The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington are thanking the community for its support.
On June 1, the group held its fifth annual general meeting as an amalgamated organization. In 2008, BBBS continued to serve over 100 children in the community.
School based mentoring programs (In School Mentoring and Go Girls, Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds) are meeting the needs of many children and are appreciated by the local schools.
BBBS has a strong partnership with the Upper Grand District School Board and the Wellington Catholic District School Board and works closely with the child and youth workers in the elementary schools and the co-op department at Centre Wellington District High School.
Currently, there are 13 Little Sisters and 14 Little Brothers waiting for a one to one match or a match with a couple. Appreciation is extended to the current Big Brothers and Big Sisters, who provide encouragement and support for their “littles” by enriching their lives and being a special friend and mentor.
Both matched and unmatched “littles” have the opportunity to attend girls and boys group sessions. Under the direction of group leader Laura Hofer, the children enjoy activities such as rock climbing, baking cookies, swimming and yoga. The group also focuses on educational topics such as anti-bullying and internet safety.
The community also supported nine children attending either Tim Horton’s camp or Camp McGovern.
Financially in 2008, the board continues to attempt to meet the challenges with funding the programs that are needed for children in the Centre Wellington area. The board thanked to those who supported BBBS by participating in its annual fundraisers: Bowl for Kids, golf tournament, M&M’s barbecue and gating at the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games. The group also thanks the businesses, service clubs, and individuals who donated money and prizes to support those events.
People may notice BBBS blue shopping bags around town and the board asks all to support the Centre Wellington businesses who sponsored the bags and whose names appear on the outside. The Door Youth Centre and the Elora Legion have helped by donating space for agency activities. The group program could not continue without the support from TD Canada Trust, the Fergus and the Centre Wellington Rotary Clubs, the Elora Lions, Meridian, the Copper Kettle and the Fergus Legion.
BBBS also appreciated receiving a grant from the Township of Centre Wellington this year to assist with the In School Mentoring program.
A grant from Cogeco also helped fund the Go Girls program.
BBBS is still able to redeem Zehrs tapes for youth programs, and is appreciative to those individuals and organizations who are collecting those tapes. Any tapes are welcome and could be taken to the office at 160 St David Street or by calling to have them picked up.
Finally, the board extends an invitation to everyone to attend its annual Big Swings for Littles golf tournament on July18 at the Ariss Golf and Country Club.
The tournament is 18 holes with a best ball format. A boxed lunch and buffet dinner are included at a cost of $115 per golfer. Gary Cooper Chevrolet, Elora has sponsored the hole-in-one contest where a golfer who gets a hole-in-one on a designated hole will win a car. There will be other contests and prizes as well as a silent auction.
The board thanked those who have already sponsored a hole for $100 each or who have provided prizes. For more information about the organization and programs or to register, for golf, call 519-787-0506.
