FUNDRAISER'S SMASHING SUCCESS HELPS AGENCY CUT WAIT TIMES

WINTERFEST'S $30,000 TO KEEP FIVE COUNTIES CHILDREN'S CENTRE ON TRACK TO SERVE MORE THAN 6,000 CLIENTS THIS YEAR

Area residents have helped turn the winter blahs into rah, rah, rahs for Five Counties Children's Centre.

Local residents, donors and corporate sponsors stepped up to support this year's Winterfest in a big way, helping raise $30,125 to cover treatment services for agency clients. Winterfest is an annual 'fun'draising event for Five Counties that, this year, was held over the recent Family Day long weekend with a series of virtual and in-person festivities. The amount raised this year surpasses the nearly $20,000 raised at Winterfest in 2022.

"We want to thank the support of the community, especially our staff, volunteers, families, donors and businesses who contributed to this year's success," says Five Counties CEO Scott Pepin. "We know our community is very generous, and once again, that has shone through!"

Proceeds from Winterfest go to support Five Counties' Building Abilities for Life Campaign, which helps ensure children receive essential therapies that help them be their best.

"The Building Abilities For Life Campaign is important because it helps address current wait lists for services like occupational therapy and speech-language therapy," Pepin says. "We know the earlier a

child can receive treatment, the more likely it is they can reach their full potential."

Highlights from this year's event included:

• A sold-out Peterborough Petes game on Family Day Monday (Feb. 20) where many Five Counties clients and their families played different roles including General Manager, coach and game announcer.

• Roughly 125 children entered the Thank You card contest, in which they drew, coloured or created artwork that depicted thanks and appreciation.

• An online auction saw more than 90 people sign up for and make bids on a

variety of handmade quilts, artisanal wood items, gift cards, kids' toys and more.

Five Counties has been dedicated to supporting children and youth with physical, developmental and communications needs for more than 45 years.

In 2022/23, Five Counties is on track to support more than 6,000 children and youth and their families in the region; the highest number of clients the Centre has ever served in a year.

For more information on the agency and to check out the Winterfest wrap up, visit www.fivecounties.on.ca.