The BIG Start

On Thursday, July 31st, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara (BBBSN) will be launching “The BIG Start” program for the third year in a row. A bus supplied by Switzer-Carty Transportation and donation bins will be stationed inside the Niagara Pen Centre (between Walmart and SportCheck) until August 20th to collect new/unopened back-to-school essentials. There will also be an opportunity to donate online.

This year’s program is sponsored by Mat Siscoe’s SCORE Fund and PenFinancial Credit Union. Last year, the program impacted 46 youth with a $200 shopping experience and 180 youth with backpacks, and this year they aim to exceed these numbers. Their goal is to support over 60 children and youth involved with a back-to-school shopping event on August 23rd.

This program impacts the youth in two crucial ways. It is pivotal for a youth’s self-esteem, motivation, and excitement for school to be well-equipped for the school year ahead, but it also allows the mentor and mentee to build core memories and strengthen their relationship. The time shopping together provides an opportunity for important conversations about any worries, anxieties, and excitement about the upcoming school year.

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE/MAKE A DONATION

From July 31st – August 20th, we are looking for members of the community and business partners to:

MAKE AN ONLINE DONATION

Proceeds will be used to help more matches participate in this program.

USE THE FORM BELOW OR CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION

DROP OFF A NEW/UN-OPENED ITEM TO

Niagara Pen Centre Event Court (in the hallway between SportChek and Walmart) or Guest Services

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara St. Catharines and Welland offices

PenFinancial Credit Union

CLICK HERE to view our full preferred donation list

BECOME A SPONSOR

Sponsor 5, 10 or 25 matches to participate in this program!

Contact ashley.sinclair@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca for more information.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS