‘Absolute joy on the faces of kids’: ‘All-o-ween’ makes a difference in Cobourg

Northumberland OPP Const. James Clarke helps local kids and families enjoy Five Counties’ ‘All-o-ween’ event held on Oct. 28 in Cobourg. /Five Counties photo

By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt

Five Counties’ “All-o-ween” once again made the difference for dozens of local families last week in Cobourg.

“We had approximately 50 families join us for the fun, sensory-friendly, inclusive trick-or-treating event,” Bill Eekhof, communications co-ordinator with the Five Counties Children’s Centre, told the Independent. “Our staff (and) volunteers dressed up for the event, decorated office doors and then handed out treats and toys to Five Counties clients/kids, their siblings and family members.”

Held on Oct. 28, this marked the third consecutive year for the centre’s All-o-ween event, which shines a light on the significance of accessibility and inclusion. The goal was to ensure kids of all abilities could participate in festivities for the spooky season.

“The best part of All-o-ween is seeing the absolute joy on the faces of kids and families because they get to enjoy a relaxed and inclusive trick-or-treating experience,” explained Hayley Hodges, client and family experience lead at Five Counties and All-o-ween organizer, leading up to the big day. “Many families say All-o-ween is very meaningful event for them since they might not otherwise be able to go out trick-or-treating with their child over Halloween.

Five Counties’ third edition of its ‘All-o-ween’ event with a focus on accessibility attracted about 50 families to join in the fun and for a sensory-friendly and inclusive trick-or-treating experience. /Five Counties photo

“Halloween is one of those days or festivities that every child should be able to experience and enjoy,” said Hodges. “And by organizing All-o-ween, we can ensure everyone participates and no one gets left behind.”

Last year, All-o-ween also made a difference for more than 200 local kids and youth of all abilities who made their way to Five Counties’ locations for these events.

This year’s local event was again hosted at the Five Counties’ office on Division Street in Cobourg.

The event was geared to current Five Counties’ families but also those who previously came to the centre and those who are on the wait-list for services.

This year, several community partners also came together to make All-o-ween a hit.

“We were joined by representatives of Community Living, Northumberland OPP, Autism Ontario, Northumberland EarlyON Child and Family Centre, as well as many of our staff, volunteers and others,” said Eekhof. “The Cobourg Lions Club also attended and generously did the barbecue at no cost to Five Counties.”

The community rallied to make the third edition of ‘All-o-ween’ at the Five Counties Children’s Centre location in Cobourg a success, including the Cobourg Lions Club that also provided a barbecue at no cost. /Five Counties photo