Fashion, Fun and Fundraising at Couture for Kids in Lindsay

By Scott Arnold

A night of local fashion, prizes and community spirit is coming to Lindsay in support of children and youth across the region.

Local fashion will take centre stage at the 3rd Annual Couture for Kids Fashion Show Fundraiser in Lindsay on October 1st, with proceeds supporting services for local children and youth (photo via instagram @5countieskids)

The 3rd Annual Couture for Kids Fashion Show Fundraiser takes place Thursday, October 1st at Celebrations in Lindsay, with proceeds supporting Five Counties Children’s Centre.

The evening will feature fashions from local retailers, along with raffle prizes, light snacks and a cash bar.

Participating retailers include Brittany & Bros, Bonita Clothing & Co., Cathy Allan Ladieswear, John G’s, Home Threads Boutique, Nisbetts Clothiers and The Lingerie Loft Lindsay.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or at participating stores.

Money raised will support treatment services for children and youth in Kawartha Lakes, helping reduce wait times for essential services and therapies.

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

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Kids’ Night Power Wheels Race Returning to Kawartha Downs on Saturday

By Scott Arnold

The next generation of racers is getting ready to hit the track at Kawartha Downs this Saturday, with the third annual Kids’ Night Power Wheels Race supporting Five Counties Children’s Centre.

Young racers will take to the track at Kawartha Downs during the third annual Kids’ Night Power Wheels Race on August 22nd, with proceeds supporting Five Counties Children’s Centre. (Photo via instagram @5countieskids)

The event takes place Saturday, August 22nd, inviting children ages 4 to 8 to race their battery-powered vehicles while helping raise money for Five Counties Children’s Centre.

Participants must be registered and have a signed release from a parent or guardian. Families are responsible for providing, loading, unloading and maintaining their child’s vehicle. The vehicles must use batteries no larger than 12V and cannot be modified.

Kawartha Downs will also have an O.R. Kids Corner and more activities taking place throughout the evening.

The event is a fun night for young racers and their families, while raising money for children and families supported by Five Counties.

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

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The Rotary Club of Peterborough's 'Fore the Kids' Fundraiser Golf Tournament Hits the Greens On Sept. 17

The Rotary Club of Peterborough is hitting the links for its annual ‘Fore the Kids Golf Tournament’ on Sept. 17 at the Katchiwano Golf Club in support of Rotary projects and Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC).

Rotarian and City Councillor Kevin Duguay opts to hit two balls simultaneously during the Media vs. Rotarians putting challenge to launch the event. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Golfers, regardless of skill level, are invited to register for $200 per person which includes a round of golf, a cart, lunch and a chance to win prizes. This year’s fees include the Rotary’s passport which offers mulligans, pro driver shots and raffle tickets.

“The Fore the Kids Charity Golf Tournament is a great example of our community coming together to support local children and families,” said Scott Pepin, CEO, Five Counties Children's Centre We are grateful to the Rotary Club of Peterborough, Linwood Homes, and everyone involved for helping raise funds that make a lasting difference for children receiving services through Five Counties Children's Centre.”

@ptbo_canada The Rotary Club of Peterborough is hitting the links for its annual ‘Fore the Kids Golf Tournament’ on Sept. 17 Katchiwano Golf Club in support of Rotary projects and Five Counties Children’s Centre. #rotaryclub #fyp #news #ptbocanada #journalism ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

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Five Counties Children’s Centre Family Leads the Charge For Little Lakers Night On July 16

To lead the charge for the fourth consecutive year of the Little Lakers Night with the Peterborough Lakers, the Hyde family is representing Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) for July 16 against the Oakville Rock.

(from left to right) Georgia Dueck, Peterborough Lakers Game Day Operations; Isabelle Hyde, 8; Maureen Hyde; Edward Hyde, 8; Elizabeth Hyde, 12 and Kassie Graham, FCCC Community Engagement Coordinator. Last year’s Little Lakers Night netted $16,128 to support children’s treatment services at Five Counties. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The fundraising game directs all proceeds to FCCC’s Building Abilities for Life campaign, which enables more kids and youth in the region to access life-changing treatment services when they need them. The night also shines a spotlight on children and families who have benefited from FCCC’s services.

The Hyde family has had three children (Isabelle, 8; Edward, 8 and Elizabeth, 12) who have benefited from FCCC.

“We’ve done speech and we’ve done occupational therapy,” said Maureen Hyde. “Edward and Isabelle didn’t speak until later on in life… Edward does occupational therapy for his tightness of his legs for his autism… Elizabeth didn’t walk so they straightened her legs as well.”

