PETERBOROUGH, ON (June 22, 2026) – It may sound like a broken record, but how better to describe the all-time highs that Five Counties Children’s Centre has attained in total kids served, overall client visits, and number of referrals over the past year.

These activities – along with sharing other accomplishments in 2025/26 and presenting awards to key partners and supporters – are among the highlights of the 50^th Annual Meeting hosted by Five Counties today (June 22) in Peterborough. The event was punctuated by a keynote address from local Paralympian Jon Thurston, who shared his journey of growing up in Dunsford to winning a gold medal in wheelchair curling at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games this past March.

Gold-medal winning Paralympian Jon Thurston was keynote speaker.

“What better way to cap our 50^th year – and golden anniversary festivities – than with inspirational comments from a gold-medal winner and record-setting performance from our staff who go above and beyond every day for our kids and families,” says Five Counties CEO Scott Pepin.

Key Statistics

It was truly a golden year at the local children’s treatment centre, which supports children and youth with physical, developmental and communication needs in Peterborough, Northumberland County, Haliburton County and the City of Kawartha Lakes. During 2025/26, and as outlined in its newly-released Annual Report, Five Counties staff:

• Served 6,574 clients across its region last year, the most ever in its 50+ year history.
• Provided a total of 56,687 client visits last year – another record count – and an increase of nearly 1,300 visits from 2024/25.
• Kept wait times in check for kids’ treatment services, despite an 11.8% increase in client referrals to the Centre last year. Only 18 more kids were added to its wait list in 2025/26, even as the Centre served 366 more clients year-over-year.
• Supported 3,928 local students through the Centre’s school-based rehabilitation services.
• Spent a total of 4,199 hours last year offering support and skill-building training to families, schools and child-care facilities. Put another way, the time works out to nearly 175 days, or more than six months, of capacity building with these groups.

“These are more than numbers,” Pepin adds. “Behind every statistic is a personal interaction and human connection that is made between our staff members, children and their families. We want to help our kids reach for the stars and, through our treatment services and support, we aim to help them achieve maximum liftoff by supporting their independence, well-being and quality of life, in addition to helping and empowering their families.”

Wait Times Still a Challenge

The lack of progress to reduce wait times in 2025/26 is disappointing, Pepin admits, especially when Five Counties saw a 15.3% reduction in the number of kids waiting for services over the previous three years. As of March 31, 2026, there were 2,204 kids across the region waiting for treatment services at Five Counties. “One child waiting for services is one too many,” Pepin notes. “That said, we did hold the line on our wait list, even as we saw hundreds of more kids in 2025/26, even as our referrals jumped considerably over the past year.”

Efforts continue to reduce wait times at Five Counties. Its fundraising efforts – totaling nearly $750,000 last year – go directly to hire more clinicians who can offer additional treatment services for kids across the region.

The Centre also continues to implement tiered intervention in schools to ensure the right student gets the right care at the right time. And recently, Five Counties launched its new Abilities in Action program as a new treatment pathway for children with autism and their families who quality for funding through the Ontario Autism Program. This comes as the Centre has also successfully recruited a new pediatrician and doctors over the past year to better support, and more quickly, screen kids for autism.

Other Notable Achievements

To get buy-in from parents/caregivers to support their child’s treatment goals, Five Counties also partnered with Fleming College students to create the Rethink Therapy campaign. Launched in January 2026, Rethink Therapy encourages families to see that their child’s therapy happens everywhere in everyday activities, and that they are a key contributor to this success. Pepin also calls 2025/26 a banner one for Five Counties in other ways:

• In June 2025, the accessible backyard space for treatment, recreation, cultural awareness and outdoor education programs officially opened at the Five Counties site in Cobourg.
• The Centre marked its 50^th anniversary with a series of celebrations and stories from its past.
• Five Counties won various recognition awards from chambers of commerce in Peterborough, Lindsay and Cobourg for the life-changing work it delivers to kids and families in the area.

