Little Lakers Night 2026

• What: Get ready for another unforgettable night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Five Counties is teaming up once again with the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers for the 4th annual Little Lakers Night. It’s a fun-filled evening celebrating kids, families and community spirit. Five Counties clients will take centre stage throughout the game, including taking part in the pre-game ball drop. Enjoy a lineup of kid-friendly activities such as:
  • Face painting
  • Giant Lego
  • Silent auction
  • …and more surprises throughout the night!
• When: Thursday, July 16, 2026. Activities start at 7 pm. Game starts at 8 pm
• Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre (151 Lansdowne St. W.) in Peterborough
• To Join: Tickets are available now! Thanks to the generous support of the Doane Grant Thornton Foundation, every ticket purchased through Five Counties helps support children and families in our community. Grab yours before they’re gone*(*If you would like to purchase more than 8 tickets, you will have to complete 2 online transactions) 

The post Little Lakers Night 2026 appeared first on Five Counties Children's Centre.

Family 50-Fest in Peterborough – Sept. 27

• What: Five Counties is pleased to celebrate its 50th anniversary with an event for our kids, families, and community. Join us for a celebration that includes: games, kid-friendly activities, petting zoo, circus performers, touch a police cruiser, food, music and much more. An open house/tour of our Peterborough site will also be available.
• When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 am to 1 pm
• Where: Five Counties Children’s Centre (Dr. Mary Thain Site, 872 Dutton Rd.) in Peterborough
• To Join: Drop by and help us to celebrate our anniversary of helping children with physical, developmental and communication needs. Pre-registration is now closed for the event.

The post Family 50-Fest in Peterborough appeared first on Five Counties Children's Centre.

PETERBOROUGH, ON (Sept. 9, 2025) – What do you call a celebration of 50 years of caring for children and youth with developmental, physical, and communication needs?

At Five Counties Children’s Centre, it’s called Family 50-Fest and it’s coming to Peterborough on Sept. 27 – the last Saturday of the month. The free, fun, family-friendly event is billed as a community celebration to mark the 50^th anniversary of the children’s treatment centre being established in 1975.

“Five Counties has so much to celebrate as we mark our golden age of providing life-changing treatment for children and their families in our region,” says CEO Scott Pepin. “And that’s what Family 50-Fest is all about – reflecting and celebrating on the Centre’s five decades of service to our communities.”

Family 50-Fest runs on Saturday, September 27, from 10 am to 1 pm, at its location (872 Dutton Rd.) in Peterborough. Family 50-Fest will include kids’ activities, petting zoo, circus performers, touch a police cruiser, games, facepainting, story time, food, music and more. An open house/tour of Five Counties site in Peterborough will be available, as will a display of historical articles and items from five decades of caring for kids. Local dignitaries have also been invited to speak.

Current and former clients, families, supporters, volunteers and community members are invited to attend Family 50-Fest in Peterborough. Space is limited, so confirm your attendance by pre-registering online for the event, emailing 50@fivecounties.on.ca, or calling 1-888-779-9916, ext. 200.

Earlier this year, the Centre hosted events at its sites in Cobourg, Campbellford and Lindsay as part of its 50^th anniversary celebrations in 2025. An event is also planned for Minden next spring.

Providing care close to home for children and youth was the main motivator for establishing a “children’s care centre” in this region in the early 1970s. Rotary Clubs from Peterborough, Lindsay, Minden, Haliburton and elsewhere came together to spearhead the project. With the help of local leaders and families of children with disabilities, they were able to convince the Ontario government to support the construction of Five Counties Children’s Centre, which opened its doors in Peterborough in 1975.

Over the next five decades, Five Counties added more staff, services, sites and spaces to better support kids and youth in Peterborough, City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County and Northumberland County.

From that first year serving 126 kids/clients, the Centre has expanded – and in the past year alone, supported 6,208 kids/clients across the region.

“While the numbers have changed, our commitment to enhancing children’s independence, well-being and quality of life has remained a constant for 50 years,” Pepin adds.

The post Five Counties in Peterborough to Host 50th Anniversary Festivities appeared first on Five Counties Children's Centre.

Family 50-Fest in Lindsay – Sept. 6

(Join us for Family 50-Fest in Peterborough on Sept. 27)

• What: Five Counties is pleased to celebrate its 50th anniversary with an event for our kids, families, and community. Join us for a celebration that includes: games, kid-friendly activities, petting zoo, circus performers, touch a fire truck, food, music and much more. An open house/tour of our Lindsay site will also be available.
• When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 10 am to 1 pm
• Where: Five Counties Children’s Centre (9 Russell St. E.) in Lindsay
• To Join: Drop by and help us to celebrate our anniversary of helping children with physical, developmental and communication needs. To help us better plan, please pre-register for the event. You can also call 1-888-779-9916, ext. 200, or email 50@fivecounties.on.ca

The post Family 50-Fest in Lindsay appeared first on Five Counties Children's Centre.

