The annual bowl for kids started 25 years ago with seven people taking to the lanes in Listowel and raising $1,000.
Marnie Mainland said on Sunday that Big Brothers Big Sisters wondered at the time “What will we ever do with this much money?”
The answer, at least in part, was to grow. She said Sunday at the Mount Forest Bowling Centre that organizers were hoping to raise $65,000 with this year’s event and that the money would be used to help 126 children who are in need of a mentor or simply someone to talk to.
“Annually, we assist 126 kids one to one or with group mentoring,” Mainland said, adding the organization has been in existence much longer than 25 years, but the bowling fundraiser was started 25 years ago.
She also noted, “Once the families are on board, we’re there for the whole family.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters provides time for children who are absent a parent. It gives children a chance to talk with an adult outside the family, and also provides shared activities for the child and mentor.
Mainland said that at least one former Little Brother would be attending the anniversary celebrations, and that he had later become a Big Brother to give back to the organization.
Bill Lawless, the chairman of BBBS said there were 16 volunteers present for the bowling that lasted well into the afternoon.
Retired OPP officer Bob McIntee, the chairman of the event, said, “We’re pretty proud of the people who are here consistently, year after year.”
Mainland, who works part time for Wellington Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott, thanked a number of politicians who attended the 25th anniversary kick-off. “I know how busy you are, she told Perth Wellington MP Gary Schellenberger and that riding’s MPP, John Wilkinson. Mount Forest Mayor Ray Tout was also on hand to help celebrate the anniversary.
Schellenberger said that during the rough weather the previous day, his wife reminded him of the even three years previously where he was forced to turn back because the visibility was so poor.
On the way home, he was forced to pull into a driveway because the storm was so bad, and stayed for hours in the home of an elderly woman.
He said they are now friends, and he attributed that friendship to the Bowl For Kids.
Wilkinson said it is nice the organizers will be celebrating their silver anniversary by “collecting some silver” for a good cause.
“There is nothing that unites people more than helping kids,” he said.
“There shouldn’t be a child that doesn’t have someone to talk to. We’re very proud of the work you do.
Tout said the event is “a huge benefit for our community” and noted “a lot of community groups are coming out.”
On Sunday, 42 teams from the Arthur and Alma area helped to raise $14,176 – a nice start toward the campaign goal of $65,000.
Mainland said, “We are so very appreciative of our generous communities, the wonderful press coverage and the fact that we have a facility like the Mount Forest Bowling lanes to work with.
The campaign continues with local schools participating during the week and Minto-Mapleton bowl Feb. 27, and Mount Forest on March 6.
Anyone who has not been contacted and who wants to put in a team can call 323-4273 and organizers will arrange a time for to bowl.
Everyone is also welcome to stop by and have an anniversary tea, too.
The official thank-you and invitation to the awards breakfast will be held May 7, at the Arthur United Church. Winners will be notified and everyone is welcome.
For details on BBBS programs visit www.bbbsnorthwellington.org.
