Willow Yoga Studio Launches Adaptive Yoga Program for Children with Special Needs

Willow Yoga Studio has launched a first-of-its-kind adaptive yoga pilot program designed specifically for children with special needs.

Demeester in front of her business at 1600 Lansdowne St. W. The Willow Studio was a 2025 recipient of the Starter Company Plus Program through Community Futures Peterborough. Photo courtesy of Willow Yoga Studio.

The program is in partnership with Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC).

Angela Demeester, Willow Yoga Studio owner, is a mother to a child with a disability. According to a press release, she recognized a significant gap in programming available to children with diverse needs. Demeester approached FCCC with the program.

“We're excited to announce our partnership with Five Counties Children’s Centre to offer Adaptive Yoga classes for children with special needs this summer at Willow,” said Demeeester. “This offering reflects the very heart of our studio—yoga that is accessible, inclusive, and rooted in connection.”

The adaptive yoga program offers studio space for children to connect socially, build friendships, improve physical fitness, and experience calmness. The first session occurred last Wednesday witha second one on Aug. 6. It is open to FCCC clients receiving therapeutic recreation services.

“We are so thrilled to work with Angela on this adaptive yoga program that benefits children of all abilities,” said Caitlin Gilmer, FCCC recreation therapist. “Our role as therapists is to help children experience and enjoy recreational activities, and this adaptive yoga program is one way to break down those barriers.”

“We believe every child deserves the opportunity to be part of a community, to move their bodies, and to feel included,” said Demeeester. “As both a yoga teacher and a parent of a child with a disability, I understand how meaningful it is to have programs that see and support the whole child.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Little Lakers Night Returns On Last Regular Season Home Game to Support Five Counties

For the third consecutive year, Little Lakers Night returns on the Peterborough Lakers’ last home regular-season game on July 24 in support of Five Counties Children's Centre (FCCC), announced on Tuesday.

Len Powers (left), Scott Pepin (middle) and Kennedy Meredith in front of a Lakers cutout and the warmup jersey designed by Meredith. Last year’s Little Lakers Night netted $15,295 to support children’s treatment services at Five Counties. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

All proceeds from Little Lakers Night will support Five Counties’ Building Abilities for Life campaign. It enables more children and youth in the region to access life-changing treatment services when they need them.

“Each year, Little Lakers Night has grown in impact and excitement, and it’s certainly become a highlight of the summer season for us,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Lakers for their continued generosity and for giving our kids the chance to be part of something so special. It’s more than a game — it’s a celebration of community.”

“It’s an honour to again team up with Five Counties to host Little Lakers Night and support children’s treatment services in our community,” said Len Powers, Peterborough Lakers board chairperson. “We encourage everyone to come out to Little Lakers Night and show their support for the home side – cheering on the Lakers to victory as they prepare for the playoffs, and supporting the incredible work done by Five Counties in the Peterborough region.”

Little Lakers Night starts pre-game festivities at 7 p.m., one hour before the Lakers take on the Brampton Excelsiors. The event features face painting by donation, freezie sales, a ‘pass the bucket’ fundraiser, and the opportunity to purchase commemorative Little Lakers Night T-shirts in support of FCCC.

During the game, a silent auction is being held with prizes such as two tickets to Canada’s Wonderland, a Crayola Prize Pack and VIP passes to the 2025 Swimming World Cup.

The night also spotlights the children and families supported by Five Counties, with several of them in attendance and some participating in special roles such as the ceremonial pre-game ball drop and behind-the-scenes experiences with the team.

The Lakers are wearing a specially designed warm-up jersey created by Kennedy Meredith, St. Paul C.E.S. Grade 4 student. The jerseys will be available for purchase through an online auction with proceeds supporting Five Counties.

Tickets for Little Lakers Night on July 24 are available now through the Memorial Centre box office. The promo code ‘FIVECOUNTIES’ at checkout takes $3 from every ticket sold towards FCCC.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign Raises Over $125,000 For Local Organizations

The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign help make a lot of happy faces as they raised $125,022.48 for several local organizations, announced on Thursday.

Since the first-ever Smile Cookie campaign in 1996, the annual charitable campaign has raised a total of more than $151 million for charities and community groups. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

Nineteen participating locations throughout Peterborough, Bridgenorth, Lakefield, Curve Lake and Havelock contributed to the fundraiser. The beneficiary organizations were BGC Kawarthas Foundation, the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) and Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC).

Of the funds raised, $62,511.24 will go towards FCCC ‘Building Abilities for Life’ Campaign with BGC Kawarthas and CMHA HKPR each receiving $31,255.62 to support their respective services.

“Our community truly came together to make this all possible. We are grateful to everyone who donated their time, helped spread the word, bought cookies and supported this initiative.” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “We are very appreciative of Tim’s and its staff who welcomed and assisted our Smile Cookie volunteers. The generosity of Tim Hortons and its ongoing support for many different organizations is amazing, and it was a pleasure to work alongside them as we all work to better health and wellness for youth in our communities.” 

