First-Ever Candlelights for Kids Lights up Lives and Supports Five Counties & Skating Oval
PETERBOROUGH, ON (March 12, 2024) – While the usual wintry weather has been on thin ice this year, a first-ever outdoor skating fundraiser was still able to deliver solid results for two local organizations.
More than 300 skaters laced up in the first-ever Candlelights For Kids event on Feb. 17 held in support of Five Counties Children’s Centre and the Ontario Speed Skating Oval in Lakefield. The net result is $1,840 that will be split between the two groups to support their work.
For Five Counties, the funds will go directly to its Building Abilities for Life (BAL) Campaign that helps reduce wait times and provide priority treatment services like speech and occupational therapies for children and youth in the region.
While unusually warm weather forced organizers to postpone the Candelights For Kids event for one week, in the end, winter returned long enough to make for ideal skating conditions.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with the Ontario Speed Skating Oval for this family fun event that supports the life-changing work that we do every day,” says Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development with Five Counties. “We’re extremely grateful to all the skaters, volunteers, staff, donors and others who came out to make the event a success. We look forward to working with the Ontario Speed Skating Oval to making this an annual fundraiser.”
Skaters enjoyed skating on the outdoor 400-meter, natural-ice oval in Lakefield, illuminated by lights. This event was sponsored by Adventure Outfitters, Brants Basics, Havelock Metal, Grady’s Feet Essentials, Paluski Boats and Ruttle Group.
“The Oval organizes family-friendly fundraising events each year, and working with Five Counties to hold the first-ever Candelights For Kids was a perfect fit,” says Graham Wilkins, Director of the Ontario Speed Skating Oval. “We’re grateful to our volunteers for helping us get the ice ready in time for the event, and we look forward to working with Five Counties to grow the event in the future.”
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. The Ontario Speed Skating Oval offers recreational skaters and speed skaters the opportunity to skate outdoors on a 400-metre track.
