All it takes is one person to make a difference. For children and youth facing poverty, family violence, or issues with mental health, that one person can give them something that can make a significant, life-long impact: hope. And that is exactly what Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton strives to accomplish—to develop and fortify healthy relationships through individual and group mentorship programs that provide support, guidance, and opportunities for children and youth in need. To help the growth of their programs and continue to serve more youth and make real, positive changes in their lives, Tim Hortons hosted its 3rd annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake at Champs Family Entertainment Centre on April 5th.
Fourteen bowling teams, along with 14 sponsors (a new record this year, no less!), came to lace up their bowling shoes and
show their support, competing for an array of giveaways and raffle prizes. Zeeshan Hamid, Milton Regional Councilor, was there to host the evening’s 3rd annual event for Big Brothers Big Sisters, hoping to raise the same, if not more, funds from
previous years.
“All the money raised from this event goes to funding mentoring programs for at-risk youth in our community,” said Hamid.
“The last 2 years, we raised $20,000, and I’m hoping to reach half of that this year,so hopefully over 3 years we would have
raised $30,000!”
As the pins clashed and team members cheered each other on throughout the night, Kristin Vanderwater, Special Events Manager, and Susan Coyne, Resource Development Manager, for Big Brothers Big Sisters, helped the event run smoothly, ensuring teams had everything they needed throughout the night. When asked about the fundraising event’s goals, Kristin spoke to the heart of what Big Brothers Big Sisters does for its communities.
“What we’re doing is raising funds tonight for our mentoring programs,where we match a role model to a child in the community,” said Vanderwater. “We actually have a total of 2,400 children that we work with, along with the help of 800
mentors. And tonight, we’re probably going to be close to raising about $10,000!”
A community that cares about its local youth and children wouldn’t be without the heart, strength, support, and strong sense of altruism from its members and leaders. Debbie Bull-Prior, a local real estate agent in Milton, was there with her team to not only show off some bowling skills, but also to support Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission.
“When I heard there was an opportunity for a fundraising event, I was super excited to pull some friends together and get some donations,” said Bull-Prior. “And actually, a lot of real estate agents in Milton supported my team, too, so I’m really happy to support Big Brothers Big Sisters.”
By the time lanes closed up and all the raffle tickets were drawn, the big moment came when it was time to tally up this year’s donations. Big Brothers Big Sisters were proud to announce that donations reached exactly $10,005! Thanks to all the funds raised with the help of local sponsors and supporters, Big Brothers Big Sisters will continue to inspire local youth and children during their formative years to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more in their lives.