| | Five of the Top Stories at Five Counties this month! | | Get in the game with Little Lakers Night on July 16 | | |
Get ready for an unforgettable evening as Five Counties teams up with the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers for the fourth annual Little Lakers Night —a celebration of kids, families, and community spirit. The game is set for Thursday, July 16. Activities begin at 7 pm; game starts at 8 pm.
Five Counties kids will again take centre stage, joining in the pre-game ball drop and enjoying behind-the-scenes experiences with the Lakers. For Five Counties families and others, there will also be many kid-friendly activities, such as face painting, giant LEGO, a silent auction, and more! Join us for the family fun and enjoy great lacrosse action.
Tickets to the game are still available. Thank to the generous support of the Doane Grant Thorton Foundation, every ticket (available for $15 each) purchased though Five Counties will go directly to help support important children's treatment services in our community. Get your tickets today, and see you at Little Lakers Night on July 16!
| | Another busy, record-setting year at Five Counties | | |
It may sound like a broken record, but how better to describe the all-time highs that Five Counties Children's Centre has reached 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 50th Annual Meeting hosted by Five Counties on June 22 in Peterborough. The Annual Meeting capped a busy year at the Centre, which just marked its 50th anniversary.
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Keynote speaker for the Annual Meeting was local Paralympian Jon Thurston, who shared his journey of growing up in Dunsford to winning a gold medal in wheelchair curling at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.
Among its 2025/26 highlights, Five Counties:
- Served 6,574 clients across its region last year, the most ever in its 50+ year history.
- Provided another record total of 56,687 clients last year.
- 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 children were added to the wait list.
- Marked its 50th anniversary with a series of celebrations and stories from its past.
| | "These are more than numbers," says Scott Pepin, Five Counties CEO. "Behind every statistic is a personal interaction and human connection that is made between our staff, 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." | | |
The White family (Suzette, Glen and Adam) are recipients of the 2026 Dave Adams Legacy Award, given out at the Centre's Annual Meeting in June.
Five Counties created the award in 2025 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.
The Whites are deserving winners. Glen and Suzette first came to the Centre in 1976, with their then 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.
| | Give your input on our website; join our focus group | | |
Your Input on Our Website
Five Counties is revamping our website and we want your help doing it. Between now and July 7, 2026, take our survey and share: what you like/dislike about our current site, what information is most important for you to access on our site, and what other websites are worth modeling our new one after.
This short survey is completely anonymous and confidential. And completing it will not affect any services you may be currently receiving from the Centre. Thanks for your input!
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Join our Family Focus Group
Your ideas and input matter to us. That's why we invite families who currently or previously received services at Five Counties to take part in our Family Focus Group. Your feedback and experiences can help Five Counties improve the services and supports we offer for families like yours and others.
Two virtual dates for the Focus Group are being proposed: July 21 or July 22. Gift cards will be offered to participants. Consider taking part and help us improve our services. Sign up by July 17!
| | | New 'Abilities in Action' Program is here to help children | | |
The new Abilities in Action (Client-Funded) Program (AAP) is here! Provided by Five Counties Children's Centre, AAP is a new way for families to access individualized therapy for their child, including autism-related services. Abilities in Action offers:
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech-Language Therapy
- Assessments and treatment packages tailored to meet your child's unique goals.
AAP is designed to help children and their families grow, connect and thrive. Families can use government funding (like the Ontario Autism Program), workplace benefits and other funding sources to use the program. Click on the link to learn more about what's available.
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Save the dates: Classic cars, kids' power wheels race,
Mike's Bike Ride for Kids, and fashion show fundraiser
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Cruise Night at Craftworks every Thursday in summer
Cruise into Thursdays this summer with Cruise Nights at Craftworks (124 Lindsay Rd. in Selwyn). Hosted by the Fowlers Corners and District Lions Club, Cruise Nights run from 4 pm to dusk every Thursday until Sept. 10 (weather permitting). Enjoy a fun evening of food, music, and (most of all) classic cars!
Five Counties is one of the local charities that will benefit from Cruise Night in 2026. While there is no admission fee, donations are welcome – and you're encouraged to take part in the 50/50 draw. We hope to see you there!
Click here to learn more.
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Mike's Bike Ride for Kids gears up on Aug. 9
Former Five Counties client Mike Hannah is once again hitting the road to give back. Join us in cheering him on as Mike's Bike Ride for Kids returns on Sunday, Aug. 9.
Mike's fundraising ride will see him cycle from Omemee to Lindsay. All monies raised will support children's treatment services at Five Counties in Lindsay. The ride starts at 10:30 am behind the TD ATM in Omemee and wraps up at Noon at Boston Pizza (435 Kent St. W.) in Lindsay. Show your support by making a donation!
Click here to donate.
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Kids' Night Power Wheels Race Returns on Aug. 22
Rev up the fun at a thrilling Power Wheels Race Night for kids -- all in support of Five Counties.
This exciting, family-friendly evening returns on Saturday, Aug. 22, starting at 6 pm, at Kawartha Downs (1328 County Rd. 28) in Fraserville. The event offers young racers (ages 4-8 years) the chance to take to the track to race in their own battery-powered vehicles. Entry fee is $25 per person.
Space is limited, so register now to avoid missing out on the racing action.
Click to register now.
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Couture for Kids is Back with fashion fun on Oct. 1
Step into an evening of style, fun, and fashion at the third annual Couture for Kids fashion show on Thursday, Oct. 1! Doors open at 6 pm, with the fashion show starting at 7 pm. The event in support of Five Counties takes place at Celebrations Lindsay (35 Lindsay St. N.).
Enjoy a showcase of the latest looks from local clothiers: Brittany N Bros, Bonita Clothing & Co, Cathy Allan Ladieswear, John G’s, Homethreads Boutique, and The Lingerie Loft. Along with the runway excitement, take part in raffles and a fun atmosphere for all!
Click here to learn more.
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For more Centre-related updates, check out our Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and our website for resources and information.
Five Counties values your ongoing support in ensuring our Centre can provide the best care possible for children and their families. We are making investments in equipment and resources to ensure we can provide the same professional, prompt and caring services we always have.
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You can send us an email through info@fivecounties.on.ca or give us a call and we will connect you with someone who can answer your questions.
Peterborough City and County - 705-748-2337
Northumberland County - 905-377-0192
City of Kawartha Lakes - 705-324-9320
All Areas Toll-Free: 1-888-779-9916
| | Charitable Business Number #12397 6342 RR0001 | | | | |
