Major Donation Brings Northumberland Backyard Project Closer to Reality

Efforts to create a fully accessible outdoor ‘backyard’ green space for treatment, recreation, cultural awareness, and education programs are a major step closer, thanks to the generosity of a local financial management services company.

Part Time CFO Services LLP has donated $25,000 towards the Northumberland Backyard Project that will be built at the Five Counties Children’s Centre site at 800 Division Street in Cobourg. Part Time CFO Services LLP’s donation represents approximately 10% of the overall remaining funds needed to develop the Northumberland Backyard Project. This latest donation means the initiative is roughly halfway towards its $255,000 fundraising goal.

According to Five Counties, Part Time CFO Services LLP is to be commended for exemplifying the spirit of giving and support that is so evident in Northumberland County

“We appreciate the significant investment Part Time CFO Services LLP is making in our kids, families and community by supporting the Northumberland Backyard Project,” notes Scott Pepin, CEO of Five Counties Children’s Centre. “Agencies in our community have seen growing waitlists due to increased need and the pandemic. We recognize the importance of this outdoor project to create more space and opportunities for our kids and families. We’re very grateful for supporters like Part Time CFO Services LLP that see value in this project.”

Darryl Goodall, President of Part Time CFO Services LLP, says the company’s investment in the Northumberland Backyard Project is a sound decision. As a volunteer in organized outdoor recreation activities himself, he knows the benefits of outdoor play for kids of all ages and abilities.

“Our staff believe in giving back to Northumberland, and that’s why Part Time CFO Services LLP is proud to support Five Counties and its partners on a project that will provide life-changing opportunities for kids,” says Goodall. “Our investment in the backyard project will help kids get the treatment and support they need that benefits them for the rest of their lives.”

The Northumberland Backyard Project is being spearhead by Five Counties, in partnership with the County of Northumberland, Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, YMCA Northumberland, and the local EarlyON Child and Family Centre. All the agencies see the space being a boost to their own programs and services, as well as to the broader community.

The backyard project would see the large property behind the Five Counties site in Cobourg transformed into an outdoor green space available to clients, families and visitors of the partners and other community program providers. The vision is to put up fencing and install an accessible playground (the first of its kind in the area), sensory play equipment, accessible garden area, gazebo, storage space and eventually a track. Currently the backyard area cannot be used due to safety, traffic and accessibility concerns.

“We are continuing to raise the public profile of the backyard project and build more support for it from the broader Northumberland community, which is crucial to it’s success.” adds Elizabeth Carmichael, Five Counties’ Northumberland Program Manager.

Anyone who want to learn more or support the initiative can visit the Northumberland Backyard Project web page or call 1-888-779-9915, ext. 381.

PAY DIRT: A $25,000 donation from Part Time CFO Services LLP for the Northumberland Backyard Project at Five Counties Children’s Centre in Cobourg means the field of dreams is a major step closer to reality. Darryl Goodall, president of Part Time CFO Services LLP (second from left), Five Counties CEO Scott Pepin (second from right) and other Part Time CFO representatives mark the official announcement on Wednesday in the backyard space.