PETERBOROUGH, ON (Aug. 10, 2023) – While the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers’ drive for five is very much alive, the term could also describe a major assist the team is giving to a local children’s treatment centre.
The first-ever Little Lakers Night in support of Five Counties Children’s Centre held July 27 has netted $6,784 for the Building Abilities For Life campaign. The fund directly helps Five Counties reduce wait times and provide priority treatment services like speech and occupational therapies for children and youth in the region.
“We are so thrilled to receive this support from the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers, during their drive to win a fifth consecutive Mann Cup title,” says Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development with Five Counties. “We are extremely grateful to fans, donors, supporters, volunteers, staff and others who came out to support the first-ever Little Lakers Night. It was a great success and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Lakers for this annual event.”
Little Lakers Night took place on the Lakers’ final regular season home game. Funds were raised during the game through donations, T-shirt sales, a silent auction, facepainting, sponsorships by The Protectors Group and BrokerLink Insurance, and proceeds from that night’s 50/50 draw. Five Counties kids and families were located throughout the arena, and also played roles during the pre-game ball drop and singing of the national anthem.
During the game, four Five Counties kids took part in the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers Backstage Experience. They received a behind-the-scenes tour from long-time Lakers Board Member John D’Altoe, high-fived team members as they walked out onto the lacrosse carpet, toured the video control room, helped in-arena hosts with giveaways, and met the Lakers’ mascot, Teddy.
The partnership with the Lakers continues during the club’s playoff run. The team’s Ticket Assist Program means Five Counties kids and their families get free tickets to every Lakers’ home game, allowing them to enjoy the game action and cheer on the team to victory. Five Counties and the Lakers are grateful to the Ticket Assist sponsors: Y-Drive, Imprinted Apparel, and Dr. Christopher Moore Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.