Scrambling for eggs good for kids
Big Brothers Big Sisters benefits from annual Easter hunt on Merritt Island
An estimated 1,000 children were all smiles at Merritt Island Park on Saturday for the 23rd annual Easter egg hunt hosted by volunteer firefighters in Welland.
What makes it extra special is that the event supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Niagara, allowing the many youngsters who participated to potentially help some of their peers in the long run.
For the past several years, about $5,000 has been raised through the hunt for the agency.
“It’s kids helping kids,” said event chairman Steve Dube.
There were carnival games, a wide menu of food, inflatables, and 10 separate Easter egg hunts for everyone to take a turn at during the well-attended celebration.
“The sun is shining, so that brings in a lot of families.”
There was also face painting, trivia contests, a fire truck display and appearances from Sparky the Fire Dog.
Prior to the local Big Brothers Big Sisters branch being the benefactor, the event raised funds for the children’s ward at Welland General Hospital, which is no longer in operation.
Barb Van Der Heyden, executive director of BBBS of South Niagara, said her group is always impressed with the turnout and the results the event generates for programming.
“It’s an incredible event — a great combination. The community always pulls together and enhances the Easter weekend.”
Welland, Port Colborne, Pelham, Wainfleet and Greater Fort Erie are the communities under the agency’s south Niagara umbrella, with Fort Erie being added to the mix through a merger in 2012, allowing for a more cohesive operation that supports children more effectively, said to Van Der Heyden.
“It’s been a great journey.” BBBS of South Niagara offers many options for youth in the region — one-on-one mentoring, in-school mentoring, separate programs for young girls and boys that stress the importance of healthy living, a group designed to support youth-aged newcomers, and more.