February is the time to hit the ice for family fun and to support the kids who receive life-changing treatment at Five Counties Children’s Centre.
Two fundraising events – one new and the other a returning favourite – are coming up in February, and local residents are encouraged to get their tickets to take part. Candlelights for Kids is an evening outdoor family skate on Feb. 10 at the Ontario Speed Skating Oval in Lakefield. The Next Gen Game with the Peterborough Petes takes place on the afternoon of Family Day (Feb. 19), with a pre-game family skate prior to the Petes facing off against the Kitchener Rangers at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
Funds raised from both events will go towards the Building Abilities For Life Campaign at Five Counties. The campaign supports high-demand treatment services like speech, occupational and physio therapies provided to local kids and families. Money raised through Building Abilities for Life Campaign is above what Five Counties gets from the provincial government, allowing the Centre to serve more kids in an effort to reduce wait times.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Peterborough Petes and the Ontario Speed Skating Oval on these two separate events that will offer family fun and support the life-changing work that we do every day,” says Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development with Five Counties. “Come out and embrace winter activities and help ensure more kids get the treatment they need, when they need it, to be the best they can be.”
The events being planned are as follows:
- Candlelights for Kids on Saturday, Feb. 10, is the first-ever joint fundraiser for Five Counties and the Ontario Speed Skating Oval (3358 Lakefield Rd.) in Lakefield. Enjoy outdoor skating (weather permitting) on the oval with candlelight that will help light up the evening event. Two skating sessions will be available from 5-6:30 pm, and the second from 7- 8:30 pm. There will also be hot chocolate and food available. Tickets ($10 per adult; $5 per child) are limited and will be available at the end of January by visiting the Ontario Speed Skating Oval website.
- The Next Gen Game with the Peterborough Petes returns on Family Day (Feb. 19). Cheer on the Petes as they take on the Kitchener Rangers at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. The game starts at 2:05 pm, but attendees can participate in a pre-game family skate starting at 1 pm. A silent auction fundraiser, face painting, giant lego and chuck-a-pep will be held during the game. Five Counties kids will take part in behind-the-scenes experiences at the game, including playing the role of coach, scout, general manager and PA announcer. Game tickets are available directly from Five Counties ($15 each) by calling: (705) 748-2337, ext. 248, or emailing: development@fivecounties.on.ca
Five Counties Children’s Centre provides speech, physio and occupational therapies, as well as other treatment services for kids and youth from birth to age 19 years. This past year, Five Counties served more than 6,200 children and youth in its region – the highest number of clients in its nearly 50-year history.
Photo Caption:
JUST THE TICKET: Five Counties kids (from left) Callum and Marin encourage families to come out in February to two fun events in support of the Centre. Candlelights For Kids is an evening outdoor skate on Feb. 10, and the annual Next Gen Game with the Peterborough Petes takes to the ice for a matinee game on Family Day (Feb. 19).
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
