By Cecilia Nasmith

A generous $25,000 donation from a local financial-management services company has brought Five Counties Children's Centre closer to fulfilling its Northumberland Backyard Project to create a green space for treatment, recreation, cultural awareness and education programs.

A presentation was held Tuesday morning, as the agency welcomed Part Time CFO Services LLP to their site at 800 Division St., Cobourg.

The subsequent press release said that this donation takes the campaign about halfway towards its $255,000 fundraising goal, and represents about 10% of the overall remaining funds needed for the project.

The announcement commended Part Time CFO Services LLP “for exemplifying the spirit of giving and support that is so evident in Northumberland County.”

Five Counties Chief Executive Officer Scott Pepin called it a significant investment in their kids, families and communities.

“Agencies in our community have seen growing waitlists due to increased need and the pandemic,” Pepin said.

“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.”

Part Time CFO Services LLP President Darryl Goodall called the donation 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 help kids get the treatment and support they need that benefits them for the rest of their lives.”

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

The project would see the large property behind the Five Counties site – which currently cannot be used due to safety, traffic and accessibility concerns – fenced and transformed into an outdoor green space available to clients, families and visitors affiliated with the partner agencies and other community program providers. Furnishings will include the an accessible playground (the first of its kind in the area), sensory play equipment, an accessible garden area, gazebo, storage space and, eventually, a track.

“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 its success,” Five Counties Program Manager Elizabeth Carmichael said.

For more information, or to learn how you can support the initiative, visit the Northumberland Backyard Project web page of call 1-888-779-9915 ext. 381.