30 mentors..30 days

30 mentors….30 days

Wouldn’t that be something?

Help us reach 30 mentors by January 30th and help 30 Burlington Youth reach their full potential.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington has recently launched a Burlington specific volunteer recruitment campaign to help address the immediate needs of 30 boys currently waiting for a Big Brother. The hope is not only to recruit male volunteers, but also to start a conversation in Burlington about the difference a mentor can make in the life of a child.

Here is how you can help:

1) If you are a mentor, share your story with your colleagues, friends and family. Encourage them to give back to the children and youth in Burlington by mentoring.

2) If you are not a mentor, take some time and look over our website. In addition to one-to-one mentoring, Big Brothers Big Sisters offers various opportunities for mentoring in group settings. The agency works with each individual volunteer to help find the most suitable program.

If you require more information, please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at info@callbigbrothers.com or 905-525-3860.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Big Sister Karrie Capp and her little sister, Irene, for their winning submission to the National Big Brother Big Sister logo contest. Apparently the creativity of this Big and Little sister match extends well beyond the wonderful cakes that they decorate together. The pair won $100 in gas gift certificates – something they will be sure to use over the upcoming holidays.

Celebrate the Holidays at Ikea!

BBBS is gearing up to 'man’ the Christmas Tree Lot at Ikea Burlington from late November until the treees are sold. This means we need volunteers from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day from November 25th to December 23rd.


We will be breaking up each day into shifts and we will accommodate any schedule. Volunteers will be responsible for verifying receipts (customers pay $20 inside, then bring receipt to the lot), giving out Ikea coupons (every tree purchaser receives a $20 Ikea coupon) and helping to pick out and load trees.


BBBS will receive $1 from every tree sold! This is a great volunteer opportunity for high school/college/university students (must be 16+ or accompanied by an adult), corporate/community groups or as a day of family fun! You will also receive unlimited hot chocolate and coffee.


Help us celebrate the holiday season and sign up today. Form more information please contact Tracey at tracey@callbigbrothers.com.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrates a Job Well Done!

It was with great pleasure that Big Brothers Big Sisters celebrated its’ grand re-opening on Monday November 7th, 2011.

Over the past 18 months, with the help from the corporate and community supporters listed below, the agency has been able to make much needed building improvements inside and out. The building, located at 639 Main Street East in Hamilton houses administrative and recreational space for mentoring programs and the community. A dedication plaque was unveiled during the event which reads “This building is dedicated to all who believe in the value and values of mentoring. Bigs and Littles, volunteers and donors – past, present and future, this building salutes you.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington would like to thank the following supports who have contributed financially to make the building renovation possible:

Government of Canada
Government of Ontario
4XEm Corporation
ArcelorMittal
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington Foundation
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ontario
Binatech Systems Solutions
City Windows & Glass
Fastsigns
Fine Line Signs
Martin Stewart Contracting
United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton http://www.blogger.com/www.uwaybh.ca

Chill Zone

Santa's Ultimate Chill Zone
Saturday December 10th 2011
11:00am-2:00pm
Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA
79 James St South
Here are some of the FUN THINGS that you can do
Bounce around the clock
you are the start
Ruldoph's Rock Out
Santa's Work Out Shop
Frosty Winter Carnival
Do You Hear What I Hear
Mad Science

Haunted House

Get Creative

Get Creative!
We are excited to tell you about our upcoming contest for all Bigs and Littles and invite you to encourage them to participate in the fun!

We are asking matches to work together to create and submit their interpretation of our Big Brothers Big Sisters logo using the artistic medium of their choice. Whether that be finger-painting, clay, wood, building blocks, crayons, collage, graphic design – we want to see it!


The contest opens up today and runs until Nov 7. Please encourage Bigs and their Littles to post their creations on our Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada Facebook page. All contest details are listed there (click CONTEST in the menu.

Please "like" our wall post about the contest and re-post it on your agency's wall to help spread the word!

