ALITTLE BIG News - Big Brothers Big Sisters of York

A LITTLE BIG News
ISSUE 1 │ VOLUME │ 2015
CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS OF MENTORING
Growth is a two-way street for Big Sister and Little Sister
By Brock Weir
There was a sense of déjà vu experienced
by
Jordan
Learmont when she sat down to have a
deep and meaningful conversation with her little
sister, but she couldn’t quite figure out what it was.
to make monetary contributions. Inspired by her
close relationships with her own sisters, she
decided volunteering with BBBSY might be the
perfect outlet.
“As
soon as I said, ‘I remember when I was
your age –‘” I thought, ‘Oh, my God! Did I just
say that?” she explains.
“Being able to grow up with [my younger sister],
influencing her life and trying to make sure she
didn’t make the same mistakes I did was very
impactful on me and made me
feel good about myself,” she
says.
It might have been a bit
disconcerting at first, but as
those instances become more
frequent, the more rewarding
they become for the York
Region resident.
The conversation did not
happen between Learmont,
24, and her own flesh and
blood, rather it was during a
conversation with Rebecca,
16, her Little Sister matched
up with her through Big Brothers Big Sisters of York
(BBBSY).
“Bigs”, “Littles”, community leaders, and residents
at large are due to descend on Gateway Café and
Lanes this weekend to lace up for the annual Big
Brothers Big
Sisters’ Bowl for Kids’ Sake. The
annual fundraiser,
which is held in several
locations throughout the GTA over the winter, is a
significant fundraiser for the organization which
pairs adults with youngsters in need of mentorship,
guidance, or just someone to relate to.
After completing her post-secondary education,
Learmont was looking for a way to give back to
her community, but had little discretionary income
With that in mind, she went
online and filled out application
forms. From there, she took an
introductory course with the
organization where she learned
about their matching program,
boys and girls clubs, and other
programs before deciding the
one-on-one factor in having a
Little Sister was the best fit for
her.
“Katie, the coordinator, would describe [my
connection with Rebecca] as awesome because we
instantly hit it off,” says Learmont. “She said it was
one of the quickest matches she has seen. As soon
as we met, we realised we had tons of things in
common, so I really have to give kudos to BBBSY.”
Both love fashion, both love makeup, both love
photography and Snapchat. “She was basically me
when I was that age!” she says.
Cont’ on page 2…...
Big News on LITTLEs
After this initial “click” it was important to
build on that connection and forge a relationship.
It was important, says Learmont, to let her new
Little Sister talk and build a level of trust. As she
talked, the issue of boy trouble came up and
sitting in the car with her they discussed Steve
Harvey’s book “Think Like a Man, Act Like A
Lady,” blasted Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor” and
they set a course of action to resolve the issue.
“It really empowered herself to decide she didn’t
need to have that in her life, ”says Learmont of
when she first found the journey truly rewarding.
“For me, it is just seeing someone grow and
change, and know I can help her in a way that
maybe her parents can’t be there for her. It’s not
to say she wouldn’t survive without me, she is a
really strong person and is incredibly intelligent
and creative, but helping her change her thinking
has been huge.”
as well. The experience has provided growth and
additional perspective.
“I have learned equally as much as she has
learned from me,” says Learmont. “I
have
learned from her things I wish I could have
known at the time, like the way she looks at
things and the way she sees people. She is so
positive it brought me back to my youth and
being that way. I have learned where I have
started and where I
have come. It is so
rewarding to know you can help someone like
that and see the change, the potential she has
and hopefully help her grow into that potential.”
Aurora’s Bowl for Kids Sake gets underway this