“We appreciate the opportunity to work alongside Five Counties and BGC Kawarthas through the Smile Cookie Campaign,” said Ellen Watkins, CMHA HKPR CEO. “It was a delight to see our teams work together and to meet the community as we decorated cookies. Many thanks to the Tim Hortons staff who made us feel at home and part of the team.”

“On behalf of all the staff and volunteers from BGC Kawarthas, thank you to the hard-working staff and owners of the Tim Hortons,” said Amy Terrill, BGC Kawarthas executive director. “It was a distinct pleasure to be involved in the Smile Cookie campaign with our amazing partners at Five Counties Children’s Centre and CMHA HKPR. With the support of our community, many children and their families will benefit as a result.”

A record-breaking $22.6 million was raised through the sale of Smile Cookies this year, supporting over 600 charities and community groups across Canada and  the United States, according to Axel Schwan, Tim Hortons President.

“We’re so grateful for the outpouring of support for this year’s Smile Cookie campaign from Tims guests across Canada. Thanks to your incredible generosity we topped our previous Smile Cookie record,” he said.

The BGC Kawarthas Foundation raises funds to support the work of BGC Kawarthas, which provides essential programs and services for children and youth, including mental health and wellness programs, nutrition, after-school programs, summer camps, and leadership development activities.

CMHA HKPR provides mental health services and support to individuals in the community. Its programs promote mental wellness, offer crisis intervention, and provide counseling and therapy services.

Five Counties Children’s Centre has been dedicated to supporting children and youth with physical, developmental, and communication needs for 50 years. Last year, Five Counties provided treatment services for over 6,100 children and youth, of which 2,950 were from Peterborough and Peterborough County.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Three Organizations Chosen For Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign

The cookie crumbles in a good way for three local organizations as they have been chosen to be the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign recipients in Peterborough and the surrounding areas.

Representatives from BGC Kawarthas, Canadian Mental Health Association HKPR, and Five Counties Children’s Centre join with owners of local Tim Hortons in Peterborough, Bridgenorth, Lakefield, Curve Lake and Havelock to mark the launch of the Smile Cookie campaign. Tim Hortons has been raising funds for local charities for over 25 years. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The BGC Kawarthas Foundation, the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) and Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) were the selected organizations for this year’s campaign.

It runs from April 28 to May 4 at 19 Tim Horton locations in Peterborough, Bridgenorth, Lakefield, Curve Lake and Havelock.

“We are very grateful to Tim Hortons locations in Peterborough and the surrounding area for selecting BGC Kawarthas Foundation, CMHA HKPR, and Five Counties to be the beneficiaries of the annual Smile Cookie Campaign,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “Fundraising efforts like this will support all aspects of the health and wellness for children and youth in our communities.”

Proceeds are collected at 19 Tim Hortons locations in Peterborough and surrounding areas buy purchasing a Smile Cookie. Bulk orders are also available and can be ordered by completing a form and dropping it off at one of the locations.

“We’re looking forward to working with the local restaurant owners and engaging with local businesses and community members to create a fun, and successful Smile Cookie Campaign,” said Amy Terrill, BGC Kawarthas executive director. “As our organization continues to grow its services in the Peterborough area, this is an exciting way to work with our amazing partners at CMHA HKPR and Five Counties to share as many ‘smiles’ as possible.”

“Our team is thrilled to partner with Five Counties and BGC Kawarthas to support the Peterborough Smile Cookie campaign,” said Ellen Watkins, CMHA HKPR CEO. “This is a wonderful way to demonstrate the collaboration necessary to support children in families across the community.”

The BGC Kawarthas Foundation raises funds to support the work of BGC Kawarthas, which provides essential programs and services for children and youth, including mental health and wellness programs, nutrition, after-school programs, summer camps, and leadership development activities.

CMHA HKPR provides mental health services and support to individuals in the community. Its programs promote mental wellness, offer crisis intervention, and provide counselling and therapy services.

FCCC has been dedicated to supporting children and youth with physical, developmental, and communication needs for 50 years. Last year, Five Counties provided treatment services for over 2,950 children and youth in Peterborough and Peterborough County.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Young Artists Asked to Help Five Counties Show Gratitude For 50 Years

Children of all ages are being asked to lend their creative art skills to help Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) show its appreciation for 50 years of service with its launch of the 50th Anniversary Thank You Card Contest.

Photo courtesy of FCCC.

Coinciding with its golden anniversary in 2025, until April 30, young artists of all ages are encouraged to decorate, colour and create artwork on a selection of 50th anniversary colouring sheets. Centre staff will use all artwork submitted on individual thank you cards shared with donors, volunteers, and supporters to show appreciation for their assistance to Five Counties.

