Summer 2011
Thunder Bay Big Brother
Big Sister Association
Bowl for Kids Sake
On Thursday April 7, 2011, Thunder Bay Big Brother Big Sister Association held their
annual Bowl for Kids Sake fundraiser at Galaxy Lanes. This year was very successful with
over $26,000 in funds raised. The participants are what makes this event a success every
year. Through Bowl for Kids Sake, money goes directly to help match children and re-
cruit more mentors. All proceeds raised, stay in Thunder Bay. We would like to extend a
BIG thank you to this year's participants, sponsors, donors and volunteers that made this
year’s event so successful.
This was our second Halloween in April theme and participants had a great time at the
event bowling while dressed in Halloween costumes. It was a very fun and spooky event
with great costumes, and decorations at the bowling alley and the banquet. Participants
also had fun participating in the Halloween Scavenger Hunt and Mummy Fashion Show.
Bowl for Kids Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters signature fundraising event and Thunder
Bay Big Brother Big Sister's largest fundraiser for 30 years.
Congratulations! Thank you to all those who made pledges in support of the team mem-
bers!! The participants are what makes this event a success every year.
All the money raised at this event and goes directly to help match children and recruit Inside this Issue
more mentors. Thank you for your support!
BFK 2011............................... 1
Volunteer Profile ................... 4
Hooked on Fishing ................ 5
Wii Bowling........................... 6
What’s New .......................... 8
Volunteer Opportunities ........ 10
Things to Do ......................... 12
Welcome New Staff .............. 15
Thank You
Presented The Thunder Bay Big Brother Big Sister Association
would like to thank the following for their support
By Need a
A very special thank you to our wonderful corporate sponsors:
Car Title Sponsor
Need A Car
Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsors
tbaytel Scotiabank – 225 Red River Rd.
Canadian Tire - 121 Arthur Street West MGM Electric Limited
Canadian Tire - 939 Fort William Road Victoria Inn Thunder Bay
Congratulations! Helium Highs
Prestige Limousine
You helped to raise over
$26,000
for local Bronze Sponsors
Big Brother Big Sister Real Canadian Superstore
Programs Northwestern Property Management Limited
Form Architecture Engineering
Twinport Tire Services Ltd.
Please ensure your support of
these local businesses, as they Beebe Mechanical Systems Limited
made this event a success.
Intercity Shopping Centre
Independent Disc Jockeys of Canada
Bowling Sponsors Media Sponsors
Galaxy Lanes 91.5 CKPR
Rock 94
The Chronicle Journal
Bowl for Kids Sake
Thank you to the teams, participants
and donors. We could not have
done it without you!
TOP FUNDRAISER
Heather St Amand – Team Edward: Dougall Media
TEAM THAT RAISED THE MOST MONEY
Team Edward: Dougall Media
Thank you to all of our prize donors, the Bowl for Kids Sake Committee and a BIG
thank you to all that volunteered to help make this event a success!
Keep an eye out for next year’s event in April 2012.
Bowl for Kids Sake Prize Donor List
A & W (Memorial Ave.) Lot 66 Subway (Edward St. N.)
Apple Auto Glass (Vickers St. N.) Lowerys Basics Superior Coatings
Auto Home Paints Lush Cosmetics The Bodymind Centre
BDO Dunwoody Magnus Theatre The Glass Lady
Bistro One Maki Bay Lighting The Neebing
Boston Pizza (Arthur St. W.) Mallon’s Corporate Impressions Thunder Bay Truck Centre
Canada Games Complex Manitoulin Transport Vanderwees
Central Car Wash McDonalds Wanson Lumber
Color your World Michael's Day Spa
Confederation Fitness Centre Ming Car Care
Craig’s Plumbing Papa Piccolinos (Red River
Rd)
D & R Sporting Goods
Pizza Pizza (Red River Rd.)
Extreme Pita (Arthur St.)
RBC (Edward St. N.)
G.P. McEachern Limited
Red Earth Imports
Gordon Trailers
Rollason Flowers
Great Canadian Oil Change
Sasi Spring Water
Hollywood Hairstyle
Shades of Shears
Hot Tub Express
Smith’s RV Centre
Joey’s Only Seafood
Squitti’s
Story From a Big—Anne Roisin
Being a Big Sister is a great way to get results from just The transformation comes from a void that the little
spending a little time with someone. Spending a few had and now is blossoming with of the constant
hours a week because there is a youngster that needs a positive attention from a big. The best feeling was
friend. The next thing you know, 2 years has passed. when my little said, "They (BBBS) called and asked me
And the little girl that had problems in school with if I wanted to change anything and I told them "No. I
bullies is now able to stand up for herself with want to keep you." The program was something that I
confidence. It is great knowing that she says please wanted to try, and now, I couldn't image not doing it.
and Thank you without having to be nudged anymore. It is a great feeling of friendship, fun and
And now she laughs when you tease her about accomplishment.
something that would she have been self-conscious
Big Sister Since 2008
about before. The transformation of a little girl who
was too shy to ask the concession person what kind of By: Anne Roisin Big Sister since 2008
chips they had to a little young lady willing to stand in
front of a crowd and do a new magic trick she learned.
“To catch the reader's attention, place an interesting sen-
The Power of Friendship!
tence or quote from the story here.”
Volunteer Profile—Michael Pedri
Michael Pedri has been a Big Brother with Thunder Bay Big Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds program.
Brother Big Sister since 2007. Michael has also been an active
As a Big Brother Michael spends time with his little brother.
board member since 2009. Michael is currently vice president
Michael and his little brother go to hockey games, hang out
of the Board of Directors, a member of the Volunteer
and spend quality time together. Michael is a role model to his
Recruitment Committee, Bowl for Kids Sake Committee and
little brother and is a positive influence in his little brother’s
Agency Fundraising Committee. Michael is passionate about
life. Michael says "Sometimes all it takes is one person to
the Big Brother Big Sister program and believes in the im-
believe in a child to make a difference. By providing a positive
portance of positive mentors in a child’s life. Michael is
influence in a child's life, Big Brothers Big Sisters benefits the
currently pursuing a Master’s degree of Business
youth of our community. This is why I volunteer for and
Administration. Volunteers like Michael are a driving force in
support this agency."
the success of programs offered by Thunder Bay Big Brother
Big Sister.
Thunder Bay Big Brother Big Sister has approximately 40 little
Thunder Bay Big Brother Big Sister believes that every child
brothers and sisters on the waitlist who would like a Big
who needs a mentor in our community should have a mentor.
Brother or a Big Sister. If you would like to become a Big
We commit to Thunder Bay's young people that we will be
Brother or Big Sister or learn about other volunteer opportuni-
leaders in providing them with the highest quality, volunteer
ties with Thunder Bay Big Brother Big Sister please email
based mentoring programs. Thunder Bay Big Brother Big
Julia.murphy@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca or call Julia, Case
Sister provides one on one mentoring through the Big Brother
Manager at 807 623 1112.
Big Sister Program, In-School Mentoring Program, and group
mentoring through the Big Bunch program and Go Girls
A Great Time Was Had By All
Hooked on Fishing 2011
Hooked on fishing was a tremendous success! We had a crowd of Littles,
Bigs, Parents, Volunteers and Staff show up for a day fishing fun. It was a
beautiful day and everyone enjoyed practicing their angling skills in the catch
and release bass pond. Lunch was fantastic, thanks to our donors and our
fearless BBQ Masters Cristy and Paul. The craft stations were buzzing and
the kids created a banner and hats that were unique and fun. The trout were
really active and the participants caught enough fish for everyone to share.
We could not have asked for a better day – it was one of the first hot days of
the year and the bugs were not so buggy!