Presentation of Dave Adams Legacy Award

The White family (Suzette, Glen and Adam) are recipients of the 2026 Dave Adams Legacy Award, which Five Counties created last year to honour the late Dave Adams, who headed the Centre’s former Foundation for 27 years. The award recognizes individuals who epitomize Dave’s spirit for their long-service, unwavering support and selfless actions that have contributed to the work and success of Five Counties. According to Pepin, the Whites are deserving winners. Glen and Suzette first came to the Centre in 1976, with their 10-month-old son, Adam, who had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Thus began a decades-long relationship that saw Adam receive treatment that helped him to walk and grow, while also offering his parents not just medical expertise, but compassion, patience and hope. All three of the Whites have given back to Five Counties in many  ways, by volunteering and acting as ambassadors for the Centre, including serving on its Board of Directors. Adam has gone on to pursue a successful career in education, even as he continues to support Five Counties.

Honour for Long-Serving Board of Director Member

Long-time Board of Director Kristy Hook is honoured for her support of Five Counties.

The Centre is honouring Kristy Hook, the current Vice-Chair of its Board of Directors, who is stepping down after nine years on the Board. “Kristy has a long association with Five Counties, as a parent of a one-time client, volunteer, supporter, Board member and former Chair,” says Pepin. “Kristy’s passion for Five Counties is undeniable, and her tireless efforts over the years to support, champion and advocate for the Centre are greatly appreciated and will be sorely missed.”

High-Five Community Awards 2026

Five Counties has also announced the winners of its High-Five Community Awards, which are given to individuals, groups and community partners who share the Centre’s commitment to inclusion. Winners include:

• The EarlyON Child and Family Centre in the City of Kawartha Lakes for welcoming Five Counties families to join its monthly Family Support and Adaptive Play program to come, play and connect
• Yoga studio owner Angela Demeester for creating an adaptive yoga program for kids of all abilities.
• Ashley Higgins, of the Victoria Graduate Program – Compass Early Learning and Care centre in Lindsay, for a commitment to inclusion and collaborating with others to find the best outcome for kids in her care.
• Cindy Marshall, of the Northumberland EarlyON Centre, for her work supporting Five Counties in running its Snack and Chat family engagement event each month in Cobourg.
• Jennifer Hardy-Parr, a grant writer with the County of Northumberland, for being integral in helping Five Counties secure funding to boost inclusion projects, like the accessible backyard space in Cobourg.
• Sean Griffin, of P.L.A.Y. Sports Peterborough, who is breaking down barriers to sport for children of all ages and abilities, including organizing regular Family Adventure Nights for Five Counties clients.
• Sara Pot and Sam Miscinszki, of CanChild, for supporting Five Counties’ family engagement efforts.

High-Five Community Award winners for 2026

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For media inquiries, contact:

Bill Eekhof, Communications Coordinator, Five Counties Children’s Centre, 1-888-779-9916, ext. 200

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PETERBOROUGH, ON (June 1, 2026) – An annual three-day fundraising event in Ennismore delivered incredible support for local charities, including Five Counties Children’s Centre.

Organizers of the Kawartha Tri‑Sport Tournament donated $30,000 to Five Counties to help ensure children and families can access essential services close to home, including speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and specialized programs that build abilities for life. The funds given to Five Counties are part of the $100,000 that was raised overall at the most recent Kawartha Tri-Sport Tournament – the 10^th anniversary of the event that features baseball, hockey and golf, all in a fun-filled, community atmosphere.

“We are incredibly grateful to Kawartha Tri‑Sport and everyone who took part in this year’s tournament,” said Scott Pepin, CEO of Five Counties Children’s Centre. “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, as well as local families in need of support.

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.

“We are so proud to give back to the community that has given so much to us and our families,” says Christina Scott, one of the Kawartha Tri-Sport organizers. “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.”

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,” she adds. “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.”

Five Counties extends a heartfelt thanks to the Kawartha Tri-Sport organizers, which include Christina Scott, Ben and Jay Mark, Matt O’Halloran, Kyle Simmons, Kaetlyn Mulligan, Michelle Tober, Ashley Kulla, Jordan Fitzgerald, and Ron Lachapelle. Five Counties would also like to thank the sponsors, volunteers, and athletes who made the most recent year’s event such a success.

Five Counties has been dedicated to supporting children and youth with physical, developmental, and communication needs for 50 years. Last year, the Centre provided treatment services to more than 2,850 children and youth in Peterborough.

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For media inquiries, contact:

Bill Eekhof, Communications Coordinator, Five Counties Children’s Centre, 1-888-779-9916, ext. 200

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PETERBOROUGH, ON (May 19, 2026) – There is a lot to smile about, as the local Smile Cookie Campaign has reached a new fundraising milestone in support of children, families, and animals in need.