Saturday, February 21, at Gateway Café and
Lanes from 1 – 3 p.m. For more information and
to sign up, call
905-726-2149.
Reprinted courtesy of the 2/19/25 Auroran
This change in thinking has been a two way street
If you would like to learn more about becoming a mentor or
donating to any of our Mentoring programs or participation in any
of our events we welcome your questions.
You can apply now online at www.bbbsy.ca/en/Home/volunteer/inquireaboutmentoring.aspx
or contact us at 905-726-2149
We’d love to have you with us!
Paul Connelly Sr. Scholarship 2015
The Paul Connelly Sr. Scholarship is now closed for 2015 and winner will be announced by the end of
June 2015.
The $1000 scholarship was established by the Connelly Family in honour of their father.
The criteria for applicants include; high school students who have participated as a “Little” or “Mentee”
in our Traditional or In-School Mentoring Programs for a minimum of 2 years. Applicants must also plan
to attend post-secondary college, university, or vocational/technical school to be considered eligible.
Applications for 2016 must be received by May 31, 2016
For more information/application, or to find out how to apply , please contact your Program Coordinator
or visit our website
Thank you Connelly Family, for your amazing support and dedication in promoting BBBSY!
Match Anniversaries
1 YEAR
5 YEARS
LS Alice & BS Sylvana
LB Ari & BB David & BS Inessa
LB Shakuon & BB Chris
LB Evan & BB Anthony
LB Joe & BB Eric
LS Niki & BS Alisha
LB Brayden & BB Mack
6 YEARS
2 YEARS
LB Aaron & BB Ryan
LB Cowin & BB Steven
LB Dylan & BB Peter
LB Diane & BS Annie
LB David & BB Andrew
LB Kevin & BB Daniel
LB Cameron & BB Brendan
New Matches!
3 YEARS
7 YEARS
LB Juliano and BB Anthony
LB Conner and BB Adam
LB Brennan and BB Art
LB Sean and BB Tyler
LB Nathan and BB Bryan
LB Victor and BB Shahin
LS Tavia and BS Ashley
LS Stephanie and BB Florence
LS Tianna and BS Sherisse
LS Alesyr and BS Amber
LB Ari with BB David, BS Inessa
LS Ashlynn & BS Kristina
LS Shelby & BS Leanne
LS Gabby & BS Maria
LB Tyler & BB Phil
LB Nathan & BB Jon
LB Michael & BB Felix
4 YEARS
LB Brayden & BB Trevor
9 YEARS
LS Mickayla & BS Rosemarie
LS Kassidy & BS Juliana
LS Shae & BS Jen
SPECIAL SHOUT OUT
TO OUR NEW & LONG-TERM IN-SCHOOL MENTORING MATCHES
New ISM Matches—Welcome!
Mentor: Gord & Mentee: Andrew
Mentor: Bernard & Mentee: Aidyn
Mentor: Joanna & Mentee: Sairah
Mentor: Karyn & Mentee: Aleeza
Mentor: Salie & Mentee: Alisha
Mentor: Melissa & Mentee: Jennifer
1 Year
Mentor: Heather & Mentee: Grace
Mentor: Chris & Mentee: Ryan
Mentor: Gord & Mentee: Harrison
Mentor: Brianne & Mentee: Alyssa
Mentor: Bill & Mentee: Tristan
Mentor: Andrea & Mentee: Eden
Mentor: Karen & Mentee: Alexander
Mentor: Colin H. & Mentee: Darnell S-B.
7 Years
Mentor: Cheryl & Mentee: Cole
Beyond our BIGs and LITTLEs
Rock, Ice, Broom = a Saturday Afternoon
of Great Fun!
As it was my first BBBS event I
was both excited and a little
apprehensive. I was excited to get
acquainted with some other Bigs and Littles and a wee
bit apprehensive about curling. The only thing I’ve ever
curled is my hair and the last time I was on ice I went
slip-sliding all the way down my driveway.
I always love an opportunity to try new things and I’m
sure glad I did. The event was sponsored by the King
Curling Club and was extremely well organized. I was
teamed up with 3 lively and energetic young triplets
and their Mom. They were especially keen to get on the
ice and learn how to curl. It was wonderful to see the
level of enthusiasm all the Littles had.
The coaches Bob, Diane, Peter and Jack were engaging
and provided lessons to each group and everyone had a
chance to practice. I was super impressed that we
learned how to curl and actually play a couple of rounds
all in one afternoon. To top it all off we were treated to
hot chocolate and muffins in the curling lounge after
the game.
I have to say it’s the most fun I’ve ever had sweeping!
Diane M
Gingerbread & Holiday
Music
I have been a placement student with Big
Brothers Big Sisters of York since September
of 2014, and it has been a wonderful
experience. Seeing, and actually being
