Five Counties Children’s Centre wants to make trick-or-treating more accessible and less scary for kids. That’s why the Centre is inviting families to attend its first-ever All-o-ween event.

Boys look at candy with decorated Halloween door in backgroundAll-o-ween is designed as an accessible, inclusive and sensory-friendly trick-or-treating experience for Five Counties kids and their families — both those currently receiving treatment at the Centre or who are on a wait list for services. All-o-ween runs from 4-6 pm and will take place as follows:

  • On Monday, Oct. 28, at Five Counties (872 Dutton Road) in Peterborough
  • On Tuesday, Oct. 29, at Five Counties (800 Division St., Unit 2) in Cobourg
  • On Wednesday, Oct. 30 at Five Counties (9 Russell St. E.) in Lindsay.

To attend All-o-ween, pre-registration is required. Five Counties families can call the Centre at 1-888-779-9916, ext. 215,  or click here to register. Siblings of Five Counties kids are welcome to join the fun as well.

“Ask any child, and they will tell you Halloween ranks right up there as one of the best days of the year,” says Hayley Hodges, the Client and Family Experience Lead at Five Counties Children’s Centre. “Unfortunately, for some children who are disabled or neurodiverse, getting into the fall festivities can be a challenge.”

That’s where All-o-ween is meant to break down barriers. Each of the All-o-ween events in Cobourg, Peterborough and Lindsay includes an accessible and sensory-friendly trick-or-treating experience. There will also be food, kids’ crafts and a storyteller sharing a fall festive tale. Kids coming to All-o-ween can dress up in costume, wear orange and black, or just come as they are.

According to Hodges, providing an inclusive opportunity like All-o-ween benefit kids of all ages and abilities.

“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 says. “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.”

Category: General News