Kids’ Night Power Wheels Race

• What: Come out for a fun-filled evening of Power Wheel racing for kids, all in support of Five Counties Children’s Centre.
  • Entry fee: $25
  • Participants must be between 4 and 8 years old and have a signed release form from a parent or guardian
  • Adults are solely responsible for supplying, loading, unloading, and maintaining their child’s battery‑operated vehicle. Batteries must not exceed 12V and cannot be modified. Kawartha Downs does not supply vehicles.
• When: Saturday, Aug. 22, starting at 6 pm
• Where: Kawartha Downs, 1328 County Road 28, in Fraserville
• To Join: Register now.

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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 Lions Club Charity Raffle in Support of Five Counties

• What:The Peterborough Lions Club is hosting a charity raffle in support of Five Counties Children’s Centre, Hospice Peterborough, and the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, helping strengthen vital services across our community. The raffle has 4 prizes:
  • 1st Prize: $1,500
  • 2nd Prize: $750
  • 3rd Prize:  $500
  • 4th Prize: $250
• When: Tickets are available now (while quantities last; 2,500 tickets in total are available). Tickets are $5 each, or three for $10. To buy tickets, email Lions Club member Don Sawyer at donsawyersr@msn.com
• Where: Draw will take place on May 25, at 7 pm at the Peterborough Lions Community Centre (347 Burnham St.)

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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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PETERBOROUGH, ON (Dec. 8, 2025) – With holidays on the horizon, Five Counties Children’s Centre staff are encouraging parents and caregivers to don their oxygen masks to help give their families a breather from holiday stress.

Nicole Captain, an Occupational Therapist at Five Counties, says it’s important for adults to regulate and look after themselves in order to make for a happier holiday season for them and their children. “I use the metaphor of adults putting on their own oxygen masks first to meet their regulation needs,” Captain says. “From there, co-regulation is possible to help support and regulate your child. Adults must be regulated in order to support a child who is dysregulated or out of sorts due to the holidays.”

Captain works in Five Counties’ school-based rehabilitation services, providing occupational therapy support to students. Often her work in school involves discussions with students about regulation, something she believes families can also benefit from at home during the holiday season.

Put simply, regulation is a person’s ability to understand and manage their own behaviour, emotions and reactions. A good example is when someone becomes angry, they are able to calm or talk themselves down before flying into a fit of fury.

Unfortunately, the hectic pace, expectations, change in routine, and unpredictability of the festive season can all be triggers for stress in adults. A joint Trent University and Lakelands Public Health study released in October found 51% of local parents reported “always” or “often” feeling stressed over the previous six months. Stress levels often increase over the holiday season, Captain says, and children may pick up on this, amplifying the problem for the entire family.

“Excitement around the holidays can be dysregulating for adults and children, as it is a time of heightened emotions and busy schedules,” Captain notes. “Some key tips to cope are managing expectations, dealing with unpredictability and addressing sensory overload. Consider keeping things simple, prioritize basic needs and connection, and be flexible.”

Five Counties offers these tips on what families can do to make the season merrier and more manageable:

• Take care of yourself. Eat well, get enough sleep, and stay well-hydrated. Set healthy boundaries and do what is best for you and your family. Take time when you need it, and don’t feel guilty saying no when you have to.
• Plan your schedule in advance. Help your child prepare for what happens before an event, party or outing. Share with them who will be at each event and where it’s being held. Discuss what situations may arise and come up with a plan that will work for all of you. If you have an older child or teen, discuss and negotiate what the plan will be.
• Communicate openly about feelings with your child. Discuss with them how they are feeling, or what’s making them anxious. Be available at holiday gatherings or parties so they know they can come to you for support if needed. A little one-on-one time throughout the holidays will help you get a better sense of how your child is feeling.
• Set realistic expectations. Things won’t go perfectly, so adjust where needed. For example, decide if it’s better for your family to spend one hour at the party rather than five.
• Find a quiet place and plan ahead for boredom. At a holiday gathering, set aside a space where you or your child can go for a break. Never force your child to interact with other kids or adults if they don’t want to. Let them have that time on their own to regroup. If your child is young, bring books or a bag of special toys. If your teenager needs to decompress with a game on their phone, that’s ok. Make sure to check in periodically with how they are doing to make sure everyone is still enjoying the activity, or if maybe some quiet time is needed.
• Don’t worry about other people’s judgments. People may ask insensitive questions or make comments about your child’s behaviour. These comments can be rude, or other times, they’re just trying to understand. Have a quick sentence or two response that explains your child’s situation. This will help you stay calm and to keep from overreacting.
• Family time matters, so make time for each other. Set aside quality time over the holidays to do this, as these can make for the most memorable (and cherished) holiday moments. Outdoor activities offer one option to do this, especially in the sunlight, fresh air, and snow. If the weather outside is frightful, the power of indoor play can also be enjoyable – especially activities that are interactive, fun, engaging and don’t involve a device screen.