involved in what goes on at BBBSY has been
amazing.
BBBSY makes such a
huge difference to so
many people’s lives,
and holds many fun
activities throughout the
year. Fortunately I got
to be involved in one
particular:
the
Gingerbread
Activity,
which was held on
November 26. We were
was able to help bake
the gingerbread while listening to holiday
music with my supervisor Cara.
In the evening littles, bigs, and parents/
guardians gathered to decorate gingerbread
houses and gingerbread men. It was a great
turn out and everyone had a great time, and
got to enjoy delicious gingerbread.
Your Support is Paramount for Monthly Match Activities
Are You A BIG Deal?
Volunteers Needed
If you are interested in volunteering for one of our Mentoring Programs the first step is to attend an
information session. The session provides information regarding the programs that Big Brothers Big
Sisters offers and volunteering opportunities.
Always remember that for as little as one hour a week, you can make a big difference. Whether it is
becoming a mentor yourself or helping us at one of our many fundraising events, you will make a
difference in the life of a child. By just investing an hour per week it can make a lifelong difference. Just
give us a call and we’ll get you started today!
Upcoming sessions will be held on the following dates:
Tuesday, July 14
Richmond Hill
7:00—8:30 pm
Monday, Aug 24
Newmarket
7:00—8:30 pm
Tuesday, Sept. 15
Vaughan
7:00—8:30 pm
Thurs Oct. 8
Richmond Hill
7:00—8:30 pm
Monday Nov. 9
Newmarket
7:00—8:30 pm
Tuesday Dec. 1
Markham
7:00—8:30 pm
Please contact our volunteer coordinator Allison Haskins, if you would like to register for one of the
sessions at 905-726-2149 ext 310 or [email protected]
Dean Smalley Recognized during Newmarket Volunteer Achievement Awards
Dean lives, works, and plays in Newmarket. He is a ‘Relay for Life’, or helping out at the Town of
community minded individual with a heart of gold!
Newmarket Annual Spring Clean Up, you will find
Dean there, determined to make a positive
Dean is an Executive Member of our Board. His
difference. Late nights, somber circumstances, hectic
company, A & B Courier is the lead sponsor of our
annual Bowl for Kids Sake. The generous monetary environs, poor weather, garbage, it matters not,
support is only a portion of what Dean brings to our Dean always has such a big smile on his face, and is
agency. Each year Dean volunteers at bowling alleys right in the thick of things, helping out.
during our Bowl For Kids Sake Campaign across York
Region. At each location he provides kind words of
encouragement and cheers on the bowlers and
volunteers.
In addition to volunteering his time to Big Brothers
Big Sisters of York, Dean will not hesitate to attend
many of our fund-raising and community events
throughout the year.
Dean is a family man, who enjoys family adventures
and one on one time with his son. Whether you are at
a Big Brothers Big Sisters event, somewhere in York
Region, or Pickering College at 2:00 am, walking the
track in support of the Canadian Cancer Society
Dean Smalley accepts The Sponsorship/
Contributor Award from Newmarket
Mayor Tony Van Bynen
Our School Programs
Join the conversation …..
Big Brothers Big Sisters of York is thrilled to launch
a new program, The Conversation Club.
This
program is designed to introduce newcomer youth
ages 12 – 18 to youth volunteer mentors, ages 16 –
30 who have a caring, flexible attitude and an
interest in mentoring a younger newcomer youth to
Canada. Through this mentoring program, children
will be able to build connections in the community
with a goal of increased self esteem and social
integration.
Program staff in conjunction with volunteer mentors
will carry out 1 hour after school sessions which
mirror the school year. Mentoring sessions will be
compromised of a variety of activities led by the
needs of youth. Each session will include a healthy
snack, structured group activity and informal time
where youth and mentors can build their
relationships through games, homework help,
conversation, projects, shared experiences and field
trips.
The program strives to do the following:

Practice English Language skills in a safe,
encouraging environment

Build the self esteem of newcomer youth
through a mentoring relationship with a
Canadian mentor


Opportunity of social integration and friendship
with Canadian Youth
Ease the transition to school through shared
experiences

Strengthen presentation skills in small teams

homework help

Have fun
Go Girls!
Healthy Bodies,
Healthy Minds
Go Girls! is a group mentoring program for girls ages
12-14 that focuses on physical activity, balanced
eating and self-esteem. The single, most important
goal of the program is to positively shape the lives of
young women and girls by helping them build a positive self-image – setting them on a path to reach
their full potential in life.
The Go Girls! program consists of 7 mentoring sessions, held over a 7-10 week period, after school
within school facilities. Each 1.5-2 hour-long session
is loosely structured around four themes: physical
activity, healthy eating, self-esteem, and communication skills.
The program strives to do the following:

create appreciation for the benefits of an active,
healthy lifestyle

build understanding of what constitutes healthy
eating habits and the risks associated with eating disorders

promote the importance of positive mental activity and regular physical exercise

encourage awareness of core values, personal

interests, strengths and attributes

support the development of leadership and life
skills

offer guidance in establishing and maintaining
friendships
and above all, make a difference.
Our School Programs
Recreation Mentoring: Play
Great!
Big Brothers
Big
Sisters of York is
thrilled
to
have
launched
a
new
program Recreation
Mentoring,
Play
Great! This physical literacy program will
encourage children between the ages of 8 to 12
years old to unplug and get back to enjoying
physical activity, socializing with peers, and
being a part of their community. The children
will participate in organized recreation activities
while developing fundamental movement skills
and learning the balance of a healthy lifestyle.
Led by volunteer mentors/instructors, groups
will run in 8 week sessions and will be held
once a week for two hours in school and
community site locations. Activities will range
and be based on the needs and interests of
each group. Examples of the activities include;
soccer, basketball, hockey, parachute games,
and obstacle/challenge courses.
The program strives to do the following:

To support boys and girls in the community
to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

To
teach
the
children
fundamental
movement skills to promote confidence, self
esteem, team work, and to increase
physical and mental fitness.
In areas of gender and education research, key
findings state that male adolescents frequently
struggle with issues of body image, low levels of
physical activity and unhealthy
eating practices. Sound familiar?
In other words, boys and young men today go
through much the same turmoil growing up as most
of us did in our day. The journey to adulthood is
never an easy one, but it can be smoothed out with
the guidance and support of a mentor who cares
and understands. More importantly, mentoring can
help cement an active, healthy lifestyle that
nourishes self-esteem and confidence.
Game On!
Eat smart - play smart - live
smart
Game On! is a group
mentoring program for providing boys and young
men with information and support to make
informed choices about a range of healthy lifestyle
practices.
Through
non-traditional
physical
activities, complemented with healthy eating
support, participants are engaged in life skills,
communication, and emotional health discussions
designed to engage participants in the pursuit of life
-long healthy lifestyles.
Game On! includes seven 75-minute core sessions.
There are also four extension modules that capture
potential issues and topics specific to various
locales and the interests of the mentors
and participants.

Provide the opportunity for children to learn
a variety of new activities, sports, and
games that they can participate in while
learning about barriers, resources, and
community access.

Strengthen the community sport and
recreation sector by providing training to
the volunteer mentors in areas such as
coaching, leadership, youth development,
and risk management.
 The program strives to do the following:
Above all have fun and make a difference!
 Instill respect for socio-economic, ethno-cultural
and racial diversity

 Openly discuss current and pressing issues,
 Appreciate the benefits of healthy eating habits
and physical exercise
 Encourage leadership skills/independent thinking
and above all, make a difference.
Start something
SAFE SUMMER FUN
Summer Safety Tips
It is almost summer time, which means hot weather.
This also means fun summer activities such as: swimming, fishing,
biking and many others. Well these are all fun, it is important to stay
safe. Here are some safety tips to help you through the summer.

When biking make sure you ALWAYS WEAR a helmet. Get your
helmet fitted to make sure it will stay on keep your melon safe.

Obey all street signs when biking or walking.

Always wear a life jacket when on a boat that fits you well. If the life jacket is to big it
will not support you fully.

Never go swimming alone. Make sure there is ALWAYS someone with you.

Keep your life jacket handy in case you are going into deep water.

When fishing make sure you are with someone who has experience and always be aware
of your surroundings.

Make sure while outdoors, you have applied sunscreen and a wearing a hat.
Summer is a time to spend out doors. It is a time to spend time with your family and friends,
while enjoying the beautiful summer sun. If you are having trouble finding any safety materials
please contact our office, we are always happy to help.
The most important summer tip of all…………
HAVE FUN!!
There Is More than One Way to Invest in a Child’s Future
Big Brother Big Sisters of York would like to thank
all those who continue to support us in building
mentoring programs through donations to our
Agency and participation in our fundraising events.
trophy that was won last year by King City Fire.
Your generosity is deeply appreciated!
Chief Jolliffe also issued 2015 “Chief’s Challenge”
where all 911 Services Chiefs competed for this new
award. Held at Richmond Hill Pro Bro Bowl on
February 11th, the King Fire Department Station 3
-8 #2 had to turn their trophy over to York Region
Fire Chiefs.
Trikes for Tykes
On December 18, 2014 CCIS &
Kruger Products hosted “Trikes
for Tykes” in support of Big
Brothers Big Sisters of York.
Teams competed to build
children’s bicycles which were
donated to our agency for
distribution over the Christmas
Holiday to children in need.
Snowflake Ball
It was a magical evening on
January 24th for beautiful young
ladies who were escorted by their
favorite guy! Hosted by snapd
Aurora and Highland Automotive
Professionals, with all proceeds
from this magical night will benefit
Big Brothers Big Sisters of York
programs.
The winner this year of the coveted trophy was the
York Regional Police Team, the Bowling Bobbies.
Funds raised from the “Battle” and the “Challenge”
totaled over $20,000! They are all winners to us!
Thank you to all our 911 Services providers for their
support.
Dozen Dinner Draw
The Markham Rotary Dozen Dinner Draw was held
on March 7th at
Club 300 Bowl
during our Bowl
for
Kids
Sake
event with the
proceeds going to
Big Brothers Big Sisters of York. Thanks Rotary for
your generous support. An excellent 3rd party
event!
Golf for Kids Sake
A & B Courier Bowl for Kids Sake 2015
Hundreds of bowlers made this
year’s event another great success
and we are certain fun was had by
all! We can all say it was a great
success. This years tour of York
Region
included 7 different
locations and raised over $130,000.00
Again in 2015 Chief Eric Jolliffe issued
the “Battle of the Badges” Challenge
where 911 services competed against
each other to raise the most funds for
Big Brothers Big Sisters vying for the
The weather could have cooperated better, but even so, it
was a great day! We hit the hills
so to speak when our 20th Annual
Golf for Kids Sake teed off at
Emerald Hill Golf and Country Club
on May 12th, tickets included Range Time, Green
Fee and Cart, a BBQ Lunch, Gourmet Banquet
Dinner and lots of Prizes. Space for this sold out
event filled up really fast, so if you’re interested in
joining us in 2016, contact our office and let us
know and keep checking our website and Facebook
page for more information.
Upcoming Events
Annual General Meeting/Volunteer
Appreciation & Bowl For Kids Sake
Awards
Please mark your calendar for June 22nd and join
us for our Annual General Meeting at which time we
will also be singing the praises of our tireless
volunteers, as well as presenting our Bowl for Kids
Sake Awards. To be held at BBBSY Head Office
here in Aurora, attendance is by invitation only,
and includes all Bigs, Agency Members, Volunteers
and Community Partners. We hope you can attend
Date: November 14, 2015
Ride for Styles
June 7th will be the day
that York Regional Police
and friends will honour
fallen heroes at the 5th
Annual Ride 4 Styles event.
This is an
approximately 40 km ride, with food & drinks
provided on course and rest stops, with a BBQ at
the end of the ride. Registration is $25.00 which
includes a T Shirt.
Advance notice of participation is required by
contacting Detective Karin (Ken) Bardai at 905-881
-1221 x 6671 or [email protected]
Proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of York,
Victim Services of York Region, Special Olympics
Ontario and Aga Khan Foundation.
See our website for more details www.bbbsy.ca
Send a Kid to Camp
Camp McGovern in beautiful
Hanover, will have a few more
campers this year thanks to some
generous donors.
I’m sure our
littles
will have a wonderful
experience.
Place: LeParc, Markham
Honouring this year:
Noel & Michael Croxon of the NewRoads,
Automotive Group based in York Region.
Noel Croxon has been very involved with Big
Brothers and Big Sisters in Toronto, his auto
dealership North York Chev Olds was based
in Toronto. Noel was instrumental in starting
the Toronto Gala. When Noel's son Michael
brought the business to York Region, Michael
elected to continue with his father's legacy
and has become a great supporter of Big
Brothers Big Sisters of York.
Cost:
$150 pp
Featuring : Live Entertainment, Live & Silent
Auctions, Unique Raffles and a fabulous Gourmet
Dinner.
Purchase your tickets before September
15th and be entered into an early bird
draw! Call for Details 905-726-2149
ANOTHER WAY OF GIVING
Have you ever thought about making a larger donation to Insurance Policy. This can be done by transferring an
BBBSY?
existing policy (premiums paid or owing) to BBBSY, or by
naming BBBSY as a beneficiary of your current policy.
Legacy Giving can offer you a range of tax-efficient
options.
Transfer of Stocks: Donations can be made by
transferring stocks to BBBSY. This is more taxA legacy gift is a simple and meaningful way to continue advantageous than cashing them in before donating, since
your commitment to help better the lives of York Region direct transfer of stocks eliminates Capital Gains Tax (and
children. Through this method of giving you have an you’ll receive a receipt for the entire amount, instead of
opportunity to make a lasting difference. Legacy Giving is the after-tax value of the stocks sold.)
becoming a popular way for donors to ensure the
sustainability of a cause that is close to their
RRSPS & RRIFs (Gifts of Retirement Plans):
heart, or that has made an impact on their
Perhaps you have spent almost a lifetime saving
lives. A legacy gift is simple to make and can
diligently into a RRSP or RRIF – yet, if these
offer significant tax benefits.
assets are not passed on to a surviving
A bequest to BBBSY in your will helps to
beneficiary, their final accumulated value become
provide sustainable funding for our many
a taxable portion of your estate, increasing the
programs—all of which benefits York
tax bill that your estate executor will be left with.
Region’s young people.
Canadian Law now allows you to name a charity
as the secondary beneficiary or these assets.
How Can I make a Legacy Gift?
Charitable Gift Annuities: Setting up a CGA will
There are a number of ways that you can make a legacy ensure an irrevocable gift to BBBSY and can provide you
gift:
with a regular income for life. There is usually a minimum
investment needed to create an annuity. Your financial
A Bequest: Surprisingly, many of us neglect making a will advisor or lawyer can best direct you as to how to make
– one of the most important legal documents you will ever any of the above gifts. This information offers a glimpse
prepare. Without a will, decisions as to the disbursement into the kinds of options currently available and is not
of your estate will be made according to provincial laws, intended to replace professional advice. Leaving a legacy is
will be subject to heavy taxation and may not reflect your tax-smart giving and will help you achieve your farwishes – least of all your philanthropic intentions. reaching philanthropic vision.
Including BBBSY in your will is simple and can make a
lasting difference.
Please consider Big Brothers Big Sisters of York as your
philanthropic priority. Your support will help to start
Life Insurance: Another simple way to make a legacy gift something BIG in the life of a child in our community.
would be to include BBBSY as a beneficiary of your Life
Yes I would like to invest in the lives of children through Big Brothers Big Sisters of York!
□ $150 □ $350
(_____) $General Donation
Name:
Address:
City:
Prov:
Phone:
PC:
E-Mail
Amex/Visa/MasterCard
Name of Cardholder:
Exp Date:
Signature:
350 Industrial Pkwy South
Aurora, Ontario L4G 3V7
Phone: 905-726-2149 Fax: 905-726-1285
www.bbbsy.ca
Thank you! Your Generous Donation is
appreciated so much
( ) Please charge my credit card monthly for the above amount
Make cheques payable to Big Brothers Big Sisters of York
□
Please let me know how I can make a gift to BBBSY in my will.
Official Tax receipts for income tax purposes will be supplied for all donations. Charitable Registration # 10679 3888 RR0001