Matches without a Facebook account can still participate by sending a photo of their creation to Rosemary Velcich, Manager of Development Programs at rosemary.velcich@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

Labels: Alumni, Marketing and Brand, Opportunities for Volunteers, Opportunities for Youth

BBBS of Hamilton and Burlington has several great offers

BBBS of Hamilton and Burlington has several great offers that are available to our volunteers – the only catch…first come first serve. Please call 905-525-3860 to arrange a pick up!

Free Class Passes to Moksha Yoga Hamilton, a new experience in hot yoga located at University Plaza | 101 Osler Drive | Dundas.
Calm mind. Fit Body. Inspired life.

Is your skin looking weathered, wrinkled or discoloured? Well here is your chance to pamper yourself. We have complimentary Advanced Repair Peptide facials, courtesy of Advanced Rejuvenation Medical Spa in Burlington.

Two week unlimited Gold Membership package at Joslin’s Mixed Martial Arts located on Concession Street Hamilton.

A three-month membership at the Upper James – Premier Fitness.

The Argos invite all Big Brothers Big Sisters

Dear Friends,

The Argos invite all Big Brothers Big Sisters Alumni to attend an exciting afternoon of football on Saturday, October 1st at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.



A buy-one-get-one-free ticket of $31 will grant you and your guest to an exclusive all-access experience that includes:

A behind the scenes tour of the field and the Rogers Centre (beginning at 5pm)
An opportunity to watch both the Argos and the Hamilton Tiger Cats warm up
The chance to meet and shake hands with members of both teams
Special mention of Big Brothers Big Sisters on the Jumbo tron during the game


This is a great chance to celebrate Big Brothers Big Sisters in a public way. If you are in a current match it is also a great way to spend time with your Little, and create a day that he or she won't soon forget.



Call Dan Gaffney or James Le Huquet to order your bronze level tickets: 416-341-2715 or 416-341-2791. Pass it on!





Sincerely,
Joel Porter, Vice-President of Development
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada

CONES FOR KIDS

Marble Slab Creamery & Big Brothers Big Sisters presents Cones for Kids. From August 26th through to September 5th you are encouraged to buy a ‘paper cone’ in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters. On August 27th $1 from each cone sold will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Check out your local Marble Slab stores
Burlington: 3047 Appleby Line (Highway 5)
Hamilton: 1550 Upper James & 1783 Stonechurch Rd

Telling Tales – A Family Festival of Stories

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington is a proud community partner of the Rotary Club of Hamilton Sunset and this award winning festival. All are welcome to attend this free event and celebrate the joys of reading.

When: Sunday September 18th, 2011
Where: Westfield Heritage Village, Rockton, Ontario
More Information at: www.tellingtales.org

Festival Highlights
• Musical Performances
• Poetry Readings
• Meet your Favourite Authors, Illustrators, Musicians and Storytellers
• Historical & Literary Figures
• Interactive demonstrations by well-known Canadian Illustrators
• Summer Stage Performers
• Storytellers
• Inspiring Talks about Youth, Top Canadian Children’s Books, Literacy and Publishing
• Puppet Show
• Activity Centre
• And much more Fun!!!

Blue Jays Hit a Grand Slam with Agency Kids!

Thanks to the Jays Care Foundation 35 youth from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington enjoyed Club Seats at a recent Jays home game. They were treated to lots of food and fun as the Jays came away with the victory. For many of the youth it was their first time enjoying a Blue Jays game from the club seats. Thank you Jays Care Foundation!

