Yorkton Council was unanimous at its regular meeting Monday in declaring September as Big Brothers Big Sisters Month in the city.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters offers a variety of mentoring programs that respond to community needs. Big Brothers Big Sisters has formalized the mentor process offering the best possible services by providing mentors for children and youth who need a significant, caring adult in their lives. 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 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 the waiting list for a mentor,” detailed a letter from organization executive director Irma Van De Bon.
In September there are several activities and events planned to celebrate mentoring and expand mentoring programs.
The month will also offer an opportunity for the group to do some fundraising.
“Thanks to Canadian Western Bank the Greater GIC Campaign every dollar you invest between Sept. 1, and Oct. 31, Canadian Western Bank will make a donation of 1/8 per cent to your local Big Brothers Big Sisters. On Sept. 12, Superstore is sponsoring a barbeque from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm with funds going towards the Greater GIC Campaign with Canadian Western Bank,” stated Van De Bon’s letter.
A new activity is planned for this year.
“4Arts and culture is a major part of healthy development and we recognize the need to encourage and support children in their development. During Culture Days, Sept. 25 – 27, thanks to SaskCulture we have a fun, experiential weekend of activities planned and propose ending BBBS Month with a soap box rally. Participating in the festivities of Culture Days with the help of volunteers our Little Brothers (LB) and Little Sisters (LS) will be building soap box cars and preparing for a fun competition. We are planning to host a workshop with local artists teaching participants various painting techniques and how culture relates and coincides. The youth will learn painting techniques and what symbolism means so they can design a soap box that they feel represents their team and them individually. By exploring new avenues of expression and seeking alternative forms to embody new ideas we are sure each soap box will be unique. Whether the participants choose a contemporary theme, historical theme, scenic, or otherwise the outcome will be their own expression. They will have opportunities to develop their own technique before applying it to their racers. On Sunday, Sept. 27, we are planning to host a soap box race in Yorkton for the Soap Box racers to showcase their cars and themselves,” detailed the letter.
And then later in the year a major event will take place.
“On Nov. 26, at the Farrell Agencies Arena we will be hosting the Montreal Canadien Alumni Team who will play against our Big Brothers Big Sisters Hockey Classic team, a team consisting of Terrier Alumni, other hockey alumni and dedicated fans who have earned the right to be on the team. Thanks to our Big Hero Miccar Aerial/Good Spirit Aerial who is sponsoring 250 tickets for children we serve from the Yorkton and area to be able to attend the game. What a great opportunity for our Littles to see so many heroes of the past. We hope you all can join us for a great evening in celebration of mentoring. Tickets are available through Ticket Master,” stated the letter.
