On Saturday August 24th, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara (BBBSN) hosted their second annual BIG Start shopping event at Niagara Pen Centre. With funds from Mayor Siscoe’s Score Charity Golf Tournament, Meridian Credit Union, and online donations from the community, BBBSN was able to support 46 children and youth involved in their programs with a back-to-school shopping spree with a mentor. The fun-filled shopping event allowed mentors and staff to take their mentees and waitlisted youth back-to-school shopping with a $200 Niagara Pen Centre Gift Card, a lunch from Industria Pizzeria, and then given a backpack full of school supplies.

In total, over 183 backpacks were donated and filled with essential school supplies that will be further distributed to children, youth, and families involved in BBBSN programs.

“My grandson had such a wonderful morning with our caseworker, Olivia, during The Big Start back-to-school shopping spree at Niagara Pen Centre,” shares Tracy, grandmother of a mentee. “Olivia took the time to help him find exactly what he needed and wanted for school, with so much patience and kindness. Thank you for the care and compassion you show, and for helping so many children and youth in Niagara get ready for back to school.”

“We would like to thank the community, our volunteers, our sponsors Niagara Pen Centre, Beatties, Giant Shoe Creative, Mayor Siscoe’s SCORE Fund, Switzer Carty, and everyone else involved in making The BIG Start a huge success,” says Erin Graybiel, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara. “The dedication and generosity of our supporters have truly made this event bigger and better than ever before. Because of your commitment, children and youth across Niagara are starting the school year with the tools and confidence they need to succeed. Your involvement shows the power of community and the profound impact we can have when we come together for a common cause.”

BBBSN expresses deep gratitude for the community’s tremendous response, which allowed them to surpass last year’s success. They look forward to expanding The Big Start program, with the goal of supporting even more children and youth in Niagara next year.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara

For over 87 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara has been making a meaningful difference in the lives of youth ages 6 to 25 through our mentoring programs. For both Big and Little, the mentoring experience becomes a life-changing relationship built on friendship, empowerment, and trust. Support from a caring adult mentor enables youth to experience essential developmental relationships, which help them to develop into healthy young people better able to deal with and overcome life’s adversities. Youth with mentors are more likely to graduate from high school, go to university, secure full-time employment and have on average higher incomes. For more information visit www.bbbsniagara.ca.