PETERBOROUGH, ON (Feb. 26, 2024) – Score one for the Five Counties’ treatment team, thanks to a huge assist from the Peterborough Petes and its fans.

The annual Next Gen Game with the Peterborough Petes held on Family Day (Feb. 19) has raised $21,341 to support kids’ treatment services at Five Counties Children’s Centre. The total is the largest amount ever fundraised since the Petes and Five Counties began to partner on the annual Family Day hockey game several years ago. This year’s game was another sellout, and saw money come in for Five Counties through donations, corporate sponsorships, sales, and proceeds from a silent auction.

“We are so grateful to the Petes, their fans and our other supporters for again showing their support for Five Counties kids,” says Scott Pepin, CEO with Five Counties Children’s Centre. “The funds will go directly to our Building Abilities For Life (BAL) campaign that supports high-demand treatment services at Five Counties. Through these funds, we can help to reduce wait times and ensure more children and families get access to the care they need when they need it.”

Besides raising funds, Pepin notes the Next Gen Game with the Petes also lifted the spirits of the eight Five Counties kids who enjoyed a behind-the-scenes experience at the game. The participating kids ‘signed’ a one one-day contract with the Petes, then took on roles as GM, coach, scout, PA announcer and more. “The smiles on our kids’ faces lit up the Memorial Centre,” Pepin says. “The Petes were first-rate in creating the Next Gen opportunity, and we heard many good comments and compliments from the kids and their families about their experiences behind the scenes.”

The Next Gen Game also gave attendees a chance to take part in a pre-game family skate. Many Five Counties kids and families were in attendance as well to cheer on the Petes, while Centre staff and volunteers helped organize ‘fun’draising events before, during and after the game.

“Every year this event continues to grow. It’s a great opportunity for families to come out and enjoy their Family Day while supporting other kids in our community.” noted Eric Ebenbauer, Director, Sales with the Petes. “We look forward to continuing this tradition and engaging with Five Counties clients for future Next Gen programs, which was presented by Tim Hortons this year.”

Corporate support was integral to success, including from Waste Connections of Canada, which was Five Counties’ lead sponsor for the event overall. Waste Connections, which has 50 employees working in the region, said in a statement: “We are dedicated to supporting local charities and agencies, and are proud to be a sponsor for Five Counties at the Petes’ game. We recognize the important work being done by Five Counties and want to help make our community better by supporting them in their work.”

Category: General News