“My hip would go out whenever I’d walk so I needed therapy for that,” added Elizabeth.

@ptbo_canada The fourth-annual Little Lakers Night takes over the Peterborough Memorial Centre as the @ptbolakerslax take on the Oakville Rock on July 16! All proceeds from the fundraising night go towards Five Counties Children’s Centre! #journalism #fyp #news #ptbocanada #peterboroughlakers ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

The Hyde’s will take part in the ceremonial pre-game ball drop.

“Little Lakers Night is one of those special events that brings our community together around a shared purpose — supporting children and families while celebrating the spirit of sport,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “For many of the kids and families we serve, this night creates unforgettable memories and opportunities to feel connected, included, and celebrated. We're deeply grateful to the Peterborough Lakers, our sponsors, and the community for helping make this event such a success year after year.”

“The partnership between the Lakers and Five Counties is something we're incredibly proud of,” says Pete Dalliday, Peterborough Lakers Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships. “Little Lakers Night is a chance for our team, our fans and our community to come together in support of local children and families. We’re excited to welcome Five Counties families and Lakers fans together for a fun-filled night that supports an incredible cause and showcases the positive impact we can make when we work together.”

Little Lakers Night kicks off with pre-game festivities starting at 7 pm. Activities and fundraising initiatives include face painting by donation, outdoor games, a ‘Pass the Bucket’ fundraiser and ‘Ball Toss for a Cause.’ During the game, a silent auction is being run with prizes such as Toronto Blue Jays tickets, a couples Float package, local gift cards, sports memorabilia and more. New this year is the debut of a new Lakers Jersey auction, with six available.

Tickets for Little Lakers Night on July 16 are available on the Five Counties website. Every $15 ticket purchased through Five Counties helps support children and families in the community.

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Five Counties Children’s Centre Receives $30,000 Donation From Kawartha Tri‑Sport Towards Essential Services

After a three-day fundraising event in Ennismore, Kawartha Tri‑Sport Tournament organizers donated $30,000 to Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) towards its essential services, announced on Monday.

Christina Scott, Kawartha Tri-Sport organizer (right) with Kassie Graham, FCCC’s Community Engagement Coordinator (right) with the donation of $30,000. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

These services include speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and specialized programs that build abilities for life.

The funds are part of the $100,000 that was raised overall at the most recent Kawartha Tri-Sport Tournament – the 10th anniversary of the event that features baseball, hockey and golf.

“We are incredibly grateful to Kawartha Tri‑Sport and everyone who took part in this year’s tournament,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “This generous contribution will directly support children and youth in our community, helping them access the therapy services they need to grow, learn, and thrive. We’re honoured to be part of an event that brings people together to make such a meaningful difference.”

Along with Five Counties, Kawartha Tri-Sport organizers donated funds to Down Syndrome Canada and to local families in need of support.

“We are so proud to give back to the community that has given so much to us and our families,” says Christina Scott, Kawartha Tri-Sport organizer. “Supporting Five Counties is just one small way we can make a difference together. Kawartha Tri-Sport is so grateful to be part of something that makes a positive impact.”

The annual Kawartha Tri‑Sport tournament was launched in 2016. It brings together athletes, volunteers, and supporters for a weekend of friendly competition and community spirit. Since its inception, the Kawartha Tri-Sport event has raised more than $400,000 for local charities.

Scott says charities supported by Tri-Sport often have a personal connection to the organizers. “We are so honoured to support organizations that make a difference in people’s lives,” said Scott. “We are also still overwhelmed by what’s been achieved. It all comes down to the people that support our mission every year and the generosity of our community, businesses, participants, family and friends.”                                             

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Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign Raises $136,711.96 For Peterborough Humane Society and Five Counties Children's Centre

The community came together for the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign, raising $136,711.96 to be split between Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) and the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS), announced on Tuesday morning.

Nationally, the 2026 Smile Cookie Campaign raised a record‑breaking $23.3 million in support of more than 700 charities and community groups across Canada. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Each organization received $68,355.98 from the campaign, which ran from April 27 to May 3. Funds were collected from Smile Cookie purchases at any of the 18 participating locations in Peterborough, Bridgnorth, Lakefield and Curve Lake.

Five Counties is putting its proceeds towards its ‘Building Abilities for Life’ campaign that ensures kids can more easily access high-demand treatment services that will benefit them as they grow up.