Exclusive Ticket Offer

Exclusive Ticket Offer
Buy 1 get 1 for bigs/littles – employees, volunteers and Alumni

Home fan tunnel
A pre-game experience like no other
Every little in a BigBrothers/BigSisters t-shirt

Concourse booth
Raise awareness in front of 24,000

Photo shoot
A photo for each big and little
With an Argonauts back drop
Exclusive ticket offering of a buy one get one free deal
Have not extended this offer to other groups before

Video board announcement for fan tunnel along with fan scan

Video board announcement for group event

Group environment with everyone sitting in a BigBrothers/BigSisters section

Personal coordination from your account executives from start to finish of group event

Photo shoot for every big and little prior to game
For monthly flyer and agency use

Concourse booth on 100 level for awareness and recognition for entire game

Feel free to contact Lori directly: Lori.plati@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Posted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton & Burlington at 2:55 PM
Email This
BlogThis!
Share to Twitter
Share to Facebook
Share to Google Buzz
Help Support Big Brothers Big Sisters Saturday August 13, 2011 @ Burlington Legion
You can see more detail on our website, but our first ever BOSL Poker Tournament is coming up soon. Saturday, August 13th. It’s for TWO great causes – Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Nelson Youth Centre. Very inexpensive as far as poker tourneys go. $75.00 which includes Gator Ted’s food during the night. Major cash prizes and also a raffle that night for a foursome of golf at a fancy golf course.

Spots are filling up super quick, so it’s best to register/pay online for sure. I doubt there’ll be the chance to do so at the door as it’s a first-pay/first-in type of deal.


http://www.bosl.ca/texas
Posted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton & Burlington at 9:32 AM
Email This
BlogThis!
Share to Twitter
Share to Facebook
Share to Google Buzz
Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Big Brothers Big Sisters has your Tiger Cat Tickets now!

Big Brothers Big Sisters has your Tiger Cat Tickets now!

Feel the ROAR!! Buy your Tiger Cat tickets vouchers today at Big Brothers Big Sisters: Tickets available for all home games at 55% off regular retail prices. Please call 905-525-3860 to purchase.

Promise Scholarship

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to congratulate the following 2010/2011 Promise Scholarship Recipients:

Daniel Sanchez
Chyanne Connor
Taylor Henderson
Luke Stone
Andrew Dempsey
Chyenne Wray-Fast (McLelland)
Timmy Bobbitt
Leesa Neill
Bryce St. Onge
Andreja Daly


Promise Scholarship Program
The Promise Scholarship is awarded to 10 students in Grade 7 as a promise that if they keep up their commitment to academics, the community and themselves, we will be there to offer financial assistance when they enter post secondary school. Unlike other scholarships (which are typically awarded at the end of high school), we offer the message of hope and promise early in a child's academic life. When a child is accepted into a post secondary institution, we advocate on the child's behalf to receive matching scholarship funds.

Saturday, August 13, 2011 FREE EVENT

Pier 8
47 Discovery Drive
Hamilton, ON
Pier 8 - Hamilton Waterfront Trust
Check in Stations:
Pier 8 Scoops Ice Cream Hut
Discovery Centre North Side
Bayfront Park Boat Launch
Fishway on Waterfront Trail
La Salle Park Boat Launch
Marine Police Basin
Fishing, Environment
and Water Safety
Demonstrations
1000 Free Fishing Rods for Children 12 and under
For more information, call 905-523-4498
www.hamiltonwaterfront.com

Overnights

With the summer season almost upon us, and cottage and camping season well underway, the staff at Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to take this opportunity to remind you of our overnight policy.

Overnights are permitted, for each friendship, a total of four times in a twelve month period, and each overnight is allowed to last a maximum of 3 nights in a row. Overnights are not permitted to occur outside of Canada and all participants wishing to have an overnight outing, must first complete an overnight permission form. These forms can be mailed (or emailed) to you, by your Case Manager.

Consignment Ticket Opportunities for Big Brothers Big Sisters

We have two discount consignment ticket opportunities this summer for volunteers, families and staff of Big Brothers Big Sisters. The first is for Bingemans in Kitchener and the second is for the CNE. Below is the information necessary to purchase these tickets online.

