OrilliaMatters welcomes letters to the editor at [email protected] or via our website. Please include your daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). The following letter is about students from Lakehead University's Honours of Social Work program and their role in the return of the Curl for Kids curling bonspiel in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, future social workers from Lakehead University's Honours of Social Work program recently joined forces to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia. The occasion? The eagerly awaited return of the annual curling bonspiel, aptly named "Curl for Kids." This event, which had been on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, made a triumphant comeback, attracting over 40 enthusiastic participants.
The Curl for Kids bonspiel has long been a staple of Orillia's community calendar, known not only for its sporting fun but also for its charitable mission. The event serves as a critical fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters, an organization dedicated to fostering positive relationships between mentors and young individuals.
The COVID-19 pandemic had forced the event into hiatus, leaving a void in both the local sports and charitable scenes. However, this year marked a rejuvenation of the Curl for Kids bonspiel, and the response from the community was nothing short of remarkable.
Enter the dedicated and passionate students from Lakehead University's Honours of Social Work program. Recognizing the significance of the Curl for Kids bonspiel, these future social workers seized the opportunity to make a tangible impact on their community.
With a shared commitment to social welfare and community engagement, the students from Lakehead University worked tirelessly to organize and participate in the event. Their goal was ambitious yet inspiring: to raise $10,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia.
The event, held at a local curling rink, saw an impressive turnout of more than 40 participants, including both students and members of the community eager to contribute to a worthy cause. The camaraderie was palpable as teams engaged in friendly competition, all while keeping in mind the greater purpose of supporting local youth through the programs offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Lakehead University's Honours of Social Work students, coupled with the overwhelming support from the community, the Curl for Kids bonspiel exceeded its fundraising goal. The event successfully raised $10,000, which will go towards empowering Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia to continue its mission of providing mentorship and support to young individuals.
The return of the Curl for Kids bonspiel not only brought back a beloved community event but also showcased the incredible impact that collaboration between educational institutions and local organizations can have. Lakehead University's Honours of Social Work students demonstrated not only their commitment to academic excellence but also their passion for creating positive change in the community. As these future social workers continue on their academic journey, their efforts in organizing and participating in the Curl for Kids bonspiel serve as a shining example of the transformative power of community engagement and social responsibility.
Ed Prudhomme
Orillia
