Five Counties Children’s Centre hopes an upcoming event will net both fun and funds when the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers take on the Brampton Excelsiors in their final home game of the regular Major Series Lacrosse season.
Slated for Thursday (July 24) at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, Little Lakers Night is a collaboration between Five Counties and the Lakers. Now in its third year, it’s a fan-favourite event for Five Counties.
“Little Lakers Night has become a highlight of the summer season for us,” Bill Eekhof, spokesperson for Five Counties Children’s Centre, told kawarthaNOW. “It is a fundraiser that supports important children’s treatment services at Five Counties, but it’s also become something bigger.”
“Little Lakers Night is an opportunity for many of our children/clients and their families to come out and enjoy lacrosse action with the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers,” Eekhoff said. “It may be their first encounter or experience at the game and represents something new and a break from their normal routine.”
“We really hope Little Lakers Night provides our Five Counties families, and the entire community, with a bit of fun and excitement watching the game or taking part in some of the other activities going on with it.”
Little Lakers Night kicks off with pre-game activities starting at 7 p.m., one hour before the Lakers face off against the Brampton Excelsiors. Families can enjoy face painting by donation, freezie sales, a “pass the bucket” fundraiser, and the chance to buy commemorative Little Lakers Night T-shirts in support of Five Counties.
In addition, a silent auction will take place, featuring two tickets to Canada’s Wonderland, a Crayola prize pack, and VIP passes to the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup 2025 – Canada in Toronto this October.
This year’s event will feature the debut of a special warm-up jersey with a design by Kennedy Meredith, a local Grade 4 student. Lakers players will wear the jerseys during their pre-game warmup, and the jerseys will later be available for purchase through an online auction with proceeds supporting Five Counties.
The overall event is a celebration of community, inclusion, and the joy of sport, and it’s getting better every year, Five Counties noted in a media release.
“Each year, Little Lakers Night has grown in impact and excitement,” said Five Counties CEO Scott Pepin. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Lakers for their continued generosity and for giving our kids the chance to be part of something so special.”
Meanwhile, Len Powers, board chair of the Peterborough Lakers, said it’s “an honour” to again team up with Five Counties to host Little Lakers Night and support children’s treatment services.
“We encourage everyone to come out to Little Lakers Night and show their support for the home side, cheering on the Lakers to victory as they prepare for the playoffs and supporting the incredible work done by Five Counties,” Powers said.
Tickets for Little Lakers Night are available now through the Memorial Centre box office, including online at tickets.memorialcentre.ca. Fans are encouraged to use the promo code FIVECOUNTIES at checkout to ensure that $3 from every ticket sold is donated to support kids’ treatment services.
All proceeds from Little Lakers Night will support Five Counties’ “Building Abilities for Life” campaign, which allows more kids and youth in the region to access life-changing treatment services in a timely manner. Last year’s Little Lakers Night raised $15,295 to support children’s treatment services at the centre.
Thursday night’s game is the final home game before the Lakers close out the regular season on Sunday, July 27 in Cobourg. The Lakers are currently second in the regular season, behind the Six Nations Chiefs and one win ahead of the third-place Brooklin L.C., who could even it up if they win against the Chiefs on Wednesday.