BingemansIn order to purchase Consignment tickets, please visit www.bingemans.com and click the “Consignment” link in the bottom right hand corner. It will then direct you to enter in your username and password, before purchasing your tickets.
You must call the off inorder to get the username and password.


Discounted Oktoberfest and Screampark tickets will also be available through our online Consignment Program by the end of August. You will receive a courtesy email once these tickets become available.



CNEYour colleagues can begin accessing our special Corporate Rates right away! Please direct them to the CNE website: www.TheEx.com. They will click on the button that says "Get Tickets" and then on the "Corporate/Group Partners" link. Please call the office to get the access code.

https://secure.ticket-ops.com/Canadian_National_Exhibition

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

IMAGINE IN THE PARK
FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL


Imagine in the Park Family Arts Festival is seeking volunteers
to assist with the Festival on Sunday July 24, 2011 at Gage Park. The
Festival will provide free hands on workshops for children ages 6 to 12.
Volunteers will be needed in the following areas.
Artist workshops
Information
Stages
General
Setup & Take down

Volunteers will be:
• Secondary School Students and adults interested in the Arts, including visual, music, theatre, dance and literary arts.
• Available for all information and training sessions
• Available for shifts from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and/or from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Festival Day Sunday July 24, 2011
• Reliable, courteous and energetic


** Volunteer hours will count towards secondary school 40 hour volunteer
requirement. A letter will be issued from the Festival organizers.


Information/Registration session will be held on
Wednesday June 8th , 6:30 p.m. at
The Hamilton Children’s Museum
1072 Main Street East
Hamilton, ON L8M 1N6

Contact: Karen McCartney(905) 546-4848
karen.mccartney@hamilton.ca

Inside the World of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton & Burlington

Log on to youtube and check us out

http://www.youtube.com/

Then you can go to BBBS Hamilton and Burlington to check us out on Youtube

Celebrate Summer and support Big Brothers Big Sisters

On the eve of the summer solstice, Monday June 20,
at Ye Olde Squire Restaurant, 3537 Fairview Street, Burlington
4-8pm

enjoy a fabulous fish and chips dinner, silent auction and door prizes. The cost is a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton & Burlington.
Give the BBQ a break, treat friends & family, meet with fellow employees, and best of all no dishes!
For further details contact Bob, 905-525-3860 x 308
rsalac@callbigbrothers.com

19th Annual Fishing Derby

Scotsman Point R.R.#1 Lakefield Ontariowill offer their resort facilities to groups the weekend of May 6, to May 8, 2011 for a Perch, Bluegill and Crappie Fishing Derby.
Special Weekend Packages avalible, Please call the resort directly at 705-657-8630

Volunteer appreciation week/month

April is a time to Celebrate volunteers! Please join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington as we take a moment to thank all of our volunteers! Your commitment of time and support make this community a better place for children and their families. A heartfelt thank you for giving a child the opportunity to reach his/her full potential.

Thank You Event Partners, Bowlers, Sponsors and Volunteers.

You came, you supported, and you changed a Life!

Big Brothers Big Sisters is proud to announce close to $100,000 was raised through our Tim Horton’s Bowl for Kids Sake campaign. This event ensures children in this community receive the support, opportunities, and guidance needed to reach their full potential.

Event Highlights
Over $40,000 was raised on-line. This is our highest total ever!
Our incentive sponsors Tim Horton’s, Best Buy Burlington and Boston Pizza provided awesome incentive prizes.
We had one committed, dedicated and enthusiastic bowler raise $10,200 on-line.

On behalf of the children and families we serve, thank you again for your continued support. We hope to see you for Bowl 2012!

2011 Golf Classic on Tuesday June 14th

2011 Go Girls Golf on Friday August 19th at Flamborough Hills.

Our Golf Classic, now in its 19th year, will include lunch, 18 holes of golf and a fabulous dinner, all at Copetown Woods. This tournament offers great prizes and an exceptional live and silent auction, with many unique experiences and packages, as well as exclusive sports memorabilia. Proceeds from this event funds mentoring programs in our community.

