the hours, to help ensure that food is distributed to people in need throughout the region. These "Local Heroes" work tirelessly, and are the backbone of Kawartha Food Share. View our report Mapleridge Entertainers Music and song are gifts that all people enjoy, and these local heroes travel the region, bringing their musical gifts to others. View our report Charles Shamess We head to Queen Mary Public School, where a new theatre production of "The Wind in the Willows" is in rehearsal. In this segment of "Local Heroes", we meet a volunteer who is taking the time to give youngsters some of the things he missed out on while going to school. View our report If you want to contact Newswatch: Telephone: 705 742-8712 Cellular: Bell Mobility *111 Fax: 705 742-2930 E-Mail: newswatch@chextv.com Postal: 743 Monaghan Road, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 5K2 Top of page