Five for Five
October 2023
Five of the Top Stories at Five Counties this month!
Tricks to Make Halloween a Treat for Everyone!
With Halloween just around the corner, Five Counties Children's Centre is promoting ways to make the event more inclusive -- and less scary -- for kids of all ages and abilities! Check out these tips on how to make trick-or-treating fun for everyone!
'Cougars for Kids' comes to Cobourg on November 20

The Cobourg Cougars and Five Counties are teaming up for the first-ever Cougars for Kids Night on November 20 at the Cobourg Community Centre. Pre-game festivities start at 6 pm, with game action starting at 7 pm. Come cheer on the Cougars as they take the ice against the North York Rangers, while supporting Five Counties. 

Five Counties kids and families will be taking part in the ceremonial pre-game puck drop and a behind-the-scenes experience with the Cougars. Five Counties staff/volunteers will be providing information about our programs and services, while also selling T-shirts (for $15 each). Door prizes will be available for anyone who signs up to receive our e-newsletter.

All funds raised will go directly to the completion of the Northumberland Backyard Project at the Five Counties location in Cobourg. This project would see a safe, fully accessible outdoor green space created for treatment, recreation, cultural awareness and outdoor education programs. 

Tickets are now available through the Cobourg Cougars. Kids under the age of 12 accompanied by an adult and wearing a team jersey or Five Counties clothing get into the game for free! Hope to see you there!
Accessible Playgrounds for Kids of All Abilities
A new website is proving to be an invaluable gateway for families to find accessible playgrounds.

Julie Grant is the driving force behind the creation of the new Accessible Playgrounds Ontario website that launched this fall. The site highlights and maps inclusive playgrounds across Ontario. It also lets users identify and share information about new locations they may find. But it’s Julie’s two-year-old son, Jude, who is at the heart of this virtual venture. Jude has cerebral palsy and developmental delays, and currently receives treatment at Five Counties Children’s Centre.

“Many families take going to the playground for granted, but ours isn’t one of them,” says Julie. “For kids like Jude, barriers and obstacles to play – especially on playgrounds – can leave them on the sidelines missing out on fun, fitness, and friendship with others.”

As a mother, Julie is passionate about the right of Jude and other children of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of play, especially on playgrounds. She is hopeful the new website will open more doors to play!
Volunteer With Us and Help Support Our Work
Volunteers play an important role in our work. Consider volunteering with us! Even a few hours at events can have a big impact!

Current volunteer opportunities include: 
  • Fund Development Committee 
  • Event Volunteer 
  • Administrative Volunteer 

If interested in volunteering, call 1-888-779-9916, ext. 380, or email us at development@fivecounties.on.ca to learn more.
Connect to Care: SmartStart Hub is Here!
Concerned about your child’s development? Unsure where to turn for advice?

Help starts here… at the SmartStart Hub at Five Counties Children’s Centre! We’re here to lend a hand.

The new SmartStart Hub lets families easily access and navigate their way to services and support for their child’s development needs. Five Counties has teamed up with eight other agencies in the area to launch SmartStart in Peterborough, Haliburton, Northumberland and Kawartha Lakes.
 
When families submit requests for services through the SmartStart Hub, Five Counties will connect them to appropriate care close to home. SmartStart Hub at Five Counties provides support for any child development needs relating to: moving around, performing daily tasks like eating and feeding, speaking with and being understood by others, getting along with other people, and taking part in routine activities. 

Check out the SmartStart Hub and learn why it's already earning rave reviews!
For more information about our programs, services or fundraising please contact us
at 1-888-779-9916, ext. 300 or development@fivecounties.on.ca.
For Centre related updates, we encourage you to check Facebook, Twitter, 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.
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
FIVE COUNTIES CHILDREN'S CENTRE | www.fivecounties.on.ca