Backyard Summer Social Raises Nearly $42,000 in Support of Five Counties Kids

This year’s Backyard Summer Social event raised $41,664 for Five Counties Children’s Centre on Friday.

photo courtesy of five counties kids.

All event proceeds go to the Centre’s Building Abilities for Life campaign, which directly benefits children in the community to receive treatment services. This includes providing priority speech language therapy and occupational therapy as quickly as possible to children and youth who need them. 

“We know that the earlier a child can get into these programs, the better their outcome, which is why community support for our kids and families is so important,” says Scott Pepin, CEO of Five Counties. “We live in a very generous community, and the support shown us at our Backyard Summer Social is yet another example of people coming together to help our kids and families.”

A ‘unicorn’ from Critter Visits was on hand for the recent Backyard Summer Social, allowing event attendees to enjoy a petting zoo as part of the many festivities. Photo courtesy of Five Counties Kids.

From left, a member of the Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts gives a tutorial in balance to one of the guests attending the event. Photo courtesy of Five Counties Kids.

There’s an art to what caricaturist Jason Wilkins (seated at left) does, and he ably demonstrated that drawing likenesses of attendees at the Summer Social. Photo curtesy of Five Counties Kids.

This year’s edition of the Centre’s gala fundraising event was a hybrid effort, with some activities moved indoors due to the threat of rain. That change didn’t impact the excitement and enthusiasm, say organizers, as attendees were still able to enjoy music, food, entertainment, live auction, door prizes and fun activities including axe throwing, petting zoo, lacrosse shootout and old-fashioned picnic games.

“The Backyard Summer Social is aimed at putting the fun into fundraising, and we were able to do that successfully again in 2023 despite the wet weather,” adds Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development with Five Counties. “We’re very appreciative of all the support we had this year and are already planning ahead for the next Backyard Summer Social on June 22, 2024, so mark your calendars!”

For more information, visit the website.

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Enter To Win Your Way in to Backyard Summer Social with Five Counties

Socializing online could be the ticket to socializing in-person at Five Counties Children’s Centre’s Backyard Summer Social.

photo courtesy of five counties.

Five Counties Children’s Centre is launching its #LetsBeSocial contest from May 4-17 across its various social media sites. Two tickets are available to be won to the Backyard Summer Social set for June 24 in the outdoor backyard space at Five Counties in Peterborough. Now in its second year, the Backyard Summer Social is the Centre’s signature fundraising event that features music, food, entertainment, fun activities and more.

Entering the #LetsBeSocial Backyard Summer Social contest is easy. Simply like and share the Backyard Summer Social contest post on Five Counties’ Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn sites between May 4-17, then tag the person you’d bring in the Comments section of the post. You will then be entered into a draw for two tickets to the Backyard Summer Social.

“The Backyard Summer Social will see our outdoor backyard space transformed into an adults-only gala event that celebrates the arrival of summer, lets you be like a kid again, and allows you to swap out the tux, gown and heels for T-shirt, shorts and sandals all the while supporting a great cause,” says Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development at Five Counties.

People attending the Backyard Summer Social on June 24 can look forward to:

• Fantastic food/fare catered by La Mesita and SKH Catering.

• Sweet treats from Central Smith and Flossophy.

• Drinks from Rolling Grape and Brock Street Brewery.

• Musical performances by Irish Millie and the Boogie Time Ramblers.

• Live auction and door prizes.

• Axe throwing, lacrosse shootout, inflatable jousting, old-fashioned picnic games and more.

• Behind-the-scenes tour of Five Counties’ Peterborough location.

Tickets to the Backyard Summer Social can also be purchased for $125 apiece. Tickets are available online or through Five Counties (email development@fivecounties.on.ca or call 1-888-779-9916, ext. 300). Along with a $75 charitable tax receipt, each ticket purchased to the Backyard Summer Social includes all food, a drink ticket, live music, access to all activities, and a chance to win door prizes.

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Five Counties Returns Second Year of Backyard Summer Social Fundraiser To Support Kids Therapy

The second year of Five Counties Children’s Centre’s (FCCC) Backyard Summer Social fundraiser returns on June 24 announced on Tuesday.

$45,000 was raised in last year’s inaugural event. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The event is in FCCC’s outdoor backyard space that was created almost four years ago. The space is primarily used for outdoor treatment and therapy for kids and clients.

The inaugural raised more than $45,000 last year and went towards critical, high-demand treatment services for kids at FCCC.