This spring, 18 Tim Hortons locations across Peterborough, Bridgenorth, Lakefield, and Curve Lake participated in the annual Smile Cookie Campaign, benefiting Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) and the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS). Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the community, an incredible $136,711.96 was raised.

The funds will be split equally between the two organizations. For Five Counties, this means $68,355.98 will go 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. A similar amount will go to support the Peterborough Humane Society’s animal care programs, including sheltering, medical care, and adoptions for animals in need.

“Our community truly came together to make this all possible,” says Scott Pepin, Chief Executive Officer of Five Counties Children’s Centre. “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.”

“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,” adds Shawn Morey, Chief Executive Officer of the Peterborough Humane Society. “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.”

The success of the Smile Cookie Campaign was made possible by the incredible support of the local community. Hundreds of volunteers from both charities generously donated their time to decorate cookies, greet guests, and share the importance of the campaign inside Tim Hortons locations throughout the week. Local businesses, schools, and individuals also showed their support by placing bulk cookie orders to share with staff, clients, friends, and families—significantly boosting the funds raised. Every Smile Cookie purchased represented a meaningful gesture of support for children, families, and animals across the region.

Nationally, the 2026 Smile Cookie Campaign also made history, raising a record‑breaking $23.3 million in support of more than 700 charities and community groups across Canada. Since its launch in 1996, the Smile Cookie Campaign has raised millions nationwide, with local Tim Hortons restaurant owners selecing community organizations to benefit from the campaign, ensuring funds support causes close to home.

Five Counties Children’s Centre has been dedicated to supporting children and youth with physical, developmental, and communication needs for over 50 years. Last year, Five Counties provided treatment services for over 6,200 children and youth, of which 2,857 are from Peterborough City and County.

Peterborough Humane Society is a voice for animals through adoption placement. It also provides services to support both ends of the leash, and through the Peterborough Regional Spay / Neuter Clinic, provides animals with vital vaccines to support health and wellness, veterinary care, and spay / neuter services to the public.

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For media inquiries, contact:

Christine Beaudrie, Regional Marketing Manager, Tim Hortons, 613-314-6669,

or Désirée Kretschmar, Communications & Development Coordinator, Peterborough Humane Society, 705-872-1648.

or Bill Eekhof, Communications Coordinator, Five Counties Children’s Centre,  1-888-779-9916, ext. 200.

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PETERBOROUGH, ON (May 6, 2026) – As one school year winds down, preparations for the next one are ramping up, especially for families whose children with disabilities or exceptionalities are starting class for the first time this fall.

For the third straight year, Five Counties Children’s Centre is organizing Ready for School events at its sites across the region. These include events taking place in Peterborough on May 30,  in Cobourg  on June 6, and in Lindsay on June 13. All sessions run from 10 am to Noon.  

Event organizer Hayley Hodges says the aim of the Ready for School event is to help children from JK to Grade 3 more easily transition to school, especially if they face greater challenges due to physical, developmental or communication needs. For parents and caregivers, attending a Ready for School event can help them learn more about what their child can expect at school, classroom supports available to them, how Five Counties services transition to support at school, and how they can better advocate on their child’s behalf.

“Ready for School can help families ease the worry and concern about their child starting or returning to school,” says Hodges, the Client and Family Engagement Lead at Five Counties. “The event can inform parents about how to best take advantage of Five Counties services as children transition to school. It also helps to bridge the knowledge gap about school supports and resources available to make the transition easier for everyone.”

The Ready for School event includes activities for young and old. For kids attending the event, there will be supervised, play-based activities in which to take part. “While adults take part in the information part of Ready for School event, children can explore and enjoy a variety of age-appropriate activities at five interactive, supervised play stations,” Hodges adds.

Families are encouraged to pre-register for the Ready for School event of their choosing in Peterborough, Cobourg or Lindsay. Attendees will be able to:

• 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 about school-based resources available to assist new students.
• 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, while learning the important role played by school bus drivers to get students safely to class.
• Enjoy snacks, lunch and welcome packages, including tools, toys and tips.

