Yorkton Council has unanimously proclaimed September as Big Brothers Big Sisters Month in the city.
The proclamation was passed at Council's regular meeting Monday following a request from Irma Van De Bon, executive director with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yorkton and Area.
"For thirty years Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yorkton and Area Inc. has created brighter futures for children and youth," she told Council.
Van De Bon went on the explained each time the organization pairs a child with a mentor or introduce a group of students to an in-school program, we start something incredible - a life-changing relationship built on friendship, trust and empowerment. Unlocking a child's true potential creates a future where anything is possible.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven to improve children's odds for succeeding in school, behaving non-violently, increased self-esteem/self-worth, healthier lifestyles, evidence of higher incomes, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and breaking other negative cycles. We currently serve over 250 children annually through mentoring relationships mentoring in the communities of Yorkton, Melville, Churchbridge, Esterhazy and Langenburg. There are still many children on a waiting list for a mentor, detailed a letter circulated to Council.
In September there are have several activities and events planned to celebrate mentoring and expand our mentoring programs. To start off the month with a flag raising ceremony at City Hall on September 10, at 10:00 am.
Van De Bon continued, Thanks to Canadian Western Bank the Greater GIC Campaign every dollar you invest between September 1, and October 31, Canadian Western Bank will make a donation of 1/8 per cent to your local Big Brothers Big Sisters. On September 6, Superstore is sponsoring a barbecue towards the Greater GIC Campaign with Canadian Western Bank.
On September 20th York Lake Golf and Country Club is hosting a golfing and canoe and kayak fun day for the older youth in our program. On September 21, thanks to a sponsorship we will be taking 20 youth to the Saskatchewan Roughrider Game. They are so excited and we already have a waiting list of more hoping to go. If anyone has a ticket they won't need for that day please let us know.
"Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yorkton and Area is all about friends and making a difference in a child's life," said Van De Bon.
