PETERBOROUGH-Not your average fundraising event, the Backyard Summer Social invited guests to kick off their shoes and experience an afternoon of being a kid again.
Five Counties Children’s Centre hosted the 1st Annual Backyard Summer Social on June 25th in the backyard of their Peterborough location. The event raised $45,743 for the Building Abilities for Life Campaign in support of speech and language therapies through the in-person event and online auction.
 Guests could jump into the inflatable jousting ring, roll up their sleeves before throwing an axe with the Peterborough Axe Club and get competitive while raising money for a good cause!Â
The afternoon event had a “picnic for adults” theme with delicious local food from Taso’s and La Mesita as well as sweet treats from Central Smith and Flossophy, beverages from Rolling Grape, Bobcaygeon Brewery and Brock Street Brewery plus live performances by Irish Millie and the Mayhemingways and a live auction. Some surprise guests included local artist Jason Wilkins, NHL defenceman Vince Dunn and Petes’ goalie Easton Rye for a hockey shoot out, and alpacas from Critter Visits.
 “Thank you to everyone who came out and supported this event in its first year” says Scott Pepin, CEO, Five Counties Children’s Centre. “It was great to be able to host members of our community at the Centre and thank everyone in person for supporting our kids. Event proceeds will support our Building Abilities for Life campaign to raise funds to keep kids off waitlists and get them into the treatment they need for speech and language therapy.”
In 2020/2021, the Centre served 4,430 children and their families. Five Counties Children’s
Centre has been supporting children and youth with physical, developmental and
communications needs for more than 45 years treating ages ranging from infants through
late teens offering physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and more. They provide treatment at locations throughout Peterborough, City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton and Minden.