LINDSAY, ON (Aug. 12, 2025) – It’s an anniversary worth celebrating, and Five Counties Children’s Centre in Lindsay is obliging with a fun, family-friendly event on the first Saturday of September.

Five Counties is organizing the free Family 50-Fest on Saturday, September 6, that runs from 10 am to 1 pm, at its location (9 Russell Street East) in Lindsay. The event is part of the Centre’s 50 anniversary festivities in 2025.

“For five decades, Five Counties has been privileged to support many children and youth with physical, developmental, and communication needs across the region,” says Darlene Callan, Director of Clinical Services at Five Counties. “Fifty years is a big milestone, so we’re pleased to invite our families and Kawartha Lakes community to join us for Family 50-Fest on September sixth.”

Family 50-Fest will include kids’ activities, petting zoo, circus performers, touch a fire truck, games, facepainting, story time, food, music and more. An open house/tour of Five Counties site in Lindsay will also be available, as will a display of historical articles and items from five decades of caring for kids

Current and former clients, families, supporters, volunteers and community members are invited to attend Family 50-Fest. Space is limited, so individuals and families who want to attend are asked to pre-register online for the event, email 50@fivecounties.on.ca, or call 1-888-779-9916, ext. 200.

Providing care close to home for children and youth was the main driver for establishing a “children’s care centre” in this region in the early 1970s. Rotary Clubs from Peterborough, Lindsay, Minden, Haliburton and elsewhere came together to spearhead the project. With the help of local leaders and families of children with disabilities, they were able to convince the Ontario government to support the construction of Five Counties Children’s Centre, which opened its doors in Peterborough in 1975.

From day one, children from across the region – including Lindsay, the City of Kawartha Lakes (then known as Victoria County) and Haliburton County – were able to get assistance at Five Counties. Over time, the need to provide care even closer to home for children and family became evident, which led to Five Counties establishing a location in Lindsay in 1981 at Ross Memorial Hospital. That same year, Five Counties clinicians began travelling each month to provide services in Haliburton County.

Five Counties eventually moved out of the Ross to set up its own site in Lindsay. After multiple moves in Lindsay, the Centre has been located at its present site on Russell Street East since 2006. In 2024/25, Five Counties served 1,359 children in the City of Kawartha Lakes and 229 clients in Haliburton County – representing 26% of its total client base.

The post Family 50-Fest Coming to Lindsay on Sept. 6 appeared first on Five Counties Children's Centre.

• What: Join our free Family Fun Fest in Campbellford and help Five Counties celebrate its 50th anniversary — as well as mark its 30 years in Campbellford.  Tour our Campbellford office, take part in fun-filled kids activities, try out our obstacle course, enjoy treats and learn more information about how Five Counties can support your child and family.
• When: Tuesday, May 27, 4-6 pm.
• Where: Five Counties Children’s Centre, 174 Oliver Road (Multi-Care Lodge) in Campbellford
• To Join: Free drop-in event for Trent Hills families. To learn more, call 1-888-779-9916, ext. 200, or email info@fivecounties.on.ca

The post Campbellford Family Fun Fest appeared first on Five Counties Children's Centre.

PETERBOROUGH (Feb. 25, 2025) – It was a comeback victory for the Peterborough Petes on the ice and a big win off the ice for kids receiving treatment at Five Counties Children’s Centre.

That was the net result of the Next Gen Game with the Peterborough Petes held on Family Day (Feb. 17). Even as the Petes roared back from a three-goal deficit to beat the visiting Kitchener Rangers, the home team – and its fans – also helped to raise $17,056 for Five Counties. This year’s game was another sellout, and saw funds raised through donations, sales, raffle draw, and corporate sponsorships lead by Waste Connections of Canada.

Scott Pepin, CEO of Five Counties, calls it a total team effort which will help reduce wait times for high-demand services like speech therapy and occupational therapy at the Peterborough-based children’s treatment centre.

“The Peterborough Petes are tremendous hosts and, once again, the team, their fans and our Five Counties supporters all provided a huge assist to ensure more children and families in our community get access to the care they need when they need it,” says Pepin.

The Next Gen Game puts ‘fun’ into fundraising, by creating a family-friendly event that not only raises money but also the spirits of attendees. According to Pepin, that’s especially true for some Five Counties clients who got to enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience with the Petes. Each kid played a role as scout, coach, general manager, or play-by-play announcer and also signed a one-day contract with the Petes.

Five Counties client, Kelton, also had his artwork chosen for a special mini-stick that was made for the game, while Five Counties kid, Nova, and her family took part in the ceremonial pre-game puck drop.

