CENTRE WELLINGTON – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington has launched Project Ignite, which aims to provide youths and families with programmed activities designed to build essential life skills and promote community engagement.
The initiative is funded by a $465,000 Grow Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington received earlier this year.
Officials stated the activities will “offer youth vital experiential learning opportunities in areas like job readiness, food security, mental health, and environmental engagement while fostering healthy, active lifestyles.
“The project will support youth in developing stronger social, emotional, and leadership skills, empowering them to build connections, explore career paths, and actively contribute to their community.”
They said that all these programs are free of charge and don’t require any previous experience.
Programs include:
Ukulele workshops (Autumn 2025)
Learn how to hold and tune a ukulele, play basic chords and learn a few simple songs at Adrian Jones Music School. No music experience is needed. Each session will include easy instruction, group activities and plenty of chances to play.
Collage and connect (Late August 2025)
Join Stephanie Lines-Toohill from Sparrow’s Nest Makerspace and learn how to make a mini-zine from repurposed materials and collage it into a vision journal.
“These sessions are designed to relax and connect while making something curious for yourself or as a gift,” stated officials.
‘ExpressU’ Creative Expression and Wellness (September and November 2025)
This program with Mandalia House is “all about making art your way,” said officials.
Each session gives you the chance to try out different materials and techniques including painting, sculpture, mixed media, journaling and abstract mark-making.
Big and little cooking workshops (September and November 2025)
These hands-on cooking sessions in partnership with Mandalia House are “all about flavour, fun, and creativity,” said officials.
Each week introduces a new recipe to explore, giving participants the chance to learn new skills and try fresh ingredients.
‘Paddle On’ canoeing sessions (Seasonal 2025)
Through Elora Paddle Company take a 45 minute paddle on the Grand River. Canoes and life jackets will be provided.
Got-a-bike, need-a-bike (Aug. 9, 2025)
In collaboration with Green Lanes, each participant will have a one-hour time slot to get your bike(s) on a bike stand. The Green Lanes ReBike team will be on hand to take participants through a basic bike tune-up. Officials state that spots are limited.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington are also providing free transportation through Red Car Service.
Those interested can head to centrewellington.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca to learn about details, dates, and more. Email Nick.Clarke@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca to RSVP for the programs or book sessions.
