The BIG Start

THANK YOU!

Thank you to everyone who donated to The Big Start 2026! Thanks to support from Niagara Pen Centre (Leyad) and some of their retail partners, PenFinancial Credit Union, Switzer Carty Transportation, Seaway Mall, Vintage Hotels, and other generous community donations, BBBSN provided 58 children and youth from across Niagara with a back-to-school shopping experience. Each participant received a $200 gift card to shop for school essentials alongside a mentor. They also enjoyed lunch provided by Industria Pizzeria, snacks donated by Zehrs, and left with a backpack filled with essential school supplies. In total, over 200 backpacks were filled, packed with over 2400 new items, and distributed to children, youth, and families supported by BBBSN.

What is The BIG Start

Typically run annually in August, The BIG Start program is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara’s annual back-to-school donation drive. New and unused school supplies are collected over a approximately 3 weeks at various locations across Niagara Region. In 2026, a bus supplied by Switzer-Carty Transportation and donation bins could were stationed insides Niagara Pen Centre. Donations could also be dropped off at all five PenFinancial Credit Unions Niagara locations, Seaway Mall, and Nearly New Thrift Store.

The campaign also collects online donations to help provide children and youth registered in BBBSN programs with a back-to-school shopping experience! On shopping day, they’re matched with a mentor to get back-to-school items that will help them feel prepared and confident to start the school year. Commonly purchased items include clothing and shoes.

New in 2026 was the Community Kickoff! The Big Start campaign officially kicked off on Friday, July 31st at the Niagara Pen Centre, bringing families together for a fun-filled afternoon.

Event Highlights include:

Family Activities: Attendees enjoyed a packed lineup, including face painting, custom balloon twisting, photo ops, and a hands-on craft workshop hosted by Home Depot.

Community Impact: Families gained access to the fun by donating new school supplies or a minimum $5 monetary contribution per participant, directly benefiting Niagara students ahead of the school year.

Looking for other ways to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara? Check out more of our events and explore our volunteer opportunities.