All money raised goes towards FCCC’s Building Abilities For Life Campaign. It helps high-demand services such as speech therapy and occupational therapy in an effort to reduce long waiting times for these critical services.

“We know kids do better when they have the immediate support they need to learn to communicate, be heard, move independently and carry out everyday activities that many of us take for granted,” said Lyn Giles, FCCC director of fund development. “That’s why we invite everyone to come out to our Backyard Summer Social to have fun and show their support for Five Counties children and their families.”

This year’s event features music, food, entertainment, fun activities and doubles as a high-end gala experience for adults with a summer twist.

“Our Backyard Summer Social is an adults-only gala event that celebrates the arrival of summer, lets you be like a kid again and allows you to swap out the tux, gown and heels for T-shirt, shorts and sandals all the while supporting a great cause,” said Giles. “Our initial Backyard Summer Social was a smashing success, and we plan to make it even bigger, bolder and better in 2023.”

Tickets are available online, via email (development@fivecounties.on.ca) or by calling or calling 1-888-779-9916, ext. 300 and are $125 per person.

A charitable tax receipt, all food, one drink ticket, live music, access to all activities and door prizes ballots are included in the admission.

Features of the Backyard Summer Social include:

• Fantastic food/fare catered by La Mesita and SKH Catering

• Sweet treats from Central Smith and Flossophy

• Drinks from Rolling Grape and Brock Street Brewery

• Musical performances by Irish Millie and the Boogie Time Ramblers

• Live auction and door prizes

• Axe throwing, lacrosse shootout, inflatable jousting, old-fashioned picnic games and more

• Behind-the-scenes tour of Five Counties’ Peterborough location

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Five Counties Children’s Centre’s Winterfest Raises Thousands of Dollars for Children’s Treatment Services

Local residents, donors and corporate sponsors stepped up to support Winterfest 2023, helping to raise over $30,000 to cover treatment services for kids at Five Counties Children’s Centre.

Catching the Spirit of Winterfest – Chloe (right) was one of the kids who attended Winterfest activities at Lansdowne Place mall on Feb. 18. photo courtesy of five counties.

Winterfest is an annual ‘fun’draising event for Five Counties that, this year, was held over the recent Family Day long weekend with a series of virtual and in-person festivities. The $30,125 raised this year surpasses the nearly $20,000 raised at Winterfest in 2022.

“We want to thank the support of the community, especially our staff, volunteers, families, donors and businesses who contributed to this year’s success,” says Scott Pepin, CEO of Five Counties. “We know our community is very generous, and once again, that has shone through!”

Canadian Tire stores in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg, Campbellford and Fenelon Falls again stepped up as the lead sponsor of Winterfest.

photo courtesy of five counties.

There were a number of highlights from Winterfest 2023, including:

• Hundreds of children and families attended fun, family-friendly events at Lansdowne Place in Peterborough (on Feb. 18) and at Lindsay Square Mall (on Feb. 19).

• A sold-out Peterborough Petes game on Family Day Monday (Feb. 20) saw many Five Counties kids and families attend and play different roles at the game. For instance, some of Five Counties kids and their siblings took on roles as GM, coach and PA Announcer, shadowing the real people who do these jobs during Petes games. Five Counties client Scott, and his entire family, also were featured in the pre-game ceremonial puck drop.

• Approximately 125 children entered the Thank You card contest, in which they drew, coloured or created artwork that depicted thanks and appreciation.

• Various virtual activities attracted online users to take part in a workout with the Peterborough Petes, winter scavenger hunt, story times, baking demo, snow creature contest, magic show and more.

• An online auction saw more than 90 people sign up for and make bids on a variety of hand-made quilts, artisanal wood items, gift cards, kids’ toys, and more.

Proceeds from Winterfest go to support Five Counties’ Building Abilities for Life Campaign, which helps ensure kids can get essential therapies so they can be their best.

“The Building Abilities For Life Campaign is important because it helps address current wait lists for services like occupational therapy and speech-language therapy,” Pepin says. “We know the earlier a child can receive treatment, the more likely it is they can reach their full potential.”

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Local Boy Becomes Honourary Assistant Coach For Peterborough Petes on Family Day

Seven-year-old Talon is lending the Peterborough Petes coaching staff a hand as he will be an honourary assistant coach for the team on Family Day (Feb. 20).

Blake (left) and Talon (right) with Peterborough Pete Konnor Smith (middle). Both Talon and Blake will serve as assistant coach and scout respectively for the Petes in a partnership with Five Counties for the upcoming Family Day matinee match against Sudbury.  Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The new coaching staff addition is part of a partnership between the Petes and Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC).

Talon has been receiving therapy at FCCC and has been diagnosed with O.D.D. (oppositional defiance disorder) and ADHD. He has also at risk of a learning disability.

Part of the game’s proceeds will support FCCC’s work to provide physio, occupational and speech therapy, as well as other services, to more than 6,000 children and youth in the region according to a press release.

“Talon has said to me, ‘you mean I get to tell the team to work hard and they have to listen?” said Kristen, Talon’s mother.

Talon's older brother Blake is serving as an honourary scout at the same game as part of the Petes’ Next Gen program. Blake has been a client at FCCC for five years.

The Petes’ Family Day game is against the Sudbury Wolves on Feb. 20.

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Make Everyday Family Literacy Day with Five Counties

Five Counties Children’s Centre is encouraging literacy everyday of the year, recognizing the life-long benefits of reading through Family Literacy Day on Jan. 27.

Five Counties’ Communicative Disorders Assistant Lynne Cooke (front left) reads with Dominic, as (back from left) Speech-Language Pathologist Ida Lloyd and mom Kimberly tout the benefits of reading. Photo courtesy of Five Counties.

As the day to promote literacy approaches, Five Counties wants families to make reading, language and literacy part of their everyday routine.

The staff at Five Counties believe the lessons from Family Literacy Day should be encouraged and embraced 365 days of the year.

“We can’t talk enough about the importance of literacy and speech skills for a child’s future success in life,” says Speech-Language Pathologist at Five Counties Ida Lloyd. “Reading, singing, listening, talking and playing with your child every day is not only fun, but supports literacy. It’s one of the most valuable things we as parents and caregivers can do for our kids.”

As part of its work in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton, Five Counties Children’s Centre provides therapy and support services for hundreds of children with speech, language and communication needs. They say developmental milestones, like those listed here by the Ontario Government, can be a good tool to measure the progress a child is making to communicate. Five Counties also offers tips, milestones and resources on its KidTalk website for families to support children’s speech skills.

“There are many fun ways that families can encourage literacy skills, without children even realizing they are learning. Reading a book at bedtime, visiting the library, playing a board game together or swapping jokes while doing the dishes can all be great options,” says Lloyd. “Engaging a child for 15 or 20 minutes every day by reading and promoting literacy skills is worth every minute, especially given the life-long rewards it has for everyone.”

Five Counties has shared 12 tips (as compiled by the Start Early organization) that families can use to support literacy for young children:

• Start early. Reading to babies is important for healthy brain development and lays the foundation for language and writing skills.

• Make reading part of the daily routine. Reading or sharing a story every day is ideal. Create a set time during the day (like just before bed) to which parents and children can look forward.

• Try board and cloth books for babies. By age one, babies can grab books. Board and cloth books are great options for youngsters who like to touch things and put them in their mouths.

• Take turns with your toddler. At their second birthday, most toddlers can hold a book and point at pictures. Let your toddler turn the pages of a board book and respond to her when she points or reacts to the story.

• Ask your child questions while reading. Make the reading experience interactive. Ask them questions, like: “what do you think will happen next?,’ or “What was your favorite part of the story?”

• Reread favorite books. Most three-year-olds can complete sentences in familiar stories. Read their favorite books over and over to help them learn through repetition.

• Point out similar words. By age four, children begin to recognize letters. Pointing out words in a book that start with the same letter can help preschoolers become familiar with the letter, helping them recognize certain words that start with that letter.

• Count objects on the page. If reading to a child, count objects on the page together to help strengthen early math skills.

• Get a child to tell the story. After their fifth birthday, children can sit still for longer books and create their own stories based on the pictures. Ask a child to share the basic plot of the book or make up stories based on what is seen on each page.

• Read with passion! Using inflection and maintaining the same highs and lows in your voice at the same point in a story helps your child begin to remember the words.

• Set an example. Let your child see you reading books to help them develop their own love of reading.

• Read, read, read and repeat. Reading to your child helps develop a love of stories and books, while taking you to new worlds and on new adventures. Read to a child early and often!

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Winterfest 2023 Fundraiser In Support of Five Counties

Join Five Counties Children’s Centre for family-friendly, in-person and virtual fun during their Winterfest 2023 fundraiser.

Five Counties Children’s Centre staff members Linsey Kampf, Lyn Giles and Lisa Graham are ready to hop aboard Winterfest. Photo courtesy of Five Counties.

