Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Plains is heading into a busy fall, fresh off an active summer filled with events and youth activities.
Executive director Dawn Froese notes the season was a strong one for both fundraising and experiences.
“The summer went really well. We had an amazing summer student. We were all around the area selling our duck tickets, ending August with the duck race, which was so much fun as usual, as well as we were able to through, donation of tickets, take the kids to Frozen at Rainbow Stage, which they really enjoyed, and then the CEBL championship basketball game. Unfortunately, the Winnipeg Sea Bears weren’t playing, but it was a good game anyway, and we had a lot of fun,” she says.
Open house set for September 18
September is Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, and the group is marking the occasion with an open house at their office from 2 to 6 p.m. on September 18.
“If you’re interested in finding out about volunteer opportunities, come and we’ll talk to you," said Froese. "It doesn’t commit you in any way. Maybe you have a child who could use some extra support or friendship in their life, come and have a few words with us. For those who are really familiar with us, we want to invite you to stop by, have some coffee or tea, hear our stories of impact, see our plans for the year, and just give us an opportunity to say thank you for all that you’ve done for us.”
The organization notes the open house is also a chance to connect with staff, hear stories of impact, and get a preview of plans for the coming school year.
Mentors needed in local schools
The fall also signals the return of in-school and after-school mentoring programs beginning the third week of September.
Froese remarks that there is always some fluctuation in waiting lists, but the need for mentors is ongoing.
“We tend to always have kids on waiting lists because kids come and go and everything fluxes from week to week. The beginning of September is the start of our in-school mentoring program as well as our after-school mentoring program. We’re specifically looking for, in Oakville, I need a woman who would be willing to be matched with a girl at school one lunch hour a week. We could use some people who would be interested in being big brothers. We have a few great boys that are just looking for someone to do some men’s stuff with. We’re looking for a few little sisters actually, which is unusual,” she mentions.
She adds that both adults and high school students are encouraged to get involved as mentors.
Career prep, coats, and community support
Another program beginning September 25 is Big Possibilities, a career exploration and job readiness series for students aged 14 to 18.
The workshops run weekly for seven Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office. Sponsored by the Field of Dreams Foundation, the series covers career assessments, resumes, interviews, and financial literacy.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is also part of the United Way campaign, which runs from mid-September through late October and begins with a flag-raising at City Hall.
Looking ahead to colder weather, the Coats for Kids and seniors campaign begins in October, with dispersal taking place November 12 to 14.
Donations of gently used winter clothing can be dropped off at Big Brothers Big Sisters, the United Way office, and the Family Resource Centre.
Winter Wonderland returns in November
Planning is also underway for the second annual Winter Wonderland, happening November 28 to 30 at Trinity United Church.
“It’s our second year," noted Froese. "Last year was our first year trying this. We take over the Trinity United Church for a weekend. We’ve decorated all the rooms in winter or Christmas themes. There is a Christmas market. We actually are going to have more entertainment this year. I have managed to find a pipe organist for people who are interested in pipe organ music, who are going to play the Trinity pipe organ. We’re pretty excited about that,” Froese says.
This year’s lineup will also include festive characters like Elsa, Anna, and even a “green grumpy guy with a heart that grows.”
A family Christmas party will round out the season in December.
Those interested in becoming a mentor or learning more about Big Brothers Big Sisters can reach out by phone at 204-857-4397 or email: bbbscentralplains@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
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