Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pictou County is celebrating its 40th Anniversary of serving children and youth through mentoring programs.
They’ll be kicking off the milestone year with their signature event, Bowl for Kids Sake.
“For an event that was only supposed to last five years, we have done extremely well at engaging the community,” Margie Grant-Walsh, executive director says. “It is obvious that the community truly believes in the services we provide for children and youth.”
The first Bowl for Kids Sake, formerly known as Bowl for Millions was held on Feb. 11, 1981 and raised $16,716.
“The event started out at the beginning engaging everyone in the community which I believe was a testament to how we still run the event,” says Grant-Walsh. “ This is a community event, supported by the community and the services are for our community.”
The theme of this year’s event will be “Tiaras and Ties” and hopes to be a grand celebration of 40 years of service while at the same time raising funds and volunteers for children on the wait list.
“Bowl for Kids Sake is one of our largest fundraisers, but we really want to focus this year on recruiting volunteers,” she said.
There are more than 150 children on the wait list to be paired with a Big Brother or Big Sister.
The organization has named special co-chairs for the event, who had early connections with the organization.
Stacey Murphy was a Little Sister in 1981 and Bob Curley was a founding board member in 1980. Both continue to support the local organization.
Murphy was matched in 1981 with her Big Sister Debbie Bowden
“Big Brothers Big Sisters helped me be who I am today, matching me with a Big Sister, a lifelong friend I could always count on ... someone who taught me to love myself and to love others as they are ... valuable life lessons,” Murphy said. “ My Big Sister Debbie was more than a Big Sister. Up until she passed away in October, I spoke with her regularly looking for advice.”
In addition to being a founding member Curley was a Big Brother in university.
“I’m so proud we were able to start this program and fulfill the needs of our community.”
Trish Fraser, President of the organization says they are thrilled to have the pair as co-chairs.
“What a gift it is for us to be able to welcome Bob back and showcase how our organization has grown since his dedication as a founding board member and to have Stacey join him as living proof and true testament to what Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pictou County can do for youth in our community. We can’t wait to have everyone join us for Bowl for Kids Sake in our 40th anniversary year!”
Bowl For Kids Sake is a major fundraiser held across Canada supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies. Pledges are collected and individuals, businesses, families and organizations bowl during the campaign. There will be a variety of events during March and April including the Swiss Chalet Wii bowling School Challenge held in elementary schools, with the larger event Superbowl Saturday on Saturday, April 4.
To kick off the event, a Free Pancake and Sausage Breakfast will take place on Friday, Feb. 7 from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Nova Scotia Community College. Ann and A.J. from The Mix 94.1 will be there to help promote the cause, with breakfast being served by Chef Gilles Godin and his culinary students. This is when distribution of bowl packages will take place and the start of registration. With a goal of $65,000 the organization is hoping for the community’s support once again.
Participants and donors are encouraged to visit their website www.bowlforkidssake.ca. You can register to bowl, set up a team, or donate to a bowler or just make a straight contribution. Receipts are generated instantly; credit cards can be used, and you can see the pledges climbing as donations roll in. This cuts down on administration costs of producing receipts after the event. For more information or to register a team call 902-752-6260
