Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON – On Thursday, April 4th, 2024, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara (BBBSN)
held their annual Volunteer and Funder Recognition Night at Queens Landing, a Vintage Hotels property.
Nearly 200 BBBSN volunteer mentors, donors, and partners gathered for an evening filled with
appreciation, a delightful meal, and impactful speeches.
"In looking back at the remarkable strides of 2023, we at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara are truly
touched by the incredible support of those who make our vital mentorship programs possible," shared
Erin Graybiel, Executive Director of the organization. "This past year, strengthened partnerships have
opened new doors to collaboration, raised community awareness, and led to even more young lives
being positively impacted. With deep gratitude for our dedicated funders and volunteers, we're thrilled
to have served over 900 children and youth in 2023. As we set our sights on 2024, we're excited to
explore new opportunities for community sponsorship and continue our mission of empowering even
more young hearts and minds."
The celebration kicked off with a few words from MPP Wayne Gates, and Carol Furher, Executive
Director of Community Care of West Niagara (CCWN). There were some BIG moments that were
recognized such as the amalgamation to one Niagara-wide agency, opening new offices in partnership
with Community Care of West Niagara and Pathstone, the unveiling of a comprehensive 3-year strategic
plan, and so much more.
Terilee and Chris, two dedicated mentors, took the stage to share touching stories of their experiences
with their mentees. Following their inspiring testimonials, volunteers were invited up on stage to be
recognized for their years of service, ranging from 5 to over 50 years. This included the agency’s Nearly
New Thrift Store, Bingo, event, Board of Directors, and committee volunteers, as well as their many
mentoring volunteers. Among them, Dawna McArthur was celebrated for an extraordinary 52 years of
service, demonstrating a commitment that shows no signs of waning anytime soon.
The event's success was made possible by the tireless efforts of the BBBSN staff and the generous
support of sponsors Vintage Hotels, Clippings, Switzer-Carty, and Encore.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara
For 87 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been making a meaningful difference in the lives of youth ages
6 to 18 through our mentoring programs in Niagara. For both Big and Little, the mentoring experience
becomes a life-changing relationship built on friendship, empowerment, and trust. Support from a
caring adult mentor enables youth to experience essential developmental relationships, which help
them to develop into healthy young people better able to deal with and overcome life's adversities.
Youth with mentors are more likely to graduate from high school, go to university, secure full-time
employment and have on average higher incomes. For more information visit,
https://niagara.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/ .