The BIG BUZZ September Newsletter

JOIN BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS THIS SEPTEMBER

IN CELEBRATING THE POWER OF MENTORSHIP

Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies from across Niagara kicked off this monumental month with a flag raising ceremony at the Niagara Region on September 1, 2022.

September is Big Brothers Big Sisters month across Canada. There are over 102 BBBS agencies accross Canada that offer free and inclusive programs and services to more than 1,100 communities. A number of activities will be happening locally throughout Niagara to build awareness and support for the impactful mentoring programs and services offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies.

Watch this video of of our flag raisings in West Lincoln and the Niagara Region.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF NORTH AND WEST NIAGARA

HAS AN URGENT NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS

Big Brothers Big Sisters of North and West Niagara is calling on community members to step up and become volunteers with the agency.

Big Brothers Big Sisters relies on volunteers to deliver mentorship programs to children and youth between the ages of 6 and 18 years of age. In early 2019, the agency had over 300 volunteers as mentors for over 1,000 children. Over the last few years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, our volunteer pool has shrunk and less new volunteers are signing up to get involved.

If community members do not come forward to volunteer, the number of children and youth waiting to experience life-changing mentorship will continue to grow. This is an amazing opportunity for individuals and businesses to get behind Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and help them continue to form life-changing relationships for vulnerable young people in Niagara.

CLICK HERE to sign up today

Watch this video of Johnny talk about his experience as a Big Brother in our Traditional 1:1 Mentoring Program.

THANK YOU VAL & HANNAH!!

We wanted to recognize our amazing summer students Val and Hannah. Their seasonal positions were made possible through the Canada Summer Jobs program.

We appreciate all of their hard work, dedication and kindness.

The two of them assisted us with our Beatties Bigger Together Golf Tournament, Passport Adventure Book, volunteer interviews, our newsletter and so much more!

Thank you Val and Hannah, we are going to miss working with you and appreciate everything you did for us.

The BBBSNWN family wants to extend our gratitude to Michelle Miller who will be officially ending her volunteer term with the Board of Directors this month for her significant contribution to the agency over the last 15 years! Her dedication and leadership have been invaluable! We look forward to Michelle's continued involvement with our agency in other capacities.

Hilary, our Volunteer Enrollment Coordinator and Morgan, our Family Intake and Support Coordinator were at the St. Catharines Farmer's Market August 13 as part of their Community Engagement Series sharing the work of the agency. Thank you to the City of St. Catharines and the Farmer's Market for having us.

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!

BECOME A BUSINESS PARTNER! Sell $2 Snowflakes at your location anytime between October 1st - February 28th, to support Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the Niagara Region.

THE BUSINESS WITH THE MOST FUNDS RAISED WILL WIN AN ADVERTISING PRIZE PACK INCLUDING:

• Radio Ad Spots • Featured on BBBS Socials • On Location Photo Op • Newspaper Ad

• Recognition on BBBS Websites • BBBSNWN Street Sign Recognition

Thank to you LAIS HOTEL PROPERTIES LIMITED (Vintage Hotels) who continues to be an amazing supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters!

We are so appreciative of your ongoing support and the impact it has on the lives of young people in our community!

Thank you to Terrace Green Property Maintenance & Landscaping for our wonderful new sod and making our St.Catharines office look so great this summer.

The Perfect Fit

Brooklyn and Breanna have been matched for just over 3 months and Breanna is often heard describing the match as the ‘perfect fit’.

Mom told us that when she told her daughter she was meeting a potential new Big Sister Breanna did not want to go to the match introduction as she didn’t want to go through the same experience she had with her last match where they lost contact during COVID.

3 months in and Breanna and Brooklyn have already established a strong bond built on similarities such as painting and thrift shopping.

Breanna describes her Big Sister as the type of person who can light up any room. Brooklyn describes her little sister as the most respectful teen she knows and enjoys the ‘spunk’ her little brings to the match.