Our Go Girls! tournament is perfect if you are a pro, occasional or beginner golfer. This ladies-only event includes a 9-hole tournament, lunch and a perfect opportunity to have fun with your friends, family and/or co-workers. The money from this event helps to fund Go Girls!, a program that supports, inspires and empowers adolescent girls to make healthy life choices.
Your participation in our tournaments over the past few years has supported hundreds of children in our community. Through your support, new mentoring friendships were made, new recreational and educational opportunities were offered and new programming within the community was delivered. Your involvement brought us closer to our goal of ‘every child who needs a mentor, has a mentor’. Your participation this year will help Big Brothers Big Sisters support over 1,000 current friendships, find friends for the 150 children still on our waiting list and expand our programs in the community and the school system.

Please visit our website or better yet, call Bob at 905-525-3860 x 308 to register.

A BIG THANK YOU TO FINE LINE SIGNS

Pictured Above

Karl Murray and Ed Timmerman from Fine Line Signs and Marianne Noakes, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington.

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to thank Fine Line Signs Co. for their generous donation and support in the construction of our new outdoor sign located at 639 Main St E Hamilton

Registration is now OPEN

Registration is now OPEN for the 2011 Tim Hortons Bowl for Kids Sake event and this year is going to be better than ever! With Tim Hortons, Best Buy and Boston Pizza on board for prizes, you won't want to miss this event. The lanes have been reserved and we're looking forward to you joining us this spring.
Here are the event dates:

Saturday March 5th at Splitsville Hamilton (Tim Hortons Teams Only)
Wednesday March 9th at Primetime Bowl Burlington
Wednesday March 23rd at Splitsville Hamilton
Saturday March 26th at Splitsville Hamilton
Wednesday March 30th at Primetime Hamilton

Tim Hortons Bowl for Kids Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters’ largest fundraiser. This event provides funds for our agency to continue to provide role models to children in need. By building friendships with supportive, caring mentors, children gain the relationship-building skills and self-esteem needed to reach their full potential. Your fundraising efforts will help ensure every child who needs a mentor has a mentor.
Grab your friends, family, co-workers and join us today!
Get event and registration information at http://HamiltonBurlington.kintera.org/2011BFKS or better yet, call
Bob at 905-525-3860 x 308

Looking for Something to Do this March Break

If you’re looking for something to do on Family Day or a fun activity this month or March, this information is for you……………………………………

Family Day Hamilton, Free skating
Coronation, Inch Park, Scott Park, Stoney Creek, Spring Valley: 10am – 12pm
Rosedale: 11am – 1pm
Valley Park: 12pm – 2pm
Chedoke Twin Pad, J.L Grightmire (Dundas): 1pm – 3pm
Eastwood, Lawfield, Saltfleet: 2pm – 4pm

Family Day Hamilton, Free open gym, swim and activities
Ancaster Aquatic Centre: Family swim 1:30 – 3:00pm
Ancaster Rotary Centre: Family gym 12:00 – 1:45 and 2:00 – 3:45
Beasley Community Centre: Family gym 12:00 – 2:00
Bennetto Community Centre:Snow Snacks 11:30-12:00, Family games 12:00 – 1:00, Public Swim 1:15- 4
Central Memorial Rec Centre: family swim 12 – 2, public swim 1;15 – 3, open gym 2 – 4, family swim 3– 4
Dalewood Rec Centre: public swim 1 – 3, family gym games 1 – 3, movie and games 1 – 3
Riverdale community Centre: family table tennis 11:30 – 3:30, public swim 12:45 – 3:30
Dundas Community Pool: public swim 1:15 – 3:30
Dundas Lions Memorial Rec Centre: Sportsmania 9 – 12
Hill Park:Family Craft night 5 – 7, open swim 5– 7, family science 6 – 8, family film, 7 – 9, family swim 7 -9
Huntington Rec Centre: fantastic family fun 12 – 2:30, public swim 12:30 – 2 and 2:30 – 4:00
Jimmy Thompson Pool: public swim 1 – 3:30
Pinky Lewis: public swim 1 – 3:30
Ryerson Rec Centre: public swim 2 – 4
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Rec Centre: Family table tennis 11 – 3, public swim 1:15 – 3:00
Sir Winston Churchill Rec Centre: Family craft 12 – 1, public swim 1 – 3:30
Valley Park Rec Centre: public swim 4:30 – 6:00, family gym 4:30 – 6 and 6:15 – 7:30

