For an agency rooted in making in-person connections, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia and District has been finding creative ways to weather the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve definitely had to pivot with our fundraising and our programs,” said executive director Miranda Chaffey. “At the onset of the pandemic, our programs halted. We didn’t have the capacity to quickly adapt to virtual.”
That has changed, and it is partly thanks to Ontario Trillium Foundation funding that allowed the agency to hire a mentoring co-ordinator, whose duties include finding ways to serve youth online.
In-school mentoring is a big part of the organization’s programming. Mentors typically spend an hour a week with kids at their schools. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Big Brothers Big Sisters managed to get seven students from Georgian College and Lakehead University to take part in virtual mentoring.
“We were still able to serve upwards of 40 kids in our school-based programs,” Chaffey said.
It has revealed a “silver lining,” she added, allowing the agency to reach students in more rural areas.
“It’s really amazing what we’ve been able to do and what we can continue to do after COVID,” she said.
Still, the shift to online has been one of necessity. It isn’t ideal.
“I don’t think anything is ever going to replace those in-person connections,” Chaffey said.
While many of the matches had already linked up prior to the pandemic, some have yet to meet in person.
“They’re so excited to see each other in person. We’re equally excited for them,” she said.
Like many non-profit organizations, Big Brothers Big Sisters has taken a hit in terms of fundraising. The local agency holds four major fundraisers each year — a golf tournament, a hockey tournament, a curling bonspiel and Bowl for Kids’ Sake. The golf tournament went ahead last year, and organizers are hoping it can return later this summer, but the other three events have been called off for the second year in a row.
In February, the organization tried something new — a virtual run. It raised about $10,000, and the plan is to hold another one later this year.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters national office has been holding monthly 50/50 draws and splits the proceeds among all of its branches.
In March, Bay Auto and Truck Parts held a raffle, with all proceeds going to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia and District.
“We’ve really been leaning on the community to help us with these fundraising initiatives in a creative way,” Chaffey said.
The agency continues to seek support — both donations and volunteers — from the community. There are about 30 kids on a wait list for a match. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia and District, including how to donate and become a volunteer, click here.