@ptbo_canada This spring’s Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign raised $136,711.96 to be split between the Five Counties Children’s Centre and the Peterborough Humane Society. #p#ptbocanadaj#journalismf#fypn#newss#smilecookie ♬ Smile - Official Sound Studio

“Our community truly came together to make this all possible,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “We are grateful to everyone who volunteered their time, helped spread the word, purchased Smile Cookies, and supported this initiative. We are also very appreciative of Tim Hortons and its staff, who warmly welcomed our volunteers. Their ongoing generosity and commitment to community organizations is truly inspiring, and it was a pleasure to work alongside them and the Peterborough Humane Society.”

The Peterborough Humane Society is using its funds towards its animal care programs, including sheltering, medical care and adoptions for animals in need.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Tim Hortons owners for selecting us as a Smile Cookie beneficiary and for the opportunity to partner with both Five Counties throughout this campaign,” said Shawn Morey, PHS CEO. “We're proud to have more than 100 volunteers lend their time throughout the week. We extend our sincere thanks to the Tim Hortons staff who made us feel like part of the team. With the support of our community, many children, families, and pets will benefit.”

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Peterborough Humane Society and Five Counties Children’s Centre to Benefit From Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign

The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign returns from April 27 to May 3, with proceeds supporting the Peterborough Humane Society and Five Counties Children’s Centre.

photo courtesy of Five Counties Children’s Centre.

Area residents can purchase a Smile Cookie at any of the 18 participating Tim Hortons restaurants in Peterborough, Bridgenorth, Lakefield and Curve Lake. Bulk orders are also available by completing an order form and dropping it off at a local restaurant. Throughout the campaign, volunteers from the Peterborough Humane Society and Five Counties will be on site decorating cookies, greeting guests and thanking supporters.

“We are very grateful to the Tim Hortons locations in Peterborough and the surrounding area for selecting Five Counties and the Peterborough Humane Society as this year’s Smile Cookie beneficiaries,” says Scott Pepin, CEO of Five Counties Children’s Centre. “Support from this campaign will help ensure important services are available in our community at Five Counties to support children with physical, developmental and communication needs and at the Peterborough Humane Society to help animals in need of care in our community.”

All proceeds from Smile Cookie sales in Peterborough and the surrounding area will stay in local communities, supporting programs that promote health, wellness and compassionate care for children, youth and animals.

“We are incredibly grateful and excited to be included in this wonderful campaign alongside our friends at Five Counties.” says Shawn Morey, CEO of the Peterborough Humane Society. “By supporting this campaign, you are helping ensure animals that come into our care receive the support they need, while they wait to join their new forever homes, and supporting the great work that Five Counties does for children.”

Tim Hortons has been raising funds for local charities for over 25 years. Last year Tim Hortons restaurants across Canada raised $22.6 million for close to 700 local charities and community groups, contributing to the Smile Cookie legacy of over $151 million raised since the program’s inception.

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Spring into Learning Returns to Five Counties For a Second Year

The second annual Spring into Learning series returns to Five Counties Children’s Centre May 2 with a focus on helping attendees to rethink disability.

photo courtesy of five counties.

Presenters at the event include a former Canadian Paralympian, a Trent University professor/writer and a social worker/community activist. All three will discuss the importance of shattering pre-conceived notions and biases towards persons with disabilities.

Five Counties notes that the free event is not just for Five Counties families, anyone who supports or interacts with a person with disabilities or who wants to learn more about what it’s like to live with a disability is welcome to attend.

“We had wonderful response to our first-ever Spring into Learning last year, that focused on seeing the ability, not disability in every person,” says Hayley Hodges, the Client and Family Engagement Lead at Five Counties. “This year’s theme focuses on how we can ‘rethink disability’ and see resiliency in individuals who overcome challenges and achieve new things with their different abilities. This year, there will also be special emphasis on the vital role of caregivers and how they can be better supported in their work supporting individuals with a disability.”

The full lineup for the Spring into Learning series includes:

• • Keynote speaker Alec Denys (five-time Paralympian, sports enthusiast and accessibility advocate), sharing his personal story of suffering a life-altering injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down, and how his love of sports helped him discover new abilities.

• • Workshop facilitator Derek Newman-Still (a local author, Trent professor and activist) speaking on the importance of resiliency in their own life to respond and correct presumptions from those who diss their disability.

• • Workshop facilitator Maureen Pollard (social worker and compassionate bereavement care provider) explaining why caregivers need to care for their own well-being as much as the person they support, realizing self-care is not selfish.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Five Counties (872 Dutton Rd.)