According to Hodges, the parent panel is one of the most popular parts of the event. “Hearing from other parents and caregivers whose child with a disability or exceptionality has transitioned to school can be of real benefit,” she says. “Parents’ stories and experiences about what their fears were when their child started school, and how they addressed them, can bring a sense of community and the realization that your family is not the only one going through this.”

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For media inquiries, contact:

Bill Eekhof, Communications Coordinator, Five Counties Children’s Centre,  1-888-779-9916, ext. 200.

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Every April, we celebrate National Volunteer Month—a time to recognize the individuals whose generosity, compassion, and dedication strengthen our community. Today, we’re excited to spotlight one of our incredible volunteers, Adriana. As you can read in this Q&A, Adriana’s commitment and kindness have made a lasting impact on the people we serve.

1) What inspired you to start volunteering, and how did you get connected with our organization?

“I’ve always enjoyed working with children and wanted to gain more hands-on experience. I came across Five Counties Children Center and was really drawn to the work they do. I wanted to get involved not only to gain more experience, but also because I value how they support and make a difference for children and families.”

2) What does volunteering mean to you personally?

“Volunteering to me means giving back to the community while also learning from the people I work with. It is also a way for me to learn, grow, and make a positive impact, even in small ways.”

3) Can you share a memorable moment from your volunteer experience?

“One memorable moment was hearing how much fun the kids had with me when I was looking after them during our “Family Meet & Greet Social”. I enjoyed creating a fun space for the kids while the parents could enjoy themselves and have time to connect.”

4) What has been the most rewarding part of volunteering here?

“The most rewarding part has been being able to contribute in different ways, whether that’s helping organize or spending time with the kids during programs. Even small things feel meaningful knowing that they can make someone’s day a little better. ”

5) What skills or strengths have you developed or used in your volunteer role?

“I’ve learned to adjust quickly to different situations and figure out what’s needed in the moment, especially when things aren’t always structured. It has made me more aware and comfortable stepping in and helping where I can. ”

6) How has volunteering impacted your life outside the organization?

“It has taught me a lot about myself, especially showing me how much I enjoy working in more hands-on environments and in roles where everyday is different and can bring new challenges.”

7) How has volunteering helped you feel more connected to the community?

“Volunteering has helped me feel more connected to the community by allowing me to be part of something that supports local families. It’s made me feel more involved and given me the chance to see the kind of support that makes a difference.”

8) What would you tell someone who is considering volunteering for the first time?

“I would say it is definitely worth doing. I have volunteered at a few different organizations, and it has taught me a lot about myself. You also get to meet many people in different roles while being part of something that helps others.”

9) What is something volunteering has taught you about yourself?

“Volunteering has helped me understand what kind of work I see myself doing in the future. It has also helped me discover different career paths I had not known much about before.”

10) In one sentence, how would you describe your volunteer experience?

“My volunteer experience has been a chance to challenge myself while contributing in meaningful ways.”

Volunteers like Adriana help Five Counties Children’s Centre continue delivering life‑changing support to children and their families. Every hour shared, every smile offered, and every helping hand contributes to brighter futures and stronger communities.

This National Volunteer Month, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers. Your generosity makes our work possible—and our Centre a place filled with compassion, encouragement, and joy. Thank you for making a difference at Five Counties Children’s Centre.

If you would like to learn about Volunteer Opportunities at Five Counties, click here.

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PETERBOROUGH, ON (April 13, 2026) – This is something to smile about… Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign returns, with proceeds supporting the Peterborough Humane Society and Five Counties Children’s Centre.

From April 27^th to May 3^rd, area residents can make a difference one cookie at a time by supporting the annual Smile Cookie Campaign at 18 Tim Hortons locations across Peterborough, Bridgenorth, Lakefield and Curve Lake. With every Smile Cookie purchased community members will be supporting the work of Peterborough Humane Society and Five Counties Children’s Centre.

“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.”

“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.”

Area residents can purchase a Smile Cookie at any of the 18 participating Tim Hortons restaurants in the Peterborough area. 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.

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.

The Peterborough Humane Society have been supporting animals and our community for 85 years by providing shelter, love and care. Peterborough Humane Society is a voice for animals through adoption placement, provides services to support both ends of the leash, and through the Peterborough Regional Spay / Neuter Clinic, provides animals with vital vaccines to support health and wellness, veterinary care, and spay / neuter services to the public.

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 2,850 children and youth in Peterborough and Peterborough County.

