Big Brothers Big Sisters launches Bowl for Kids Sake campaign

After a successful 2019, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) has launched its goal for the new year to help children and youth of Niagara have a brighter future.

At the Parkway Social in St. Catharines on Jan. 13, BBBS announced its Tim Hortons Bowl for Kids Sake, its annual regional campaign that is in its 28th year.

Dale Davis, chief executive officer for Big Brothers/Sisters north and west Niagara, emphasized the importance the community plays to help the programs and services the organization provides.

“For our organization, this is the biggest fundraising initiative for the year and it represents 30 per cent or more of our annual budget,” said Davis.

The regional goal this year is to raise $180,000 to get 180 youth off the BBBS wait-list. It costs $1,000 to fund one big and little mentoring match for the year.

“In honour of Big Brothers Big Sisters new mission, which is to ignite the power in potential of youth in our community, this year’s theme is all about igniting the glow,” said Davis.

The public is encouraged to raise funds with family, friends, co-workers, local businesses, politicians and media, and collect pledges and online donations. Teams will then gather at a local bowling centre to bowl and support BBBS.

“I’d like to see our community give our children and youth an opportunity to graduate from college and university, wherever they want to go, whatever they do and whatever they want to be,” said Davis.

She reflected on her 16 years on the job, saying she’s seen many children grow up and through their matches see a positive change in their lives through foundational support, resilience and good life decisions.

The 2020 Bowl for Kids dates include:

St. Catharines (Parkway

Social)

• Feb. 22 at 4, 6 and 8 p.m.

• Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m.

• Feb. 29 at 6 and 8 p.m. Niagara Falls events will be held at both Cataract Bowl and Strike Rock N’Bowl

• Feb. 22 at 6 and 8 p.m. Welland (Jeff’s Bowl O Rama Lanes)

• March 7 at 4:30 and 7 p.m.

• March 11 at 4 p.m.

Fort Erie (Lucky Stryx)

• March 14 at 4:30 and 7 p.m. To find the agency closest to you, visit mentoringniagara.ca.