“The smiles on our kids’ faces lit up the Memorial Centre,” Pepin notes. “The Petes are first-rate hosts 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.”

One mom, whose son took on a Next Gen role, notes: “I want to reach out and say a huge thank you for today. My son had the time of his life. It was a perfect day for him, and it means the world to us.”

Five Counties Children’s Centre provides speech, physio and occupational therapies, as well as other treatment services for kids and youth across the region. In 2025, Five Counties marks its 50th anniversary since it first opened its doors in Peterborough. A year-long celebration is underway, and the Next Gen Game was part of the Centre’s 50th anniversary festivities.

The post Next Gen Game with Petes Scores a Big Win for Five Counties appeared first on Five Counties Children's Centre.

PETERBOROUGH (Feb. 3, 2025) – Kelton is demonstrating some fancy stickwork off the ice that has netted him and his family tickets for an upcoming Peterborough Petes hockey game.

The nine-year-old, who receives speech therapy and physiotherapy at Five Counties Children’s Centre, will be among a large contingent of Centre kids, families, staff, volunteers and supporters attending the annual Next Gen Game with the Peterborough Petes on Family Day (Feb. 17). The goal is to sell out the Family Day matinee match-up against the Kitchener Rangers, while showing support for the home team – the Petes and Five Counties.

Tickets to the Feb. 17 game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (151 Lansdowne St. W.) are $15 each and available through Five Counties, as well as the Memorial Centre box office. Proceeds will support kids’ treatment services at the Centre. The Next Gen Game is an annual partnership with the Petes that lets Five Counties kids and families enjoy and take part in different aspects of the game.

Kelton was first to score in that regard, as his submission to the Design-A-Mini-Stick Challenge was chosen as the winning entry. Kelton earned free tickets to the Next Gen Game, and his artwork will be featured on hundreds of mini-sticks available at the Family Day game.

Kelton’s mom, Kristin, says her son’s reaction of disbelief – “really, I won” – was quickly replaced by excitement about seeing his artwork turned from concept into reality on the mini-sticks. “Over the past couple of years, we’ve had the chance to attend Petes games through Five Counties, and they’ve provided such amazing opportunities for families like ours,” Kristin says.

She is grateful to Five Counties for the support it provides to families like hers, and also appreciates organizations like the Petes and Five Counties teaming up to offer meaningful opportunities for families in the community. “We love going to Petes games, and are looking forward to going again with Five Counties,” Kristin adds.

Kelton will not be alone in representing Five Counties at the game. Five Counties client, Nova, and her family will take part in the ceremonial puck drop. Several other Five Counties kids will also enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience with the Petes taking on roles as scout, coach, general manager and PA announcer. Each Five Counties kid will also sign one-day contracts with the team.

“There’s no better day than Family Day to team up with the Peterborough Petes for the annual Next Gen Game,” says Scott Pepin, CEO of Five Counties. “We’re grateful to the Petes for this partnership, as the team pulls out all the stops for the game. We will have many members of our Five Counties family at the game, and we invite other families in our community to come out and show their support for Five Counties while cheering on the Petes to victory.”

There are other festivities planned as part of this year’s Next Gen Game with the Petes, including:

• A free family skate running from 11 am to 12:45 pm for Five Counties ticket holders to the game. All skaters must wear helmets. Participants are asked to leave the building at the end of the skate. They can return at 1 pm when the Memorial Centre opens for the game.
• While the game starts at 2:05 pm, pre-game festivities kick off at 1 pm. Five Counties staff and volunteers will be there to offer: face painting by donation, a giant Lego set up for kids to enjoy, and details on Centre services.
• Win some amazing items in a prize raffle being held prior to and during the game. Items up for grabs include: a golf foursome at Peterborough Golf and Country Club, a Taylor Swift VIP gift box, two ticket vouchers to a Petes game, and a gift card to the Peterborough Petes store.
• Take part in chuck-a-pep (or chuck-a-puck) for a chance to win fabulous prizes. Tickets are three for $10, and you will receive three rubber pucks to toss onto the ice during the second period intermission. The pucks that land closest to the centre ice circle will win prizes such as a Crayola gift set and sweet tooth gift basket.
• Donation buckets will also be passed around during the game for fans who want to support Five Counties services. Don’t forget to bring your change.

Five Counties Children’s Centre provides speech, physio and occupational therapies, as well as other treatment services for kids and youth across the region. In 2025, Five Counties marks its 50th anniversary since it first opened its doors in Peterborough. A year-long celebration is underway, and the Next Gen Game is part of the Centre’s 50th anniversary festivities.

The post Next Gen Game with Peterborough Petes Set for Feb. 17 appeared first on Five Counties Children's Centre.