Registration is now open for the Spring into Learning series online.

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Five Counties Recognized with Second Consecutive Chamber of Commerce Award

Five Counties Children’s Centre has been recognized for a second consecutive year at the Northumberland Business Achievement Awards for its work to improve support for kids and their families in the local community.

photo courtesy of Five Counties.

The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce (NCCC) named Five Counties as the winner of its 2026 Health and Wellness Award, which recognizes a business or organization that provides excellence in its work supporting physical and mental health and wellbeing for its customers or clients.  This is the second straight year Five Counties has been honoured by the NCCC, as the Centre won the Not-for-Profit of the Year Award last year at these awards.

“These back-to-back Business Achievement Awards are a testament to the incredible work our Five Counties staff do to continue innovating and providing evidence-based, life-changing treatment services for children and youth with physical, developmental and communication needs in Northumberland County,” says Scott Pepin, CEO of Five Counties. “This recognition shows the level of excellence that people have come to expect and know is being delivered by our staff in Northumberland, to not only improve services, but reduce wait times.”

In announcing Five Counties as winner of the 2026 Health and Wellness Award, the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce noted, “In the past year, Five Counties has delivered meaningful results for children and families across our region.” The chamber cited the “most notable achievement” being the creation and official opening of a fully accessible outdoor therapy and play space at the Five Counties site in Cobourg.

“Transforming an underused area into an inclusive environment expands treatment options and enhances the client experience,” the chamber noted. “At the same time, (Five Counties) responded to record demand by increasing clinical capacity, strengthening recruitment and retention, and implementing innovative service models, resulting in a measurable reduction in wait times. Five Counties continues to improve access to care and deliver lasting impact for the families they serve.”

During the 2025 calendar year, Five Counties served 1,876 kids and their families in Northumberland County. Services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech language-therapy were provided by Five Counties staff from its Centre sites in Cobourg and Campbellford, in local schools and in the community.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough's Annual Holiday Lunch Puts Giving Spirit On Display; Donation Amounts and Breakfast Club Awards Announced

The Rotary Club of Peterborough’s Annual Christmas Lunch had its share of fun and giving at the Northminster United Church on Monday afternoon.

Rotarians and a FCCC representative with the cheque presented to FCCC of $8,500 from the Rotary Club’s “Fore the KIds” golf tournament. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The organization announced a total of $17,000 raised from its Fore the Kids Golf Tournament, held at the Katchiwano Golf Club on Sept. 25. Those funds are split equally ($8,500) between Five Counties Children’s Centre and the Rotary Club for their projects.

“I believe our portion of that is going towards the zoo legacy project, which is making an accessible playground at the (Riverview Park & Zoo) zoo a reality,” explained Tony Grady, Rotary Club of Peterborough president.

The Koeslag Cup was awarded to the Breakfast Club team that prepared the most nutritious, delicious, and elaborate breakfast for the children at Prince of Wales Elementary School. The Friday Breakfast Crew captured the cup, with Rotarians Nick Avlonitis and Doug Armstrong, as well as friends of Rotary, Linn Thain, Donna Burley-Chestnut, Jeff Clark, Dale Wilson and Brian Wilson on the team.

The team served the students Nick’s “world-famous” pancakes with chocolate chips, whipped cream, sprinkles, fresh fruit and chocolate milk.

The cup was named last year in honour of its creator, the late Peter Koeslag, a dedicated volunteer of the Prince of Wales Breakfast Club.

Before last year’s school calendar, Prince of Wales School had received two new ovens from the Rotary Club and Leon’s Peterborough. The breakfast program serves over 500 students and has a positive impact on their learning according to Brad Conlin, Prince of Wales vice-principal.

“We noticed a huge difference in kids having a full belly. They're coming down, and they're ready to learn when they get into class,” he explained. “When kids get into their classrooms without something to eat, we often see them disregulated and it’s hard for them to concentrate.”

Brad Conlin, Prince of Wales vice-principal (left) with Rotarian Nick Avlonitis, being presented with the Koeslag Cup. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Club also awarded prizes for the best Christmas Sweaters:

• Funniest sweater: Bruce Gravel

• Most creative sweater: Marie Press

• Best overall sweater: Bruce Clark

Bruce Gravel, Marie Press and Bruce Clark as the respective winners of the Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest with Kelli Grady, Rotary director of club service and membership. All photos by David Bui.

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