Family Day in Burlington
Tansley Woods
Community Centre Drop-In Family Gym* 9:30am-2:30pm
Drop-In Craft* 9:30am-2:30pm
Drop-In Basketball* 2:30-4:30pm
Family Fitness - Walk Tone & Stretch* 10:30-11:20am
Family Fitness - Cardio Sculpt* 1:30-2:20pm
Family Fitness - Zumba* 11:30am-12:15pm
There is a cost associated with each activity at Tansley Woods or you can purchase a family day pass for
Swim$15 for a family of up to 5 to participate in 5 family day events each.

Skating Opportunities
Appleby Ice Centre
Arena B Family Skate 10am-12noon
Public Skate 1-2:30pm
Public Skate 2:30-3pm
Rotary Centennial Pond
Public Skate 10am-10pm
weather permitting
Swimming Opportunities
Aldershot Pool Family Swim 10am-12noon
Angela Coughlan Pool Lap Swim 12noon-1:30pm
Fun Swim 1:30-3:30pm
Tansley Woods
Community Centre Leisure Swim* 9:30am-1:30pm
Shallow Aquafit 9:30-10:15am

Burlington Kidfest
Family Day, February 21, 2010
The Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore is proud to present the first annual Burlington Kidfest. Kidfest is a fun-filled entertainment extravaganza. It is located at Corpus Christi High School in Burlington. Admission is $2 per person (children under 2 free) and all proceeds raised at Kidfest go to support Rotary Children’s Charities. There are additional charges for food, activities and entertainment, and tickets for shows and activities will be for sale on site from 8:30 a.m.
Come in early and be served breakfast by Mayor Rick Goldring and some of your favourite cartoon friends! After Breakfast, make your way over to theatre at 9 a.m. for California Party Magic – the only magic show of the day! Come early and beat the crowds! Tickets for all shows in the theatre go on sale at 8:30 a.m.

Valens Ice Fest
February 20, 2011
Presented By » Valens Conservation Area and Campground
Celebrate the winter season at Valens' annual IceFest. This event includes winter family events, such as ice skating, pick-up hockey, games, wagon rides, ice cutting, ice fishing demos, historical demonstrations by Westfield Heritage Village and much more. Powell Pavilion will be the base for most of the events.

Family Day at the Griffin House
February 21, 2011
Presented By » Griffin House
Families can explore black history together as they stroll the paths of the Dundas Valley and visit Griffin House National Historical Site. Warm up with some apple cider and conversation! Griffin House is a 19th century home that stands as a testament to the strength and bravery of black Canadians who sought freedom in Ontario.

Taste of Spring – Maple Syrup in Burlington
February 26 – April 3
See how sap is magically transformed into sweet, sticky syrup and smell the fragrant steam rising from simmering kettles
Learn the secrets of Maple Candy making and taste FREE candy samples
Enjoy piping hot pancakes smothered in fresh maple syrup outdoors under our pavilion nestled in the woods
Slide, climb jump and run in the PlayBarn
See dramatic birds of prey demonstrations in the Raptor Centre 12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm
View bison, eagles, hawks and owls along the Wildlife Walkway
ALSO* Enjoy a guided, leisurely horse drawn wagon ride through the sugar bush!
Admission;Adults: $7.25 Children (ages 5-14):$5.00 Seniors (65+):$6.25 Children 4 & under Free Wagon Rides $3.00/adult, $2.00/child
Hours of Operation Park opens at 9:30am; MapleTowne is open to visitors from 10am to 4pm