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, a truly incredible accomplishment contributing to the Smile Cookie legacy of over $151  million raised since the program’s inception.

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For media inquiries, contact:

Christine Beaudrie, Regional Marketing Manager, Tim Hortons, 613-314-6669,

or Désirée Kretschmar, Communications & Development Coordinator, Peterborough Humane Society, 705.872.1648

or Bill Eekhof, Communications Coordinator, Five Counties Children’s Centre,  1-888-779-9916, ext. 200.

The post Five Counties, Ptbo Humane Society All Smiles This Spring, Thanks to Smile Cookie Promotion appeared first on Five Counties Children's Centre.

PETERBOROUGH, ON (April 1, 2026) – Spring is in the air, and so is the Spring into Learning series that returns to Five Counties Children’s Centre with a focus on helping attendees to ‘rethink disability’.

The second annual ‘Spring into Learning’ event is set for Saturday, May 2, from 9 am to 3 pm at Five Counties (872 Dutton Rd.) in Peterborough. 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.

The free event is back by popular demand, says organizer Hayley Hodges, who notes it is not just for Five Counties families. Anyone who supports or interacts with a person with disabilities, or who just 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 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 speakerAlec 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 how to ‘re-think resiliency’ by offering simple strategies for self-preservation that caregivers can into action when stretched to the limit. The focus is on small, manageable steps toward well-being that are possible even when life is hectic.

Registration is now open for the Spring into Learning series. People can go online or contact Hodges directly at 1-888-779-9916, ext. 215. Lunch and snacks will be provided at the event, along with takeaway resources. Child care will not be available at this year’s event.

Hodges believes there is great value in attending the 2026 edition of Spring into Learning. “What I get out of this, and what I hope others will, is a sense that they feel more comfortable interacting with those with disabilities, they understand the role the caregiver has in a person’s life (especially when they have a disability), and just a more positive perspective on disabilities as a whole,” she adds.

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Arthur has a larger‑than‑life personality. He wakes up every day ready to love the day, charm the room, and reminds everyone around him that life is far too fun to take seriously. As his guardian, Delaney says: “You can usually find Arthur cracking up over the smallest things, confidently bossing around adults, or celebrating absolutely nothing at all. He brings joy to everyone in his orbit as if it’s his full‑time job.” 

Fate, unfortunately, changed  the direction of the family. As Delaney shares, a life-altering condition for Arthur saw the family come to Five Counties when they needed support the most:

“Arthur adores everything about Christmastime—from driving around to admire the lights and inflatable decorations to watching the Santa Claus Parade and shouting, “Hi Santa, hi!” at the top of his lungs. Despite his love for the season, he is not a fan of the cold weather.

“He also loves rolling around in his wheelchair and chasing after his big sister, Emma. And when summer arrives, he’s at his happiest: splashing at the beach, playing at the park, and soaking up every bit of sunshine he can.

“In May 2024, at just three months of age, Arthur was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a cancer that develops in a child’s nerve tissue. He spent 3 months being treated at a children’s hospital in Toronto. The tumor in his chest had wrapped around his spine, compressing his nerves and leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Because the tumor was taking all his nutrition, and because he spent so long in a hospital bed, Arthur was unable to move, learn, or do the things a typical six-month‑old would.

“When Arthur was first diagnosed, I felt scared, sad, mad, and like the world had stopped moving. Following his treatment for neuroblastoma, Arthur began coming to Five Counties in the fall of 2024 to assist with his rehab and recovery from the impact of the cancer. He has benefited greatly from both occupational therapy and physical therapy at Five Counties, making great strides to focus on his goals of building core strength, rolling over, and sitting up independently.

“One of the biggest challenges for Arthur is accessibility outside the house. Because he’s so small, there aren’t many things designed for his size. Without core strength, he can’t sit without using his hands for support or having someone hold him. Simple things like Arthur sitting up in a restaurant highchair, shopping cart, or infant swing at the park can be incredibly difficult. These challenges have pushed me to get creative in finding ways to make the world more accessible for him.

“The Centre helped Arthur overcome big challenges and gain confidence. If we didn’t go to Five Counties, his life would be more difficult. Having a Five Counties location nearby has been incredibly important too. Arthur doesn’t last longer than an hour and a half in the car, so having the Centre only 45 minutes away has made a huge difference.