For more resources, visit the Five Counties website at: www.fivecounties.on.ca/less-stress-for-holidays/.

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PETERBOROUGH, ON (Nov. 27, 2025) – Turn the page on the usual toys and electronic gadgets by giving a child the gift of reading this holiday season.

That’s the suggestion from Five Counties Children’s Centre clinicians, who work to support children and youth with speech, language and communication needs in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton/Minden.

“Books can make the perfect holiday gift for kids, especially to expand their language and support their communication skills for life,” says Ida Lloyd, a Speech-Language Pathologist at Five Counties. “An engaging, age-appropriate book can take you to new worlds and introduce you to interesting characters. Books allow families to connect and spend time together, having fun and discovering a mutual love of reading.”

Reading books benefits all ages. According to Lloyd, reading with a newborn, toddler or pre-schooler can give them comforting contact and establish an early reading routine. Reading also exposes young kids to new words and ideas, allowing them to become familiar with sounds and rhythms of language. And it doesn’t just have to be books, she adds, noting that anything with print or letters can be read together with a young child – even traffic signs or grocery lists.

For older children and teens, reading can help them to think and better express themselves in new ways. Books may also introduce them to a new topic that engages and interests them. Adults can play a role here, says Lloyd, by putting down their phone or tablet and swapping it out for a book.

Recommended Reading List

The speech-language pathology team at Five Counties offers a variety of book authors and titles that make for great holiday gifts for children. Among them are works by popular children’s authors: Sandra Boynton, Richard Scarry or Robert Munsch.

Other book titles worth exploring include: Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown; Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy E. Shaw; Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell; Where’s Spot? or Spot’s Birthday Party by Eric Hill; Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle; Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann; and any of the Little People Lift the Flap Books.

Types of Books to Give

Some books do better to capture and hold a young child’s interest, with these types of books being recommended by Five Counties’ speech-language pathology team:

• Books without words (or very few) can be ideal for very young readers. This gives an adult and child the chance to say what they see is happening on the pages (e.g., Good Night Gorilla).
• Books with flaps that lift or that have different textures to touch can be fun for kids (e.g., Where is Spot? and Little People Lift the Flap books). These book features can make reading more interactive and interesting, especially for kids with short attention spans.
• Books with a repetitive structure are fun because kids can start to fill in the blanks themselves when an adult pauses from reading (e.g., Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Sheep in a Jeep).
• Books with words that vividly describe sounds can let adults be silly when they read. These silly sounds are more likely to catch a child’s attention and make reading the book more fun for them (e.g., Robert Munsch books are ideal for this).
• Search-and-find books can be fun for kids, because there is so much to talk about on each page (e.g., Richard Scarry books, Little People Lift the Flap books).

Reading With a Young Child

Because very young children have a short attention span, Lloyd encourages parents and caregivers to follow their lead, letting them select what book to read and how to read it. “When a little person has a book – and you’re sharing it with them – let them hold the book and show them how to turn the pages. Those are all early skills that you need to become a reader,” she says. “And remember, it needs to be fun, because if it’s not fun, kids will be gone.”

Given the long-lasting benefits that come with it, giving the gift of reading to children this holiday has tremendous value. As Lloyd notes: “Books bring people together across generations, space, and time, reminding us that the greatest holiday gifts don’t require batteries or screens.”

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PETERBOROUGH, ON (Nov. 18, 2025) – Spread a little holiday cheer with the purchase of festive greeting cards that showcase the talents of four young artists from Five Counties Children’s Centre.

Emberly has a big smile, as she displays the artistic flair on her holiday card.

The Centre is launching its Holiday Card Fundraiser as a way for people to share festive best wishes, while also supporting important children’s treatment services provided by Five Counties.

The holiday greeting cards sell in packs of four, each one designed and decorated by a young Five Counties client. The four-pack card sets are $15 each, with all monies raised going to shorten wait lists and ensure more children get needed treatment services at Five Counties. Cards can be purchased online , and can then be picked up at Five Counties locations in Peterborough, Cobourg or Lindsay. A limited number of greeting cards are available; supporters are encouraged to order soon while supplies last.

“The cards are a heartfelt way to send holiday wishes and give back to kids like those whose artwork grace the cover of each,” says Kassie Graham, Community Engagement Coordinator with Five Counties. “These cards are more than just beautiful artwork; they represent the hope, progress and resiliency of the children who created them.”

The winning cards designs were selected from the Centre’s Holiday Card Colouring Contest. The winning selections were created by Briar, age 8; Emberly, age 5; Lilliana, age 8; and Londyn, age 8 – all of whom receive treatment at Five Counties.

In Emberly’s case, she was diagnosed at a very young age with PURA syndrome, an extremely rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system. PURA syndrome impacts Emberly’s cognitive development and muscle tone, but thanks to the multiple treatment services she receives at Five Counties, Emberly has been able to grow stronger and communicate more confidently. Currently, Emberly is learning to use a LAMP communication device and working on her balance and stamina.