Sweet Taste of Spring Maple Syrup Festival
Sunday, March 6, 13, 20 & 27, and Wednesday, March 16 and Thursday, March 17, 2011
Runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Presented By » Westfield Heritage Village
Families will join early Canadian settlers as they encounter the legends and techniques that surround the production of maple syrup; discover how Canada's First Nations' made syrup and sugar using a hollowed-out log and hot rocks; watch 19th century pioneers as they use the three cauldron method of preparing the sweet syrup and learn how the modern method uses the evaporator to make the delicious syrup. Families can also embark on an old fashioned horse and wagon ride through time; stroll through a rural 1860's village, visiting historical homes and shops along the way; savour the flavour of Canada's own sweetener; and enjoy the finest pancake meals you've ever had and discover our maple syrup gift shop. Sunday, March 5, 12, 19 & 26, and Wednesday and Thursday of the March Break, 2011 Runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m

Traditional match a perfect fit for Justin and Greg

Traditional match a perfect fit for Justin and Greg

By LAURA LENNIE, NEWS STAFF
Stoney Creek News Letter

Tell a friend Justin White and his Big Brother Greg Sinasac are a perfect match.

“Every time Greg’s mom catches me dipping into the cookie jar in the kitchen, she says, ‘OK, Greg,’” laughed the 13-year-old Stoney Creek resident. “My Big Brother’s awesome.” For Greg, the feeling is mutual.

“I have two older sisters and have always wanted a little brother to just hang out with and play sports with,” said the 23-year-old, who lives in Binbrook. “It’s great because Justin’s like a miniature version of me.” Justin and Greg were introduced through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington’s Traditional Match program in January 2008.

The program includes Big Brothers, Sisters, Couples and Families.

Volunteers are matched with a child between the ages of six and 18.

The Big and Little spend two to three hours, once a week participating in low-cost activities.

“Justin was referred to our agency by his mother,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington representative Laura Hickerson. “Greg was chosen as a good match for Justin because of his high energy, his close proximity to Justin’s house and his unique interests.”

When Justin and Greg aren’t baking, cooking or getting into flour fights in the kitchen, they attend church and sporting events.

The pair have mountain biked on a variety of off road trails and even built a tree fort in the woods by Greg’s house.

Justin and Greg also spend countless hours crafting things out of wood.

“I didn’t know what woodworking was until Greg introduced me to it. Now I love it,” said Justin. “I’ve learned a lot of things from him. It’s awesome having someone to really look up to and just have fun with.” Greg said hanging out with Justin is a “blast.” “It’s great knowing that I can help him too. We’re pretty close, so we talk about a lot of things,” he said. “As much as it might seem like he’s the one that gets a lot out of it, I get a lot from it too. He makes me laugh and is just a really good kid and that’s why I do it.” Justin’s mother, Terry White, is grateful for Greg and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington.

“Greg’s whole personality is phenomenal. He’s there for Justin in every way, whether they’re just hanging out or Justin needs someone to talk to, and if there is a concern Greg knows to give me the heads up too,” she said. “You couldn’t have asked for a better guy. I would recommend it (Big Brothers Big Sisters Traditional Match program) to anybody.” Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington offers other mentoring programs as well.

Social Opportunities Activities and Relationships (SOAR) is a group mentoring program, which provides children currently waiting for a Big Brother or Sister the opportunity to participate in social, recreational and educational activities.

A volunteer accompanies one or two children to a pred e t e r m i n e d c o m m u n i t y activity one evening a week.

Activities include open gym nights, laser tag, bowling, crafts/woodworking, skating and swimming.

