OUR MISSION

Big Brothers Big Sisters creates, supports and empowers life-changing developmental relationships for children and youth facing adversity. With the support of our professional staff, our mentors advise and challenge these young people. They act as their champions, provide greater consistency in their lives and connect them to broader  experiences, opportunities and networks. Each year, our agency helps over 400 children and youth in our community become resilient young people who are able to overcome life’s adversities and achieve more.

YOUNG PEOPLE ARE COUNTING ON US

The funds from this tournament support our ‘Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds” program. It’s been a year since the COVID-19 pandemic forced school closures, stay at home measures and physical distancing that will forever have an impact on our lives. While so many businesses had to close or pause their operations,  Big Brothers Big Sisters quickly got to work, connecting young people and Mentors using virtual platforms, offering wrap-around supports to our vulnerable youth and their families and doing whatever is necessary during these unprecedented and stressful times. Staying connected to committed mentors is imperative to mental health and wellness, especially for kids. More than 50% of youth served in BBBS programs face four or more adversities in their daily lives, making them particularly vulnerable to long-term mental and physical health problems. The stress that our young people experience will only be deepened during imposed physical distancing and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

WHO YOU HELP

In the past year, Go Girls has been delivered to over 140 girls through a virtual platform. Mentors continue to connect with the girls in their classroom for weekly sessions. BBBS delivers all of the program materials and healthy snacks for each session. It’s been incredible to see how we’ve transformed this program to a virtual space. The support of School counsellors have been exceptional and the program feedback is positive.

“We are so happy that despite all of the challenges this school year has brought that we were still able to provide our students with the opportunity to participate in Go Girls.  I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that the virtual platform allowed me to participate fully in the sessions and that the girls still got the chance to foster relationships and build their confidence in a safe, positive environment. Big Brothers Big Sisters went above and beyond, planning fun, interactive sessions and providing materials to ensure the entire experience was enjoyable and engaging.”  – Megan Ennis, Guidance Counselor, Rennie’s River Elementary

Fundraising events account for 60% of our annual budget and this year we’re predicting a revenue loss of more than $150,000. Now more than ever, young people are counting on us. The success of this tournament will help us to continue providing this vital program to girls in our community at a time when they truly need it.

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