A Big thank you to all of the Board Members and Volunteers who came out
to help! We couldn’t have done it without you. Another big thank you goes
to all the businesses’ who donated prizes and food. Your contributions
helped to make the event a HUGE success!
Amazing Donors: Awesome Volunteers:
Canadian Tire Paul Murphy
Montanas Cookhouse Rob Fox
Putt Putt Mini Golf Stella Koostachin
Starbucks Thunder Centre Angie Pace
Nothwood Foods Jenn Brooks
Shoppers Drug Mart McIntyre Centre
Old Dutch
Video Network
A Change of Shoes Can Change a Life!
Local elementary schools Algonquin Avenue and Ogden Community School students support Big Brother Big Sister Programs
through the 2nd Annual Wii Bowling Fundraiser.
During the month of March, Thunder Bay Big Brother Big Sister in partnership with Algonquin Avenue School and
Ogden Community School kicked off the 2nd Annual Bowl for Kids Sake Wii Bowling School Challenge.
Student’s in both schools were urged to ask friends and family to sponsor them and they were able to participate in a
Wii Bowling tournament in their schools gymnasium, a “fun” raising campaign to provide local mentoring for kids in
need of a Big Brother Big Sister relationship.
This year’s Wii Bowling School Challenge raised $2950.58!
All funds raised support local BBBS in school community programs, like In-School Mentoring and the Go
Girls! Program.
Bowl For Kids Sake is a Thunder Bay Big Brother Big Sister signature fundraising campaign, and the Agency
is very excited to expand their partnerships with schools like Algonquin Avenue School and Ogden
Community School through this innovative fundraising program.
A BIG thank you to Algonquin School and Ogden Community School staff and students and thank you to all the
volunteers that helped out to make this event a great success.
Thank you to Eat Local Pizza that provided the pizza parties to reward the classes that raised the most funds.
Thank you to our Wii Bowling event Prize Donors:
sponsors! Eat Local Pizza
Fun Factor
Gold Sponsor:
Purple Camel
Happy Homes Reality
Mario’s Bowl
Ron’s Virtual world
Staples Business Depot
Cool Pizza Deal/ Fundraiser
Should I Stay or Should I Go:
“To the world you may be just one
person, but to one person you may
be the world” - Brandi Snyder
Start Something
3rd Annual Stay or Go Raffle
Come out and get your tickets for a chance to win some amazing prizes. Tickets are 1 for $5
or 3 for $10.
(Tickets cannot be purchased by, for, or on behalf of
persons under the age of 18)
Go Prize:
Trip for Two People, anywhere with
WestJet’s scheduled service
Valued at $ 2,200
Stay Prize:
Two Night Weekend Stay at the Valhalla Inn, Breakfast
& Dinner for Two at the Runway 25 Steak Lounge,
Dinner for two at Timbers, Prestige Limousine 4 hour Limo Service &
Spa Euphoria Premium Package
Valued at $1,530
You can conveniently buy your raffle tickets from a couple local businesses throughout
Thunder Bay:
Nuccis Bake a Deli (all locations)
Twinport Tire Services Ltd. – 563 Syndicate Ave.
Thunder Bay Big Brother Big Sister – 559 South Syndicate Ave.
Draw Date: Saturday September 10th, 2010 at 2:00pm
Place: Marostica Hyundai, 1142 Alloy Dr
Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 6M9
Raffle # M671099
Volunteer Education and Workshops
Thunder Bay Big Brother Big Sister recently Bullying. Workshops are funded through the
hosted two workshops for our volunteers at Thunder Bay Community Foundation. For
the Agency. The topics of the workshops were information about how to get involved please
Building Effective Communication with your contact Julia at 807 623 1112 or email Julia at
Little’s parent and Understanding ADHD julia.murphy@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
(Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder).
These workshops were put on by Agency staff
as a means of providing volunteers with
additional training and supports. These
workshops are a great way to share and
interact with other volunteers from various Big
Brother Big Sister Agency programs. A few
upcoming workshop topics include Autism and
What’s New! —
Facebook Page!