“(Children waiting for a Big Brother or Sister), together with other volunteers and children, can have fun and build friendships,” said Hickerson, adding there are about 26 children/youth in Stoney Creek and east Hamilton currently waiting for a Big Brother or Sister.

“This program is not only great for the kids, but also a great volunteer opportunity. It allows the volunteer to meet great people, have fun in the community and positively impact the life of a child.” Justin is already hoping to one day return the favour to another child.

“I’ll probably be a Big Brother too,” he said. “Big Brothers Big Sisters is an awesome organization.

I’d like to give back.” For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington, including its Traditional Match program, other mentoring programs or how to become a volunteer, call 905-525- 3860 or visit www.callbigbrothers.com.

Glee Club

Reach Glee Club

Reach, is a place where children who get joy out of singing will have the opportunity to explore their passion and socialize through music. Children who attend the club will have the option of performing in front of their parents but will attend the club for the sole purpose of singing for enjoyment. By attending Reach, children will enhance their social skills, teamwork skills, and possibly leadership skills. Although developing certain skills is an important aspect of Reach, ensuring every child explores their creativity and learns to be more confident in their abilities is the greater goal.
Target music: Popular songs that are age appropriate and are from a variety of genres; kids will be given options and therefore will be involved in choosing the songs.
Where will the club take place? To be determined; McMaster University is a possible location.
When will the club take place? Saturdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. March 5th- April 2nd.Costs: This club will be free for any child who wishes to attend.
For more information please contact Naomi by way of e-mail at:
k_lankan_30@hotmail.com
*Please note that the facilitators of Reach are not affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton.
This notice has been provided to you as a courtesy*

Winter Carnival

FREE FAMILY FUN
WINTER CARNIVAL FEBRUARY 26TH 2011
12PM-4PM
COPPS COLISEUM
101 YORK BLVD.
HAMILTON ONTRARIO

ENJOY FREE
ICE SKATING
MIDWAY GAMES
MAGICIANS
CLOWNS
HOT CHOCOLATE
CARNIVAL SNACKS

Thank You Tim Hortons!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington, on behalf of the staff, parents and especially the children of our agency would like to take this opportunity to thank the Tim Hortons Foundation for their continued support, generosity, and commitment to children in this community.

We are thrilled to report that during 2010, 26 children from our agency received the opportunity to experience the joys attending a Tim Hortons camp. With the support of the Tim Hortons Foundation, children who are currently involved in our agency, had the opportunity to build leadership skills, self-confidence and develop positive relationships while having lots of fun along the way. Without this Foundation, this would have not been possible. We are truly grateful.

Please join me in extending our thanks and appreciation to the Tim Hortons Foundation.

Marianne Noakes, Executive Director,
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington.

HAPPY 2011 to all of our valued Big Brothers and Sisters!

For matched Bigs in our Big Brothers Big Sisters program, please see below some important agency updates.

You will be receiving a mailing from our agency which will include:
• A new 2011 membership card and updated concession booklet.
• Newly issued passcode for the Coach House. Please note the renovation will be completed sometime in April. At this time you will be notified when you will be able to access this newly designed space. Please keep your passcode in a safe place.
• A Bowl for Kids Sake event brochure. This will give you all the important and exciting event details and how you can join in the fun while raising critical funds for our agency.


At this time, we would ask that you send your preferred email address to info@callbigbrothers.com. Approximately 30% of our volunteers have not provided an email address, which in turn means you are not receiving regular correspondence from this agency. As you know email is a fast and cost-effective way to communicate agency news, free tickets and events. So please, if you have not done so already, stay in touch with us and send your correct address toady.

Finally, as we begin a New Year, we want to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued efforts and commitment to the children in this community. Your time and support is making this world a brighter and happier place for kids. On behalf of the children we serve and our staff, I offer you the hope of peace and prosperity throughout 2011.


Marianne Noakes, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington