Five Counties Children’s Centre speech-language pathologist Diane poses with one of her clients
It’s a monumental year for Five Counties Children’s Centre, which is marking half-a-century of service in Peterborough and the broader region, as well as its 30th anniversary operating out of its Campbellford site.
“Five Counties Children’s Centre has a double celebration in 2025 … it’s our 50th anniversary from when we first opened our doors in Peterborough, but it’s also a special (occasion) in Campbellford because we’ve been in town for 30 years,” explains Bill Eekhof, Five Counties’ communications co-ordinator.
In Campbellford, Five Counties has plans to celebrate with the community and supporters like the Rotary Club of Campbellford.
As part of the celebrations, Five Counties will host a “Family Fun Fest” at its Campbellford site on Tuesday, May 27 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Eekhof tells us more about the open-house-style anniversary event.
Five Counties helps kids and adolescents with physical, communication and developmental needs, and aims to strengthen abilities and promote participation in local communities.
Annually, the centre helps thousands of local children.
“In 1995, the decision was made to better serve families in the lakeshore area to open a Campbellford location, so at our centre in Campbellford, we offer speech therapy, we offer occupational therapy, (and) we offer physiotherapy,” explains Eekhof, adding these services are offered three days weekly, and then on the other days, staff are in schools working to help students.
Campbellford was the first site opened in Northumberland – the Cobourg location followed four years later.
Eekhof tells us more about the evolution of Five Counties.
“It was really in the early 70s that the Rotary clubs started the whole effort to establish and convince the province to fund Five Counties.”
Among the group was the Campbellford club – and Five Counties plans to have some Rotarians out for the May 27 celebration at 174 Oliver Rd.
“In the case of the Rotary Club of Campbellford, they donated $10,000 at the time – which in the early 70s and for a small community (and) small club, they certainly made a big investment – (because) they saw the value of Five Counties,” says Eekhof.
Before area centres were established, Eekhof also says local Rotarians often used to drive families to Peterborough for treatment services.
“So, there’s a real community connection we have with Campbellford (and the club), and we’re really pleased to celebrate their presence and also their contribution to building and helping establish Five Counties.”
Trent Hills Mayor Bob Crate is also set to join the festivities.
Eekhof says all area families are invited to the free drop-in event, whether they’re interested in touring the site, trying out the obstacle course, or learning about services for kids. Families looking for more information can call 1-888-779-9916 ext. 200 or email info@fivecounties.on.ca.
“We’re pleased to open up the space and just share what we do, and we hope it’s something people will come out to …”
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
