This Month's Contents
  • Agency Updates
  • BIG Community Events
  • SAVE THE DATE - SIP Niagara
  • Big Givers of the Month
  • Story of the Month
  • Match of the Month
  • Matchiversaries
  • Upcoming Events in Niagara
We have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get our office ready and welcome everyone back. We are proud to announce our office is open to the public by appointment!

Thank you Wise Guys Charity Fund for helping us improve both our indoor and outdoor spaces!
Our board room upstairs has been renovated, and the waiting area is finally finished. Wise Guys Charity Fund helped to fund our family waiting area in the lobby to ensure all who visit the facility feel comfortable. There is now a TV and 2 IPads in the waiting area for our volunteers and families to use. We also have a new digital sign outside funded by Wise Guys Charity Fund. We are able to share our upcoming events and any important updates or information on our new high-tech sign. Thank you to Reimer Graphics for installing these amazing new signs.

Last but not least our parking lot has been freshly paved and we've had new lines painted!

We can't wait to see you all soon!!
Summer Picnic
A big thank you to Shangri-La Niagara Family Campground for hosting our annual Spring Picnic. Our matches spent the day mingling with other matches, playing yard games, frisbee golf, and mini golf, swimming, and enjoying lunch and treats with agency staff. They also were invited to attend the Campground's annual Pirate Stunt show.

Thank you to those that supported the event through location, supply, and food donations. A special thank you goes to Shangri-La Family Campground, Pie Guys (Macturnbull dr), Sobeys (Livingston Ave, Grimsby), Sobeys (Ontario St, Beamsville), Shoppers Drug Mart (Niagara & Scott St), Shoppers Drug Mart (Livingston Ave, Grimsby) and Shoppers (Serena Dr, Beamsville), and Canadian Tire Jumpstart
Did you see us in the community this month?
Our Volunteer Enrollment Coordinator Hilary was at the St. Catharines Rowing Club on July 21 speaking to the crews about the life-changing volunteer opportunities with BBBSNWN. It was an evening of rowing and fun in the sun as the recreational rowing leagues challenged each other to some friendly races.

Service Delivery staff members Hilary and Tyler attended West Lincoln's Community BBQ. The event took place at the West Lincoln Community Centre on Saturday, July 23rd. They had a great time spreading awareness about our agency and connecting with potential Bigs and Littles at the event
SIP Niagara is a 2-day Food & Drink Festival embracing Canadian outdoor Fall fun in the heart of Niagara on the shores of Lake Ontario. Enjoy delicious food, cocktails, refreshing beers, ciders, RTDs, spiritless libations, a variety of charming local wineries, live music, AND MORE!
Thank you to all who supported and participated in the St. Catharines Mayor Invitational Golf Tournament. Each year, this tournament supports organizations that make a difference in our community.

This year our agency was selected to be one of the tournament recipients and we could not be more grateful. Golfers would have seen Nicole, Hannah, Val, and Ashley at hole 10 handing out candy.

 It was a great day to work together to support important community organizations and build a more compassionate city.
We were selected as "Charity of the Month" at Station 1 Coffee House. For the month of July proceeds from hot and cold beverage sales were donated back to the agency. Thanks to their generosity over $400 was donated!

Our staff visited the coffeehouse throughout the month for some delicious food and beverages, their Banana Brew is out of this world. We highly recommend you stop by their location at 28 Main Street East, Grimsby, ON.
It is easy to recognize that all matches that come through the BBBSNWN agency are unique. Stephanie and Amelia are no exception!
 
We are excited to share that the final agency recipient of the phenomenal CIBC Scholarship – Amelia – has officially graduated from the traditional program with her outstanding Big, Stephanie.  
 
What is even more exceptional about Amelia and Stephanie is not only the incredible bond they have created and upheld over the last 9.5 years of their match, but how close and consistent their contact has been while Amelia has been pursuing her university education and Stephanie has been living and working in England. Video chats became a part of their weekly routine, and was something that both of them looked forward to. 
 
Amelia and Stephanie were matched back in 2013, and could easily recognize how both their type of chosen activities changed over the years, but also how their relationship evolved as well. Their dynamic changed from that of Big and Little, to that of friends, and now – family.  
 
As part of their graduation, the pair met to reflect on their time spent together. Some emotions surfaced as Stephanie spoke about how proud she is of her little sister, Amelia. She spoke about her admiration of Amelia’s perseverance and how she never let anything stop her despite having many challenges come her way. Amelia taught her Big Sister about the importance of never giving up, and she continues to exude that perseverance and positivity every day.  
 
While Amelia grew up in a family with 4 other siblings – she immediately knew that Stephanie was different. Stephanie wasn’t “forced” to be there, she was there because she wanted to be. Amelia noted that Stephanie quickly became her “go-to person” - someone that she could look to for support and advice that was outside of the family. While away at University, and with Stephanie in England, the time change almost made it easier when Amelia needed a pick-me-up and would text Stephanie at 4am – she was always there to answer. 
 
While Amelia had a couple Big Sisters before meeting Stephanie, again, Stephanie continued to show she was different. Amelia felt she was the first that didn’t “give up” on her. Amelia learned valuable lessons from Stephanie about growing up. 
 
This special pair not only have many years of experiences and memories behind them, but they have a lifelong friendship ahead of them with many more milestones to celebrate together, and memories to make! We wish Stephanie and Amelia all the very best in their continued friendship, and look forward to keeping in touch! 
 
MATCH OF THE MONTH
MATCHIVERSARIES
Port Dalhousie Supper Market
August 9,16,23,30 | 4:00pm - 1:00pm
1 Lakeport Road, St. Catharines, ON L2N 5B3

August 4 - September 4
2878 Holland Rd. Fonthill On

Movie Nights in the Park
August 5 & 19 | Movie starts at dusk
Airing Raya and the lost Dragon (Aug 5) and Moana (Aug 19)
Coronation Park - 77 Main St W, Grimsby, ON L3M 1R5
13 For 13 Cultural Festival
August 7 - 20
This festival event will see each of Niagara’s 13 municipalities collaborate with one of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories to showcase the unique cultural heritage, entertainment, art, and culinary experiences of each pairing during their assigned special night. Admission is complimentary!
Various times and locations.

August 18 | 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Airing The Jungle Book (Disney Live Action)
At the Niagara Outlets by the Eatery

Virgil Volunteer Firefighters Car Show & BBQ
August 28 | 1:00pm - 7:00pm