“Why do I want a Big Brother? Because I would have my own friend, have fun and feel special”, says Little Brother Jimmy.
Annually, all Big Brother Big Sister agencies are required to prepare a ‘Measuring Reach within a Mission and Vision Focussed Framework.’ We compile statistics on the number of children served and submit the information to our national office. We are pleased to report that for 2011, BBBSQ served 168 children/youth in the Quesnel area through our various programs.
Thirty children/youth received the benefit of a friendship with a Big Brother or Big Sister. Community In-School and Teen In-School Mentors were matched in a one to one relationship with 46 children/youth. Others enjoyed participating in our other programs which included: Big Bunch Monthly Group outings, Teen In-School Group Mentoring, Go Girls! Healthy Bodies/Healthy Minds and Game On – Eat Smart, Play Smart, Live Smart. A Big thank you to all of our mentors. With the help of community support, we helped members of our organization receive subsidized recreation activities (through Kidsport, Jump Start and the Matt Crick Memorial Fund) movies at the Carib Theatre, Tim Horton’s Children camp. Barlow Creek PAC gave tremendous holiday support to one of our families, as well as the Cariboo Observer and the staff and Board of BBSQ.
The BBBSQ organization also helped others in the community. In partnership with Staples, 50 families received help in purchasing school supplies. In partnership with Kwik Klean, 125 families received winter coats and outerwear.
We hope to reach out to more children/youth in the community. Our agency is recognized as being very successful and efficient, even though it has very limited funds for staffing needs. In order to continue to grow and still provide quality mentoring programs and services, staffing needs to be maintained. The Board and staff are actively engaged in pursuing new avenues for additional sustainable funding. Recent support from Quesnel Community Foundation was greatly appreciated.
BBBSQ is now selling raffle tickets at $5 each for West Jet flight for Two anywhere that West Jet flies in North America (excluding charter or vacation packages.) This promotion is being offered through West Jet Cares for Kids program. Drop by the office at 368 Vaughan Street. We will soon have them for sale in other areas of the community.
We still have room for more teams at our Bowl for Kids Sake event. Join us at Rev Bowling Lanes on April 29. Give us a call (992-7257) or register online at bigbrothersbigsistersofquesnel.ca
Prizes include Central Mountain Air return tickets for two to Vancouver, Via Rail return tickets for four from Prince George to Jasper, Kumsheen Rafting Expeditions, Interior Whitewater Rafting, Barkerville Historic Park passes and various spot prizes from local businesses. Thank you to 7-11 South, Rocky’s and Rev Bowling lanes for selling Bowling pin ups this month.
Maggie Bello is executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Quesnel.
