Kawartha Lakes to mark Big Brothers Big Sisters Day

DAN CEARNS The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: The City of Kawartha Lakes is set to mark the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Day, on Wednesday, September 18th.

The plans were announced at a Committee of the Whole meeting, held on Tuesday, September 10th.

“On the 18th, we will recognize the important work of this exceptional organization, by lighting up City Hall in blue. Across Canada, this group has fostered positive relationships with over 40,000 youths. Its volunteers give 2.2 million hours of their time, annually, to ensure children, who struggle with social or societal barriers or face adversity, have mentors or role models, who help them to achieve their potential,” Mayor Doug Elmslie said at the meeting.

He added, the City is “grateful to have” the local agency, “to provide supports to youth in our communities.” He thanked Big Brothers Big Sisters for what they do.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada website stressed the importance of mentorship for youths.

“Mentoring is an important way to give youth experience, with these essential back-and-forth relationships, developing them into healthy young people better able to deal with and overcome life’s adversities.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches young people with trained adult mentors, for one on one or group mentoring programs.