THUNDER BAY – Organizers of an upcoming fundraiser are hoping to throw strikes for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
The 37th annual Tbaytel Bowl for Kids Sake in support of Our Kids Count’s Big Brothers Big Sisters is scheduled for May 5 at Galaxy Lanes, with registration open for teams of four to six bowlers.
The inclusiveness of the sport is a natural fit for the cause, organizing committee chair Jonathan Murphy said.
“Bowling is very much a family centred event so we wanted to encourage families and everyone from all walks of life to come out and bowl,” Murphy said at a Thursday morning news conference to announce details of the event.
“The family aspect, the community aspect really brings everyone together and it just supports everyone having a wonderful time.”
Teams are required to raise $400 in pledges as their entry fee.
Murphy said the target is to raise $15,000.
“That money helps attach children who need mentors with mentors, helps increase their confidence and helps increase their overall quality of life,” Murphy said.
Big Brothers Big Sisters program coordinator Jennifer Gosselin said their mentorship program pairs youth between the ages of six and 18 with a role model over the age of 18.
There are currently 24 one-on-one mentor partnerships but there are nearly just as many children and youth on wait lists, Gosselin added.
“This is consistently growing. I’m always getting referrals for more children who want to be part of the program,” Gosselin said. “Individuals who are caring, wanting to work with children, positive role models and influence and see the power of mentoring.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters is also in the process of developing a Legends program, a one-year pilot project for youth with autism that would pair them with a mentor.
In addition to registration costs, there are available sponsorship and donor opportunities, such as the Pin Donor drive which allows the children and their mentor to participate.
“They love community outings. Whenever there’s an opportunity for us to all get together to do something and not just be in their one-on-one match it’s exciting and they really enjoy it,” Gosselin said. “We’ve had friendships build between the littles or the mentees over time by doing community events like this. Everybody is really looking forward to it.”
More information can be found online or by calling (807) 623-0292 extension 240.
