NEWS RELEASE
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF ORILLIA AND DISTRICT
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On Tuesday, the team at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia and District (BBBSOD) met with Heather Breckles, an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) volunteer, and Eric Sterling, a constituency assistant to MPP Jill Dunlop.
At the event, BBBSOD spoke to the impact that a $45,800 Resilient Communities Fund grant, awarded by OTF in 2022, has had in helping it rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19 by redeveloping its volunteer recruitment and retention strategies.
“Simcoe North has been so successful over the years with OTF grants, and I was thrilled to hear that Big Brothers Big Sisters Orillia was able to access essential funding that created an opportunity for them to strengthen their delivery of mentoring and services and rebuild their staffing and training,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North.
This project helped the agency reconnect with the community following the pandemic and ultimately helped it with providing mentors to youth who are faced with adversity. Funds from the grant were used to help with a staffing position, as well as to provide workshops and training for staff and volunteers, purchase some technological equipment and help with some administrative costs as well.
Through various evidence-based mentoring programs, BBBSOD has been fostering and supporting positive mentoring relationships within our community for 57 years and is looked upon as a leader in fostering positive mentoring relationships to children and youth.
“The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant cannot be overstated,” said Miranda Chaffey, executive director. “This grant has allowed our agency to reconnect with our community when the need for our service is at an all-time high. Since the pandemic, our agency’s waiting list is at an all-time high resulting in our young people waiting years for a mentor. Our goal is to meet the growing need for service through community support and collaboration. We also want to congratulate the Ontario Trillium Foundation on 40 years of granting and building healthy and vibrant communities across the province.”
BBBSOD is committed to providing quality mentoring experiences to children in our community who are faced with various adversities. Volunteer mentors serve as role models, teaching by example the importance of giving back to one’s community, and having respect for themselves, family, and peers. If you wish to inquire about volunteer opportunities, please visit the website at orillia.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, celebrates 40 years of grant making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested over $110 million into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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