On Monday July 24th, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara launched “The BIG Start” program with a cheque presentation from Meridian Credit Union at the Pen Centre. Their goal is to support over 50 children and youth involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters with a back-to-school shopping event in late August. A bus supplied by Switzer-Carty Transportation and donation bins will be stationed inside the Pen Centre (located at the Event Court outside Mark’s) until August 21st to collect new/unopened back-to-school essentials.
The money donated by Meridian will go towards purchasing school supplies, and Meridian will host a kit packing session with their team later in the summer at the Grimsby branch.
“The first day of school can be intimidating at any age, we want to help take away any stress and make sure youth involved in our programs have all the essentials they need,” says Erin Graybiel, Executive Director of BBBSN. “The event also provides an opportunity for mentees to have important conversations with their mentors about any worries, anxieties, and excitement about the upcoming school year.”
“We are thrilled to be a part of the launch of this new program The BIG Start in partnership with BBBS of Niagara to help 50 littles with their back-to-school shopping this year!,” says Michelle Schleimer, General Manager of the Pen Centre. “Youth visit the shopping centre every day, and we know that it can be difficult for families to purchase necessities for the new school year. The Pen Centre understands the stresses of Back to School shopping and we are excited to partner with BBBS of Niagara and our Pen Centre Retailers to help alleviate some of the burden as well as support the Shop Event at the end of August.”
Drop off a donation from the preferred donation list, donate online or become a sponsor today! Visit https://niagara.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/event/the-big-start/.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara
For 85 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been making a meaningful difference in the lives of youth ages 6 to 18 through our mentoring programs in Niagara. 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.