Winterfest 2023 is set to include virtual and in-person activities which will offer lots for families to do as the event transitions back to ‘normal’ since the pandemic. In-person events will happen on the Family Day weekend at malls in Peterborough and Lindsay, ending with a Peterborough Petes’ home game on Family Day Monday. There will also be an online auction, a variety of fun, family-friendly events and a ‘thank you card’ contest for kids starting Feb. 1.

In 2022, Winterfest raised nearly $20,000 to support the programs and services provided by Five Counties to more than 6,000 children and their families in Peterborough City-County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County and Haliburton County.

“If you suffer from the winter blahs, Winterfest 2023 is a great way to celebrate the season with fun, in-person and virtual activities for the entire family,” says CEO of Five Counties Children’s Centre Scott Pepin. “Taking part in Winterfest also helps support the life- changing work provided by Five Counties to help kids with physical, communication and development needs in our communities.”

Winterfest 2023 festivities include:

• Feb. 1 to Feb. 28 – Winterfest kicks off with the first-ever ‘Thank You Card Contest’ for Kids. Show appreciation to Five Counties supporters by writing words, creating a drawing or colouring a picture that says ‘thank you.’ Kids can enter to win prizes, and one child’s artwork will be selected and featured on Five Counties thank you cards. Find contest rules and colouring sheet samples on the Five Counties website.

• Feb. 16 to Feb. 21 – Check out the many Winterfest Virtual Events available, including a workout with the Peterborough Petes, winter scavenger hunt, story times, baking demo, snow creature contest and magic show.

• Feb. 16 to Feb. 21 – Winterfest’s Online Auction featuring a selection of hand-made quilts, artisanal wood items, gift cards, kids’ toys and more. Register online to join the bidding. 

• Feb. 18 – In-person, family-friendly fun Winterfest activities at Lansdowne Place mall (645 Lansdowne St. W) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Feb. 19 – Winterfest festivities coming to Lindsay Square Mall (401 Kent St. W) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Feb. 20 –  Cheer on the Peterborough Petes as they host the Sudbury Wolves. Take part in a raffle and have a chance to win prizes, all while supporting Five Counties.

Canadian Tire stores in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg, Campbellford and Fenelon Falls return as Winterfest’s lead sponsor in 2023.

“Winterfest is a great way to embrace the season, while supporting the valuable work being done by Five Counties,” says Canadian Tire Peterborough South owner Ralph Moulton. “We’re proud and pleased to again be able to assist a great community event and organization.”

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Five Counties Children's Centre Offers Holiday Preparation Tips

Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is offering holiday tips for families to make the holidays merry and light.

Photo courtesy of Five counties Children’s centre.

“Whether celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Winter Solstice, the holiday season comes with high expectations, changes in routine and extra stimulation that can be overwhelming for some kids,” says Ashley Parsons, FCCC occupational therapist. “As parents and families, it’s important to reduce the stress and anxiety created by the holidays to make it a more enjoyable time for everyone.”

According to FCCC staff, it is not just children on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing issues who can be impacted by the holidays.

“The pandemic has disrupted large gatherings and in-person celebrations, creating a situation where many kids aren’t equipped or don’t know how to socialize or engage in play with others outside their immediate families,” Parsons says.

Preparation involves a plan for success, says FCCC. They suggest the use of calendars to mark events and count down the days and photos/maps/videos as visuals to share with younger family members or children who have communication challenges to help prepare them for who/where you’re visiting.

FCCC also offers the following tips to help prepare your family for the holidays:

• Decorate less or do it gradually. While holiday decorations make the season brighter, they can also be disruptive for some kids. Pulling out pictures from previous holiday seasons can help children adjust to what’s planned (if you don’t have photos, take some this year). Having kids involved in decorating can ease the process, as can taking a step-by-step approach to decorating. For instance, set up the tree one day, but wait until the next day before starting to decorate. Once decorations are up, set clear rules about what can and can’t be touched.

• Give gifts the right way. Most children get excited over holiday gifts, but for some kids, it can be overwhelming. If a child starts to obsess over a desired gift, find ways to manage their interest. For example, try a ‘five-for-five swap.’ Give your child five stickers that can be exchanged for being able to talk about the gift for a five-minute interval. To help manage holiday gift expectations, make a list with your child of realistic items he or she wants for the holidays. This list can then be shared with family members and friends who can register to purchase one of the desired gifts.

• Change for the better isn’t always better. Many children thrive on routine, and the holidays can throw off schedules. Having familiar items on hand can help calm stressful situations. If you are travelling for the holidays, make sure you have a child’s favourite books, toys, games and activities. Rehearse in advance what will happen or what can be expected to also ease children through any change or disruption of routine.

