Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters

McDonald's Provides Tickets to Niagara Falls Canucks Game!

Niagara Falls, Ontario—Niagara Falls McDonald’s Restaurants give 200 Canucks tickets to BBBS for the November 14^th game against Fort Erie Meteors.

McDonald’s is a sponsor of both Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Programs and the Niagara Falls Canucks. “This gives is a perfect opportunity for both organization to come together for some fun” said Jana Katz, McDonald’s owner. “Our community minded spirit encourages us to look for these kinds of opportunities and this is a chance to help bring Bigs and Littles together.”

McDonald’s has a history of contributing to Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters, including proceeds from McHappy Day.
Thanks to McDonald's for your ongoing support!

Ticket Presentation

Miranda Beam, fundraising manager for Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters, accepts donation of Canucks tickets for children and youth involved with Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters.

CIBC YOUTHVISION SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCED
Three Youth from Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters recognized

On Thursday, September 18, CIBC announced its 2008 CIBC YouthvisionTM Scholarship recipients. Thirty high school students from coast to coast, who applied for the scholarship while in Grade 10, are the winners of the awards valued at up to $34,000 each. The program, delivered through a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and YMCA Canada, helps young Canadians fulfill their academic aspirations and reach their full potential.

“The 30 students who received these scholarships now have a path to a post-secondary education,” said Gerry McCaughey, CIBC’s President and Chief Executive Officer at a ceremony recognizing the recipients today. “On behalf of CIBC, I extend my congratulations to these 30 new scholarship recipients and wish them every success on their continuing journey towards their academic aspirations. I am proud of CIBC’s long-standing support of this scholarship program.” Over the past 10 years, 300 Canadian high school students have been awarded scholarships under the CIBC Youthvision Scholarship program, representing a multi-year commitment of more than $10 million.
Among the 30 students across the country receiving these prestigious and much contested scholarships were 3 Niagara Falls students. Colin Perry, Meagan Lefebvre, and Shayne Manthau will be receiving CIBC Youthvisions scholarships, which include:
scholarship support of up to $4,000 per year for up to 4 years of post-secondary education, plus
the opportunity to participate in YMCA summer internships valued at up to $2,000 per year while in high school and up to $4,000 per year while in college or university.

Colin, a grade 11 student at St. Paul school in Niagara Falls, has been matched with Big Brother John for 6 years. Colin, who plans to pursue a career as an architectural engineer, maintains a straight A average while working part time to save for his post-secondary education.

Shayne has been matched with his Big Brother for close to 3 years. While Shayne is usually a student at AN Myer, he is currently involved with a cultural exchange program which will see him complete his Grade 11 studies in Germany. Shayne intends to pursue a career in dentistry.

Meagan is the second member of her family to receive this scholarship award, as her sister Melissa was a recipient in 2007. Meagan is very active in her community, both as a volunteer and as a participant in soccer and dance.
Veronica, Colin, Meagan
Colin, Veronica, and Melissa at CIBC Awards Luncheon

Local Long-Time Big Brother Receives

National Award for

Exceptional Contribution

Alderson and Company also receive award for their continued support of BBBS agencies across Niagara

Niagara Falls, ON – Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters is pleased to announce today long time Big Brother, and current board member, Tom Thornton has been awarded the National Cliff Hall Alumni Award by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. Announced at the organization’s recent national convention, the Cliff Hall Alumni award, is named after 28 year National Staff member Cliff Hall and recognizes an active, long term (either continuous or re-engaged) alumnus (volunteer, Board, staff) who demonstrates significant commitment to forwarding the mentoring movement.

“We are delighted that Tom was selected from amongst nominees from right across Canada for the impact that his contribution has had on the children and families in right here in Niagara Falls” stated Jon Braithwaite, Executive Director of Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters. “Tom has been an inspiration for not only the Little Brothers to whom he has been matched, but for our entire agency.”

Tom was matched in 1968 with Ron Bartleet, and together, they serve on the board of directors for Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters. Tom has also volunteered on the boards of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies in Peel and Toronto. But most importantly, as Ron puts it; “Tom has been, and continues to be a positive role model and a mentor in many facets of my life encompassing; faith, career, volunteerism, and relationships.”

Additionally, Alderson and Company, a St. Catharines based communications firm, has been awarded the Medal of Excellence by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. The Medal of Excellence recognizes those corporations and businesses that have had a meaningful impact on a local agency or a group of agencies at the local level. Alderson and Company has supported Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the Niagara Region in a number of initiatives, providing expertise and services to support fundraising and recruitment efforts.

Finally, Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters received a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada Growth award for continuing to serve more children in their community. Presented by the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada Growth award recognizes agencies who have continued to reach out to their community to provide mentors for many of the youth in need of a mentor.

The goal of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada National