Five Counties Bringing Inclusive Trick-or-Treating Back to Peterborough

By Scott Arnold

Halloween can be difficult for kids who face accessibility or sensory challenges, but Five Counties Children’s Centre is once again creating a trick-or-treating experience where everyone can take part.

Five Counties Children’s Centre is bringing All-o-ween back to Peterborough on October 27th, giving kids of all abilities a chance to enjoy an accessible and sensory-friendly Halloween experience. (photo courtesy of five counties

All-o-ween returns to Five Counties in Peterborough on Tuesday, October 27th from 4pm to 7pm at 872 Dutton Rd.

The indoor Halloween event is open to kids who currently receive services from Five Counties, those who have received services in the past or those currently on a wait list, along with their siblings and families.

Kids can dress up, wear Halloween colours or simply come as they are. They’ll be able to visit decorated doors throughout the Centre to collect treats and toys, with crafts and other family-friendly activities also available.

Families are given assigned arrival times when they register to help keep the event from becoming too busy or overwhelming.

“The best part of All-o-ween is seeing the absolute joy on the faces of kids and families, because they get to enjoy a relaxed and inclusive trick-or-treating experience,” says Hayley Hodges, Client and Family Experience Lead at Five Counties and the event’s organizer.

For Hodges, the event is personal.

As someone who uses a wheelchair, she remembers how difficult trick-or-treating could be when she was a child because many homes had stairs. She would have to rely on her siblings to collect candy for her.

“Halloween is one of those days or festivities that every child should be able to experience and enjoy,” Hodges says.

More than 200 children and youth took part in All-o-ween events at Five Counties locations last year.

Similar events will also be held in Cobourg on Wednesday, October 28th and Lindsay on Thursday, October 29th.

Registration is required. Families can book a spot at fivecounties.on.ca/alloween or by calling 1-888-779-9916, ext. 215.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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