WELLINGTON NORTH – Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Wellington (BBBSNW) is once again hosting its largest fundraiser, the Bowl For Kids Sake campaign.
The event runs from Feb. 4 to March 3, including three community bowling events on Feb. 2 and 23 and March 2. All the money raised during the campaign stays in Wellington North communities, allowing BBBSNW to offer programs free of charge.
The first Sunday bowl on Feb. 2 was a successful day, with 28 teams and 189 bowlers raising over $14,000, according to BBBSNW mentoring co-ordinator Teri Dykeman.
The Minto-Mapleton teams met at the Mount Forest Bowling Centre for the opening event of the campaign, which has an overall goal of $60,000 and is open to all community members.
“The past couple years has been difficult as many children/youth and families are still experiencing trying times with isolation and inflation,” officials stated.
Several local politicians spoke at the campaign kick off, including Perth-Wellington MP John Nater, Minto Mayor Dave Turton and Mapleton Mayor Gregg Davidson.
The theme for the 2025 campaign is “The 70s,” which had guests dressing groovy.
BBBSNW staff members have also donated prizes for teams to win. To participate in the next events, gather a team together, register by emailing teri.dykeman@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca or call 519-323-4273, and join the community fun.
The Feb. 23 event will be for the Mount Forest community and the March 2 event is for the Arthur-Alma community.
Programs
“The most amazing part of Bowl for Kids is that everyone is invited, from all three of our communities, and everyone feels welcome,” BBBSNW executive director Marianne Christie stated at the first event.
The money raised will help operate the agency’s three mentoring programs: the one-to-one community match program, in-school mentoring program, and Go Girls and Game On groups.
“All three of these programs help the kids we serve experience new opportunities and learn new skills,” explained Christie. “A mentoring relationship can make a huge difference for a child, including developing a positive identity, good mental health, social inclusion and empowerment.”
The agency is currently looking for new volunteers as it has over 15 children in the one-to-one program waiting to be matched. This program matches youth between ages six and 18 to a big brother or big sister mentor. The two get together once a week and participate in activities while building a friendship.
“That number doesn’t include the kids needing the program at the schools,” Christie added.
The agency partnered with surrounding school boards to create the in-school mentoring program which includes a volunteer matching with a student.
“We believe that every child who needs a mentor, will have a mentor,” Christie said. “And we will do our best to make that happen.”
Those who are unable to bowl but would like to donate can do so at nothwellington.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca or by e-transferring funds to office_bbbs@wightman.ca.