Thunder Bay Big Brother Big sister has a Celebrate!
new Facebook Page. It’s a great way to
keep in touch and see what’s going on at Match Anniversaries:
the agency. We hope that Bigs, Littles,
Parents, and Friends find us on Facebook
Dave & Curtis June 25, 2009
and “Like” Thunder Bay Big Brothers Big Jamie & Jesse June 17, 2009
Sisters! Jennifer & Lillian July 22, 2009
Stay Connected Through Social Media! .
Erin & Autumn July 5, 2007
Chelsea & Isabelle Aug 1,2008
Anne & Angelica Aug 1, 2008
Welcome New Matches:
Paul & James Jun 13, 2011
Ryan & Zachery S. June 29, 2011
Suzanne & Chelsea June 6, 2011
Patti & Keeva A July 12, 2011
Kim and Irene Aug. 5, 2011
Summer
Friendship:
Local Mentorship Program Changes Lives—Jake Satten
More than five years ago Erin approached the Thunder Bay Big Brothers Big Sisters to
volunteer as a Big Sister. She said she intended to make "a real difference in someone's
life," and she saw the opportunity with BBBS as a unique one. A cheerful friend is like a
The one-to-one mentorship element of being a Big Sister was especially appealing. "I sunny day spreading
had been a volunteer in several different capacities in the past but this opportunity was brightness all around.
calling to me," Erin said.
John Lubcock
While her intent was to change a child's life, she never imagined her own life would be English Astronomer
so affected. "This experience continues to surprise me and change my life in the most
wonderful ways," she said.
Erin and Autumn got off to a great start, and their bond grew stronger each week as In summer the song sings
they met for bowling, bike rides, sledding, swimming, and other fun activities. itself.
"Autumn was once a little girl who held my hand and now she's grown into a young lady William Carlos Williams
who is a gret friend to me," Erin said "Our conversations have changed over the years American Poet
and our friendship has grown stronger."
Erin knows that during the formative years of a child's life, positive role models are im-
perative, especially in a single parent home. The positive impact she's had on Autumn's Every flower is a soul
life was one reason Erin decided to take her commitment to the Big Brothers Big Sisters blossoming in nature.
Agency even further. In 2010, Erin joined the organization's Board of Directors.
Gerard De Nerval
At the Board's recent Annual General Meeting, Erin was elected to the executive as the French Novelist
new secretary of the board. "I wanted to do my part to sustain this amazing organiza-
tion" she said.
On average Erin commits about three hours a week volunteering with BBBS, but the
real commitment is "to another person who will rely on you. In the end, you get back
way more than you've put in. The experience is what you make of it and if you think you
may be able to share a friendship with a young person, then please make the call; a child
is waiting."
Go Girls! Mentors Needed!
*We need volunteers to run this school based to 14, with information to help make informed choices
about healthy active living and support them in dealing
program! YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN
with the emotional, social and cultural issues they may
A GIRL'S LIFE!* face.
Are you: Responsibilities:
A young woman 18 to 25 years of age? Complete 10 hours of training.
Enthusiastic, caring and energetic? Prepare and teach seven, 1 1/2 to 2 hour classes.
Passionate about healthy eating and Follow -up with your trainer and agency.
physical activity? For more info contact Lesley 807-623-1112
Interested in helping young girls build lesley.harding@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
self-esteem?
Sponsored by the United Way
Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds is a mentor-led, Youth for Community Grant
seven session program, designed to provide girls, aged 12
“To catch the reader's attention, place
Start Something—
an interesting sentence or quote from
the story here.”
We Need You!!!!!!!
Volunteer Opportunities! In School Mentors Needed!
Go back to when you were in school. There was always
Bingo Volunteers Needed!
someone special who had time for us, who gave us
A great way to get involved and volunteer with us is confidence and helped us come out of our shells. Who
by helping out at our monthly bingos. Join us at
was that mentor in your life? More importantly, will you
Thunder Bay Community Bingo Hall (CLE grounds)
for the Matinee Bingos on: be that person in someone else’s life? One child. One hour
a week one big reason to go back to school. Find out
July 28, August 30, September 7, and September 27
more by contacting Julia Murphy at 807 623 1112 or
***A considerable portion of our funding comes
julia.murphy@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
from the fundraising we do at these Bingos!
Contact the agency at 623 1112 to volunteer or,
support us by coming out and playing BINGO!
Car Wash!
We need Bigs, and Littles, and Friends Galore!
Birthday Time!
Come and help out at our Stay or Go Raffle Grand Prize Draw and
April 2, Sarah F - 13
Car Wash. It’s on Saturday September 10 from 10– 3 at Marostica
April 3, Tristen R - 14
Hyundai. If you don’t feel like
April 11, Randi-Lynn N - 11
scrubbing support us by buying
April 13, Lanisha N - 11
Raffle Tickets or making a donation
April 16, Cooper F - 7
and letting us wash your car! It’s
May 4, Jai-Dahl R - 12
sure to be a Splashing Good Time.
May 10, Zachry H - 13
Call the office at 807-623-1112 for
May 19, Liam R - 12
details!
May 28, Aaron O - 9
May 29, Selena B - 10
June 2, Jesse A - 13
Come Out And Help! June 3, Seth P - 9
June 6, Donte H - 10
June 14, Cassius M - 12
Big Brothers Needed! June 25, Shae Lynn F - 10
July 14, Randi G - 11
LITTLE BROTHERS are great kids anxiously waiting to have fun with someone like July 21, Olivia A - 9
you. If you’ve ever wanted to be a kid again, your Little Brother will be happy to help
July 30, Chelsea F - 12
you out. That’s the magic of the program – you learn from each other.
August 2, Travis P - 12
WHO CAN BE A BIG BROTHER? You can! Being a Big Brother is about being a friend
and someone to look up to. It’s about hanging out, talking and sharing, with many August 26, Mikeala W - 8
smiles along the way. It’s about making one child feel very special. And you’ll feel August 27, Samantha C - 14
pretty great too. After the enrolment process, we’ll provide training and match you
with a Little Brother who shares your interests. As a Big Brother, you get to build
model airplanes, toss around the football, play computer games, hang out…
whatever! It’s about sharing a little time together – a few hours a week or every
couple of weeks will make a big difference. For more information or to inquire
about your application today, please call Julia at 807 623 1112 or email
julia.murphy@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Fun For Free:
T.G.I. *Did you know that there is Frisbee Golf at
Boulevard Lake
*Visit the Farm and Beaver Pond at
Vanderwees
*Bike the trails in between Centennial Park and
Towbridge Falls
*Fly a Kite
*Go somewhere public and create a
masterpiece out of sidewalk chalk
*Go see the deer and explore Mission Marsh
Rest is not idleness,
*Swim at an Outdoor Pool - It’s free!
and to lie sometimes
*Use the splash pad on Franklin Street
on the grass under
*Plant Something – Garden Together
the trees on a
*Check out the Library – they always have awesome things to do – www.tbpl.ca
summer’s day,
*Michaels Arts and Crafts often has free “Make and Take” and Knack events - Drop in
listening to the and look for a flier
murmur of water, or *Go to the Farmers Market – It’s Really Cool
watching the clouds *Have you been to the Museum – It’s Free on Tuesdays!
float across the sky, *Check Out the Thunder Bay Botanical Conservatory – Flowers Rock
is by no means a *Around Halloween go check out the “dinosaur house” on Twin City Crossroads and
Rossland Road. The family goes all out and decorates for Halloween! It’s Amazing!
waste of time.
*Check out the view from the top of Mt McKay. It’s amazingly beautiful in the sum-
John Lubcock mer and fall. You won’t regret it!