In addition, one winning design will grace the cover of new corporate thank you cards that Five Counties will create in 2025 to mark its 50th anniversary.

Kids who enter the contest can win prizes, including Five Counties’ 50th anniversary T-shirts. Contest rules, entry forms, colouring sheets, and submission information are available online.

“Five Counties has much to be grateful for over its 50-year history, so who better to say thanks than the kids who benefit from our services,” said Maddie Jackson, FCCC Community Engagement Coordinator. “At the core of what Five Counties does is serving and supporting kids of all ages and abilities, so showcasing their artwork on 50th anniversary thank you cards will add extra meaning when we send appreciation to our supporters.”

As part of its 50th festivities, Five Counties is planning family-friendly events at each of its sites, including in Campbellford on May 27, in Cobourg in late June, over the summer in Minden, in Lindsay on Sept. 6, and in Peterborough on Sept. 27. The Centre is also featuring monthly stories from current and former clients, parents, families, staff, volunteers and supporters reflecting on their experiences and successes at Five Counties.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Five Counties Children’s Centre Unveils Plans For 50th Anniversary Celebration

It’s the golden anniversary for Five Counties Children’s Centre as they have released details to celebrate its 50th anniversary since opening its doors in 1975.

Five Counties Children’s Centre speech-language pathologist Diane has a little fun with one of her clients. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The milestone is being marked throughout the year at its sites in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg, Campbellford and Minden; stories of support and success are the centrepiece of the Centre’s 50th-anniversary festivities.

Five Counties will share stories from current and former clients, families, staff members, volunteers and supporters who will detail their different experiences at Five Counties. The stories will be available on the Five Counties’ 50th anniversary web page and social media. Individuals who have a memory to share can still submit their story.

“The Centre is made up of much more than bricks and mortar, as it’s really been built on the magical memories and moments of thousands of clients and families,” said Scott Pepin, Five Counties CEO. “We’ve been fortunate to collect some amazing stories from members of our Five Counties family and look forward to sharing them with our communities.”

The first story featured from Five Counties is Mike Hannah, a Kawartha Lakes resident who was born with cerebral palsy. Well-known for his athletic exploits and charity work, Hannah remembers as a child in the 1970s being bused from school twice a week to the newly-opened Five Counties in Peterborough. He was bused there to receive speech and occupational therapy, as this type of treatment was unavailable in his school and Five Counties did not yet have a location in Lindsay.

“I would probably not be where I am today. Five Counties changed my life,” says Mike, recounting the treatment and support he received at the Centre.

Since its first year serving 126 kids/clients, the Centre has expanded to support more kids and families in Peterborough, Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes, and Minden/Haliburton. That growth is reflected in the 6,103 kids/clients in the area who received services last year through the Centre.

“While the numbers have changed, our commitment to enhancing children’s independence, well-being and quality of life has remained a constant for 50 years,” said Pepin.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Five Counties Children's Centre Hosting 'All-o-ween' For Inclusive Trick-or-Treating Experience

Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is inviting families to help make trick-or-treating more accessible and less scary for kids with its first-ever All-o-ween event.

Christian (left) and Gabriel (right) are among the FCCC families who are looking forward to All-o-ween. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

It is designed as an accessible, inclusive, and sensory-friendly trick-or-treating experience for FCCC kids and their families — both those currently receiving treatment at the Centre and those on a waitlist for services. Siblings of Five Counties kids are also welcome.

All-o-ween runs from 4 to 6 p.m. and will take place as follows:

• Oct. 28, at Five Counties (872 Dutton Road) in Peterborough

• Oct. 29, at Five Counties (800 Division St., Unit 2) in Cobourg

• Oct. 30 at Five Counties (9 Russell St. E.) in Lindsay.

Pre-registration is required to attend All-o-ween. Families can call the Centre at 1-888-779-9916, ext. 215 or register online to save a spot.

“Ask any child, and they will tell you Halloween ranks right up there as one of the best days of the year,” said Hayley Hodges, FCCC client and family experience lead. “Unfortunately, for some children who are disabled or neurodiverse, getting into the fall festivities can be a challenge.”

Each All-o-ween event in Cobourg, Peterborough and Lindsay includes an accessible and sensory-friendly trick-or-treating experience. Food, kids’ crafts and a storyteller sharing a fall festive tale will also be available. Kids can dress up in costume, wear orange and black, or come just as they are.

Providing an inclusive opportunity like All-o-ween benefits kids of all ages and abilities according to Hodges.

