Five Counties Calls On Local Community to Support The Northumberland Backyard Project

The Five Counties Children’s Centre is asking for community support on their Northumberland Backyard Project, which would see the area at the rear of its Cobourg location turned into a safe, fully accessible backyard green space available for treatment, recreation, cultural awareness and outdoor education programming for the community.

Photo courtesy of Five Counties.

The Northumberland Backyard Project is spearhead by Five Counties Children’s Centre in partnership with multiple community organizations.

The partners have applied to Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group for nearly $50,000 in funding to help with the first phase of the Northumberland Backyard Project. Commonwell’s Learning and Engagement Accelerator Fund (LEAF) provides grants for community projects that promote learning and capacity improvements.

Five Counties and its partners have secured approximately 40 per cent of funding already for the project’s $255,000 estimated cost.

Part of the funding approval is based on community support for a project. Local residents are being asked to play a part by visiting the Commonwell website between Nov. 10 and 15 and sharing support and reasons why the project matters to the community. This can involve writing a short story, uploading a photo or just leaving an encouraging comment and spreading the word on social media.

“We know there is a long-term need for this type of accessible backyard green space in Northumberland County, so we encourage everyone in coming days to show your support online and spread the word to neighbours and friends,” says Scott Pepin, CEO of Five Counties Children’s Centre. “…the proposed accessible playground and natural enhancements to the outdoor space at our Northumberland site will have countless benefits to the children and youth who receive therapy services at the (Five Counties) centre, as well as other families and community members across the County.”

Show your support using the Commonwell website.

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