“Five Counties staff supported us through an incredibly difficult time. Arthur would not have the mobility he has today without the Centre. Five Counties has changed Arthur’s life, and we are forever grateful.”

Interested in supporting families like Arthur’s? Donate today at www.fivecounties.on.ca/donatenow

Share your story by emailing us at development@fivecounties.on.ca

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COBOURG, ON (March 30, 2026) – Five Counties Children’s Centre has once again been recognized at this year’s Northumberland Business Achievement Awards for its work to improve support for kids/clients and their families in the local community.

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 honored 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/clients 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.

To secure a nomination for the NCCC’s Business Achievement Awards, multiple members of the public must submit names of deserving organizations and businesses. An organization that is nominated must then answer key questions from the chamber about its work and role in the community. An independent panel of judges is then tasked by the chamber in reviewing nominations and selecting an award winner in each category. Five Counties is thankful for such strong support and recognition of the work it undertakes in the Northumberland area.

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Rethink Therapy is a campaign that Five Counties developed with Fleming College students.

PETERBOROUGH, ON (March 10, 2026) – Therapy happens everywhere, and that idea is at the heart of a new awareness campaign at Five Counties Children’s Centre, developed in partnership with Fleming College students.

The new Rethink Therapy campaign was developed in collaboration with Fleming College’s Graphic Design–Visual Communication program, highlighting the College’s commitment to applied, community-engaged learning. Rethink Therapy highlights a simple but powerful idea: therapy doesn’t just happen in a clinical setting like at Five Counties. It is woven into everyday family life, from mealtime and play to toothbrushing and even grocery shopping.

The concept, visuals and messaging for Rethink Therapy were created by Fleming College students as part of a real-world learning project that connects classroom experience with meaningful community impact.

Five Counties clinician Ashley Parsons and former Fleming College student Taylor Polley worked together on the Rethink Therapy campaign.

Each year, Fleming’s Graphic Design–Visual Communication program selects a local community agency as a ‘client’ for students. Five Counties was chosen as the most recent partner agency. In previous years, students in the program have developed successful campaign concepts for other organizations like the United Way of Peterborough and District and the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton.

As part of their coursework, students were challenged to develop a comprehensive communications campaign that would help families at Five Counties better understand their role as essential partners in their child’s treatment journey. Drawing on input from Five Counties and incorporating elements of the F-Words for Child Development framework, Fleming students developed a series of campaign concepts and pitched them to Centre staff. Each campaign included a tagline, posters, social media visuals, microsite and other creative elements. After reviewing multiple strong concepts from students, Five Counties selected the Rethink Therapy campaign developed by Fleming students/graphic designers Taylor Polley and Austin Lane as the winning creation.

“The collaboration with Fleming College brought fresh energy, creativity and insight to an important message we’ve long shared with families, namely empowering parents and caregivers to recognize that everyday moments can build skills, confidence and connection with their child,” says Scott Pepin, CEO of Five Counties. “That was evident in the fabulous campaign concepts that were presented to us by students. It certainly made the process of picking a winning campaign very difficult.”

After her course work concluded last spring, Polley was hired by Five Counties on a short-term contract to polish and refine her creative concept. Her work now forms the foundation of the Rethink Therapy campaign that Five Counties is now rolling out to its families in 2026. The Rethink campaign includes posters, pull-up banners, social media assets, parent work sheets and other promotional items that encourage families to realize therapy happens everywhere.

Five Counties is using the Rethink Therapy campaign to highlight to families a simple but powerful idea: therapy happens everywhere.

“During development, I wanted the Rethink Therapy campaign to challenge what people think therapy should be, showing families that it can be found in everyday activities,” Polley says. “Many feel therapy can be difficult. Rethink Therapy was created to shift that mindset, allowing therapy to be seen in a positive light that nurtures growth and confidence.”

Fleming’s Interim President Dr. Theresa Knott says partnerships between the College’s Graphic Design–Visual Communication program and local agencies are invaluable for both students and the community organizations.

“When students can take their learning beyond the classroom and into the community, the results are powerful,” says Dr. Knott. “Through this collaboration with Five Counties, our Graphic Design–Visual Communication students applied their creativity and strategic thinking to a campaign that will resonate with families. Opportunities like this strengthen our community partnerships while helping shape career-ready graduates.”

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