Five Counties Children’s Centre is pleased to announce that its Backyard Summer Social is returning on Saturday, June 22, from 1-4 pm, for a third straight year. The Centre’s signature fundraising event takes place in the backyard space at Five Counties location (872 Dutton Rd.) in Peterborough.

Tickets to the Backyard Summer Social are $125 each and 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 from a variety of local vendors, one drink ticket, live music, access to all activities and games, and a chance to win great prizes.

“The added benefit is that by joining us to celebrate the start of summer, it lets you be a kid again – at least for the afternoon – with the proceeds of your ticket going directly to support treatment for our kids and their families,” says Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development at Five Counties.

In each of the past two years, the Backyard Summer Social has raised more than $40,000 annually. Monies raised go directly to Five Counties’ Building Abilities For Life Campaign, which funds priority, high-demand services like speech therapy and occupational therapy in an effort to reduce long waiting times for kids to receive these critical services.

Early Bird Draw – Get Your Tickets

There is a picture-perfect reason for people to get an event ticket prior to Victoria Day. Anyone who buys a ticket before May 20, 2024 will be entered in a draw to win a FujiFilm Instax Mini 12 camera. A winner will be selected and notified during the week of May 21.

Seven local Canadian Tire stores – two in Peterborough and one each in Lindsay, Cobourg, Campbellford, Fenelon Falls and Minden – have stepped up to be the event’s lead sponsor.

“The Backyard Summer Social is a fun way to welcome the start of summer, while supporting the incredibly important work being done by Five Counties,” says Ralph Moulton, Canadian Tire – Peterborough South Owner. “Canadian Tire is pleased to be able to assist a great community event and organization like Five Counties, which does such great work in our own backyard.”

The Backyard Summer Social takes place in the outdoor backyard space created almost five years ago at Five Counties site in Peterborough. Used for outdoor treatment and therapy for kids and clients, the backyard space will be transformed for this event.

“Our Backyard Summer Social is an adults-only gala event that lets you 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. “The Backyard Summer Social promises to be an entertaining, high-end experience with equally high-end impact.”

People attending the Backyard Summer Social on June 22 can look forward to:

• Delicious food from La Mesita, Gangers of Cheese, and Hanoi House
• Sweet treats from Central Smith and the Kawartha Butter Tart Factory
• Musical performances by Nicholas Campbell and the Boogie Time Ramblers.
• Live auction and door prizes.
• Axe throwing, petting zoo, inflatable jousting, old-fashioned picnic games and more.

The post Backyard Summer Social Lets You Be a Kid, While Supporting Our Kids appeared first on Five Counties Children's Centre.

The season of giving is officially here!

Five Counties Children’s Centre is pleased to offer 12 different ways – on 12 different days – in which you can show your support. We call it our ’12 Days of Giving.’

Scroll down this page to start the countdown. Each day, we’ll list a way to support Five Counties with your time and donations. We’ll also provide examples of how your support is making a difference for the children, youth and families we serve. Thanks for your support!

First Day – Dec. 12: Make a Single Donation

• Your support can make a big difference in the lives of kids like David.

Second Day – Dec. 13: Join us for Winterfest 2023

Third Day – Dec. 14: Volunteer with us. We’d love to work with you!

• Meet Jackie, a proud Five Counties volunteer who loves giving her time for a great cause.

Fourth Day – Dec. 15 – Be in good company by considering a corporate donation/sponsorship.

• Your support will help ensure kids like Cooper get the help and support they need.

Fifth Day – Dec. 16: Become a monthly donor.

• Your support will help Five Counties create outdoor backyard green spaces at our sites to host treatment and educational programs that benefit clients and families.

Sixth Day – Dec. 17: Support our Building Abilities for Life campaign to help ensure kids get the treatment and support they need.

• Your support will help reduce wait lists for important services that are needed for kids like Alexa.

Seventh Day – Dec. 18: Work with others to see the power of an Employee Giving and Matching Program.

• 

  Support from individuals and workplaces can make a lasting difference for kids like Deacon.

Eighth Day – Dec. 19: Give the gift of a summer experience this holiday season with a ticket to next June’s Backyard Summer Social event in support of Five Counties.

• Your generosity saw more than $45,000 raised at the first annual Backyard Summer Social in 2022. Let’s see if we can do even better in 2023!

Ninth Day – Dec. 20: Donate your car to Donate a Car Canada, with proceeds going back to Five Counties.

Tenth Day – Dec. 21: Host a third-party event in support of our kids and families. 

• Watch how your support can help kids like Jaxson benefit from innovative programs like music therapy.

Eleventh Day – Dec. 22: Make a tribute donation in someone else’s name.

• Read how your support is providing better access to assessment and intervention services to assist kids like Talon.

Twelfth Day – Dec. 23: Leave a lasting legacy by including Five Counties in your will/estate.

The post 12 Day of Giving appeared first on Five Counties Children's Centre.