“Five Counties has given us a community: a family of people who see Emberly as special and unique. (Centre staff) have given us a sense of inclusion and endless support. We are forever grateful,” says Emberly’s mother, Amanda.

“We are incredibly grateful to all the young artists who participated. Their creativity and passion are truly inspiring,” Graham adds. “We’re very excited to share these cards with our community, as great way to spread comfort and joy for the holidays.”

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PETERBOROUGH, ON (Oct. 20, 2025) – There’s a trick to making Halloween more of a treat for the little ghouls, ghosts, and goblins to ensure it’s safer and more inclusive for all.

That’s the goal of the Peterborough County OPP detachment and Five Counties Children’s Centre, which are teaming up to offer tips to parents, caregivers and families on ways to make the trick-or-treating experience better for everyone.

“Halloween is the spookiest night of the year, but also one of the most anticipated dates on the calendar for kids,” says Constable Dan Gay, the Media Relations and Community Services Officer with the Peterborough County OPP detachment. “With excitement running high, kids may not be paying full attention as go door-to-door for treats, posing a risk to themselves and drivers who may be caught off guard. That makes taking safety precautions very important.”

Hayley Hodges, the Client and Family Engagement Lead at Five Counties – the regional children’s treatment centre based in Peterborough – echoes the OPP safety message, while also highlighting the need to make Halloween as inclusive as possible for children of all abilities.

“The reality is that there are thousands of children across Canada with one or more disabilities that can prevent them from enjoying trick-or-treating with their siblings and other children,” Hodges says. “But it’s also true that with a few simple tweaks to our Halloween plans, we can literally open doors to more trick-or-treaters this year!”

To prepare for Halloween, Peterborough County OPP and Five Counties make the following suggestions:

Safety Tips for Halloween

• For Drivers – Be vigilant and slow down, especially in neighbourhoods where children might be crossing the street. Stay focused and avoid distractions
• For Parents/Caregivers – Choose makeup over masks for a child’s costume, as it makes it easier for them to see. Costumes with bright colours and reflective materials can also increase kids’ visibility for drivers. It’s always best to supervise young children and not let them trick-or-treat alone. For older kids or youth, ensure they go out in a group, tell you their route, and expected return time.
• For Kids – Have fun, but stay safe. Always trick-or-treat with an adult or in a group. Walk, don’t run, and stick to sidewalks or the side of the road if there are no sidewalks. Only cross streets at crosswalks or intersections and before doing so, stop, look both ways and listen for traffic. Avoid going into strangers’ homes and have an adult inspect your treats before you eat them.

Inclusion Tips for Halloween

• Set up a trick-or-treating station that is accessible and barrier-free for every child to enjoy. For homes with stairs, consider setting up an accessible treat station on the front lawn, driveway, or garage. Or use your vehicle’s trunk to hand out candy.
• Clear the path for trick-or-treaters. Remove potential obstacles and ensure the way to your treat station is wide open and well lit, especially for trick-or-treaters with mobility challenges.
• Decorate for Halloween with care. While scary and spooky decorations are appealing, they can be frightening for some trick-or-treaters. Bright flashing lights and loud or frightening noises can cause problems for children with sensory processing issues, autism or epilepsy. Be thoughtful and tactful in how you decorate so more children can take part in trick-or-treating.
• Seeing blue? That’s OK. Blue pumpkins have been informally adopted by some families as a way to indicate children have unique ways of behaving and communicating. If you see a trick-or-treater carrying a blue pumpkin, be understanding and adjust your interactions as needed
• Use some ‘show and tell’ to hand out treats. If you encounter children with visual or hearing problems, describe or hold up the treat before placing it in the bag so they are aware of what they are receiving.
• A sign of the times. If you want to make an even stronger statement, put up a sign on your front lawn indicating you are an accessible/inclusive trick-or-treating stop. The Treat Accessibility organization offers printable signs and other tips.
• Offer non-candy options. Consider having non-food treats in your basket so all kids can enjoy the holiday, especially those who may have allergies.

“Putting our all into Halloween preparations can make trick-or-treating more inclusive and accessible for all,” notes Hodges, of Five Counties.

“Halloween is supposed to be scary,” adds OPP Const. Gay, “but with a few simple precautions, we can make it safer and more memorable for kids of all ages and abilities.”

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500 for Five Counties – Ride for the Climate

• What: Two local cyclists Glen Caradus and Nick Ormond will ride 250 km each on their bikes (for a total of 500 km) to support climate action awareness and raise funds for Five Counties Children’s Centre. With the effects of the Climate Crisis literally “heating up” this year’s ride, Glen and Nick hope to inspire all to take actionable steps to care for our beautiful planet. Funds raised from their ride will help Five Counties provide children with improved access to healthy green space for treatment in the community.
• When: Saturday, October 11
• To Show Your Support: Donate to Glen and Nick’s 500 for Five Counties ride by clicking here.

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