That’s a Wrap: From left, The Peculiar Platypus owner Pamela Searle and Five Counties Children’s Centre staff member Linsey Kampf mark the nearly $350 raised as part of a pre-Christmas gift wrapping fundraiser. Pamela’s family has close ties to Five Counties, so the fundraiser was a great fit.

The Peculiar Platypus Hosts Charitable Gift Wrapping Event

Supported by Other Local Businesses

‘Neither snow, nor freezing rain, nor cold, nor gusts of wind…’

Campbellford - Mon., Jan. 30, 2023 -The slogan above – albeit slightly altered – usually refers to mail delivery getting through in any weather. And while Pamela Searle doesn’t work for the post office, the saying certainly applies to her as well.

She delivered for Five Counties Children’s Centre.

Pamela, who owns and operates the Peculiar Platypus in Campbellford, held a Charitable Gift Wrapping event on Dec. 23 and 24 in support of Five Counties. Despite a pre-Christmas winter blizzard that stranded many travellers, her Front Street North store was able to raise $345 for Five Counties.

She appreciates the support of customers for the successful fundraiser, as well as Trent Hills Councillor Daniel Giddings and other Trent Hill businesses, including: Perfect Print, Cabinet Craft & Design, Be My Guest, Rabethges Jewelry, Earth Angels Florist, Grinders Sports, Ace Barber Shop, 52 North, and Master Submarine.

“Five Counties has helped my children and I was very excited to do the fundraising event,” Pamela notes. “I was so pleased with the outcome despite the weather, and hope that next year’s event has better weather and raises more money.”

Both of Pamela’s two daughters – now age four and nine – received regular physiotherapy care and treatment at Five Counties for complications they experienced at birth. Both girls are now thriving and have no issues taking part in sports or other activities.

“I can’t say enough about the care and support my family received at Five Counties,” says Pamela.

Five Counties supports children and youth with physical, developmental and communications needs by providing them the treatment and care they need. Through outpatient and community-based services, Five Counties aims to enrich the independence and quality of life for the thousands of clients and families it serves in Northumberland County, Peterborough City-County, City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County.

Five Counties has had a presence in Campbellford since 1995, but its location in the lower level of the Multi-Care Lodge on Oliver Road may be one of the community’s best-kept secrets.

Pamela says more families need to know how Five Counties can assist them, especially if their children have unique needs. “So many parents think their only option is to go to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, but that is so far away,” Pamela notes. “Families don’t realize that help is close to home.”

For many Five Counties programs and services, parents and families do not need a referral but can directly contact the children’s treatment centre for help. To learn more, families can visit the Five Counties website.

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