• Here’s food for thought. Enjoying a holiday meal with friends or family may not be enjoyable for all kids, especially if they are picky eaters or unlikely to enjoy unfamiliar food that’s on the menu. Some kids may also have allergies or require special diets. Have some of your child’s favourite or familiar foods on hand for dinner, either by bringing it yourself or ensuring some will be served during the holiday meal. If needed, identify a quiet area where your child can go to eat on their own if mealtime with others is too much.

• Take a break. Have a plan in case holiday visits or festivities become too overwhelming. Develop a signal that you child can use to say they need a break or want to be on their own. Work with your host to find a pre-determined quiet space for your child to de-stress. Have headphones with songs or stories that your child can wear to calm themselves and drown out surrounding noises. 

• Dress for success. Ensure your child wears clothing that is familiar and will not cause discomfort if going to a special holiday dinner or event.

• Prepare others for what to expect. The holidays are a time to gather with loved ones, so help them to understand your child. Be open and honest. Offer strategies on how they can help reduce anxiety or stress with your child. Help them see that your child may prefer not to be hugged. Share potential triggers that could cause your child to become upset. Stress to loved ones the importance of remaining calm and neutral to avoid outbursts.

“You know your child best, so look to what has worked for your family in situations or holidays past,” said Parsons. “With a bit of planning and preparation, you and your child can enjoy a wonderful holiday season that is merry and a bit light!”

Five Counties Children’s Centre Announces Backyard Summer Social For June 24

Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is hosting its second annual Backyard Summer Social on June 24 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. announced on Tuesday.

In 2021-22, FCCC served and supported 5,588 kids in the region. there is a waiting list of 2,516 children for therapy at Five Counties with an average wait time of 18-24 months. more than 90 per cent are waiting for speech and language therapy as well as occupational therapy. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The event is in support of FCCC’s speech therapy and occupational therapy programs for children and families in the region. In its inaugural year, the event raised more than $45,000.

“Nothing says season’s greetings better than the gift of the summer season for loved ones on your holiday shopping list,” says Lyn Giles, FCCC director of fund development. “Getting an early-bird ticket to the Backyard Summer Social makes for a great holiday gift. The event is a celebration of the start of summer for guests to enjoy an afternoon of fun-filled activities that lets you be a kid again.”

The adults-only event is considered a ‘backyard picnic for adults’ according to the FCCC. The event is at Five Counties Children’s Centre, located at 872 Dutton Rd. It features food, fun and unique activities, live music, and live auction according to the press release. Guests can ditch their gala attire in favour of comfortable summer wear.

“This is a great opportunity to give your loved one a unique experience, while supporting a great cause,” said Giles. “Speech and occupational therapies make up 90 per cent of our waitlist at Five Counties. The more children we can get off the waiting list and into therapy services, the more opportunities they have to gain independence and enjoy a better quality of life.”

Tickets are available for $125 each and can be purchased online.

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Five Counties Calls On Local Community to Support The Northumberland Backyard Project

The Five Counties Children’s Centre is asking for community support on their Northumberland Backyard Project, which would see the area at the rear of its Cobourg location turned into a safe, fully accessible backyard green space available for treatment, recreation, cultural awareness and outdoor education programming for the community.

Photo courtesy of Five Counties.

The Northumberland Backyard Project is spearhead by Five Counties Children’s Centre in partnership with multiple community organizations.

The partners have applied to Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group for nearly $50,000 in funding to help with the first phase of the Northumberland Backyard Project. Commonwell’s Learning and Engagement Accelerator Fund (LEAF) provides grants for community projects that promote learning and capacity improvements.

Five Counties and its partners have secured approximately 40 per cent of funding already for the project’s $255,000 estimated cost.

Part of the funding approval is based on community support for a project. Local residents are being asked to play a part by visiting the Commonwell website between Nov. 10 and 15 and sharing support and reasons why the project matters to the community. This can involve writing a short story, uploading a photo or just leaving an encouraging comment and spreading the word on social media.

“We know there is a long-term need for this type of accessible backyard green space in Northumberland County, so we encourage everyone in coming days to show your support online and spread the word to neighbours and friends,” says Scott Pepin, CEO of Five Counties Children’s Centre. “…the proposed accessible playground and natural enhancements to the outdoor space at our Northumberland site will have countless benefits to the children and youth who receive therapy services at the (Five Counties) centre, as well as other families and community members across the County.”

Show your support using the Commonwell website.

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