On Thursday August 1st, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara (BBBSN) launched “The Big Start” program for the second year in a row. Their goal is to support over 60 children and youth involved with BBBSN with new school supplies and a $200 Niagara Pen Centre shopping spree with a mentor for back-to-school essentials in late
August.

The August 1st launch kicked-off the campaign by the unveiling of the decorated bus supplied by Switzer-Carty Transportation stationed inside Niagara Pen Centre (located at the Event Court outside Mark’s) until August 20th with donation bins to collect new/unopened back-to-school essentials. It featured speeches by prominent dignitaries who highlighted the event’s significance and actively participated by loading donations onto the bus. Additionally, participants of the program shared their heartfelt experiences, highlighting the positive impact the BIG Start program had on their lives last year.

“This year, our aim is to build upon the amazing foundation and partnerships developed through The Big Start to ensure more young people to have an amazing return to school,” says Erin Graybiel, Executive Director of BBBSN. “Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship enables young people to develop their confidence, and our programs promote ongoing school engagement. Both elements are embedded in The Big Start program. In addition to being well-equipped for school, the shopping experience with a mentor offers a valuable opportunity for young people to have important conversations about any worries, anxieties, and excitement regarding the upcoming school year.”

“We are thrilled to see the return of The Big Start program in collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara,” says Michelle Schleimer, General Manager of Niagara Pen Centre. “Last year, our customers, retailers and local businesses united to support over 250 youth with backpacks filled with essential school supplies, offering much-needed relief for families during this challenging time of year. We are deeply committed to supporting our community and eagerly look forward to the continued growth and positive impact this initiative will bring to young individuals across the Niagara region this year.”

Additional support from the community has helped kickstart this campaign. The first $5,000 was donated by Mayor Siscoe’s SCORE golf tournament. Lactalis Canada will also be packing and donating 92 backpacks on August 21st.

Thanks to the support of Beatties as the printing sponsor and Giant Shoe for creating the marketing and graphics, BBBSN was able to produce eye-catching posters and decorate the bus with impressive graphics. You can support The Big Start Program by donating online, dropping off new/unopened school supplies at our drop off locations (Niagara Pen Centre and Beatties on Vansickle Rd.), or becoming a sponsor. Visit https://niagara.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/event/the-big-start/ to learn more.

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.