English Astronomer
Events In And Around Thunder Bay:
Anishnawbe Keeshigun – August 19-21 – Old Fort William
Kecabeca Street Fair – August 20-21
Superior Youth Festival (Music) – August 24 from 6-10 – Marina Park
Westfort Street Fair – August 27 – Fredrica Street
Hymers Fall Fair – September 4-5 from 9-5
River Fest – September 10 from 12-5 – Kam River Heritage Park
Evergreen Career Fall Festival with Inflatables and Cake—September 17 at 11am—
Minnesota Park
The Big Boreal Adventure—It’s Free!
It’s like the coolest scavenger hunt ever! Organizers of The guidebook also includes interesting information
the Big Boreal Adventure call it a, “Nature Based about the places you visit and, there are tasks or mis-
Quest”. You register at the public library and they give sions to complete at each local.
you a free guidebook and adventure map that
This quest is awesome and the guidebook is filled with
encourages you to explore and learn about 30 natural
good ideas. Teams gain a sense of accomplishment as
places in Thunder Bay.
they work through the book. You will visit some places
Each place has a cedar pole with an etching attached. that are old favorites and discover some new places to
Your team makes a rubbing of the etching in the hang out. The Big Boreal Adventure is a favorite – Give
guidebook to keep track of where you have been. it a try!
Fun in the Sun
For Cheep or for Free
Amazing Things to Do
Late Summer and Early Fall Belluz Farms Go Horseback Riding
Enjoy farm animals, wagon tours, and the Amazing Maze. Dreamfields offers guided trail rides for adults and children.
Wagon tour is $3/ person or $10/ family. The Amazing Maze Take a ride and enjoy the beautiful scenery and the fun of
is also $3/ person or $10/ family. working with a horse.
$40 an hour per person and $15 for each additional half hour
September 24 to Halloween — Pumpkin Fest and the dreamfields.ca
Haunted Corn Field at Gammondale Farm
Pumpkin fest is lots of fun! The farm is open from 11—5 on
Paddle a Boat
weekends and admission is $9/ person. The Haunted Corn
Field starts October 13 and runs from dark to 10 o'clock. Last WildWaters rents canoe’s and kayak’s and will put them in
admission is at 9pm and tickets are $17. It’s lots of fun if you the water for you! You can have fun scooting up and down
like to jump! the river right in our own backyard.
You can rent a canoe for as little as $20 for 2 hours
October 21-23 and 28-29 Haunted Fort Night kayakthunderbay.com
Every year the staff and volunteers at Old Fort William put on
a spooky show. This event is so creepy and fun you’ll jump
your socks off. Make sure your little likes to be scared if you
are going to try this one!
fwhp.ca
Welcome to New Staff
Thunder Bay Big Brother Big Sister would like to welcome three new staff members: Julia Murphy Case Manager, Lesley
Harding Case Worker and Allison Lamb Community Development Coordinator.
Julia Murphy began working at the Agency as Case Manager in November. Julia is originally from Thunder Bay and
attended Lakehead University. Julia is excited to be part of the Thunder Bay Big Brother Big Sister team.
Lesley Harding our new Case Worker is a recent graduate of Confederation College and started working at the Agency at
the start of June.
Allison Lamb has recently started a summer position at the Agency as a Community Development Coordinator.
We are excited to welcome Julia, Lesley and Allison to the Big Brother Big Sister Agency!
Support Thunder Bay Big Brother Big
Sister
Thunder Bay Big Brother Big Sister
559 South Syndicate Ave
Thunder Bay, ON
Thunder Bay Big Brother Big Sister is asking for your
P7E 1E6 help to raise funds for more matches.
Phone: 807-623-1112
Fax: 807-622-5244
E-mail: bbbsa@tbaytel.net When you donate to us, your money stays in Thunder
Bay and goes directly to match a child with a mentor.
Please help us to reduce wait times and improve service.
All cheques can be made out to Thunder Bay Big Brother Big Sister and mailed
to the office.