“In our everyday work at Five Counties, we support children and youth with physical, developmental and communications needs with the aim of enriching their independence and quality of life every day,” she said. “Halloween is one of those days or festivities that children of every ability should have the chance to experience and enjoy. And by organizing All-o-ween, we want to ensure everyone participates and no one gets left behind.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

First-Ever Couture For Kids Fashion Show to Benefit Five Counties Kids On Oct. 3

Fashion meets philanthropy at the first-ever Couture for Kids event in support of Five Counties Kids set for Oct. 3 at Celebrations (35 Lindsay St. N.) in Lindsay.

Five Counties kids Payton (front) and sister Paisley (back) are excited about the first-ever Couture for Kids fashion show fundraiser taking place on Oct. 3 in Lindsay. In 2023/24, the Centre served more than 1,300 kids and youth in Kawartha Lakes.

Couture for Kids is a fashion show featuring clothing from local retailers like Brittany’s N Bros, Bonita Clothing & Co, Cathy Allan Ladieswear, John G’s, Homethreads Boutique, The Lingerie Loft, Lizzy’s by Cathy Allan and Nisbett’s Clothiers.

“We are excited to mix fashion and fun at our first-ever Couture for Kids event in Lindsay,” said says Lyn Giles, Five Counties director of fund development. “This fundraising event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and support the life-changing work that goes on every day at Five Counties.”

The doors open at 6 p.m. with the fashion show starting at 7 p.m.. Tickets are $25 each and include light snacks provided by Milk and Honey Eatery and Brouwer Bake Shop. Tickets can be purchased at participating retailers or by going online.

A raffle, consisting of flower arrangements by Hill’s Florist, skin care basket, hair care basket, gift cards for local businesses and much more are being featured. Pass the Purse will also be on the agenda, with any attendee who puts a donation in the purse being entered in a draw to win it.

All proceeds from Couture for Kids will support Five Counties kids in City of Kawartha Lakes, helping them access needed life-changing treatment services close to home according to a press release.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Five Counties Children’s Centre Asking Public to Share Its Memories For 50th Anniversary

Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is asking area residents to share their memories and moments of the Centre in the leadup to its 50th anniversary in 2025, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The Centre, which supports kids and families with physical, communication and developmental needs in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton-Minden, opened its doors in 1975.

To mark its golden anniversary, a year-long celebration is being planned in 2025. Ahead of its 50th festivities, Five Counties is launching its ‘Gimme 5: Your Story is Our Story’ appeal to encourage current and former clients, families, staff, volunteers, board members, donors and community supporters to share any recollections they have of the Centre.

“Five Counties is made up of much more than bricks and mortar. The Centre was truly built on the magical memories and moments of the thousands of children and youth and their families we’ve been able to assist over the years,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “The Five Counties story would be totally incomplete if we are unable to tell and share the many stories from members of our extended Five Counties family.”

To facilitate sharing, people can download and complete the Gimme 5 Story Package, which includes several questions to help prompt discussion and sharing. Anyone who has a story or memento to share can email 50@fivecounties.on.ca or call 1-888-779-9916, ext. 200. With approval, Five Counties will share some of the collected stories publicly during its 50th-anniversary celebrations.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Five Counties Holding Ready for School Events to Help Kids With Disabilities or Exceptionalities Adjust to Class

With back-to-school just over a month away, Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) wants to support families with children with disabilities or exceptionalities who are starting class for the first time, announced on Thursday morning.

Hayley Hodges helping FCCC host Ready for School events in August to help with the transition for families who have kids with disabilities or exceptionalities starting class for the first time. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The Centre is hosting Ready for School Family Info Fairs at its sites in Peterborough (Aug. 20), Cobourg (Aug. 21) and Lindsay (Aug. 22). The aim is to ease the transition to school for kids starting JK, SK or Grade 1, making it less worrisome for families whose children may face greater challenges due to physical, developmental or communication needs according to event organizer Hayley Hodges, FCCC client and family engagement lead.

“Any time a child starts school is a big deal for families, but it can be even more nerve-wracking for parents and caregivers whose child has a disability or exceptionality,” she said. “We want to help reduce that anxiety for kids and parents by inviting families to attend our Ready for School events.”

Each event runs from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Advance registration is required and child care will be available.

Attendees will be able to:

• Gain knowledge and experience about going to school for the first time.

• Hear from other parents whose kids with disabilities or exceptionalities have successfully made the transition to school.

• Ask questions of Five Counties clinicians and other professionals who support students.

• Learn how to advocate for their child, while learning about school-based resources to support them.

• Access resources, including the 6F’s of Child Development that can help introduce a child with unique needs to their new school setting.

• Get on board a school bus to see what the ride entails.

• Enjoy snack and welcome packages, including tools, toys and tips.

The Ready for School events organized by Five Counties are not meant to duplicate other school-preparation events said Hodges.

“Our focus at Five Counties is to help kids and youth with disabilities and exceptionalities build their abilities for life,” she said. “One of the biggest life-changing events a child goes through is starting school, so it makes sense for Five Counties to be there for families who may need extra help and reassurance at this time.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.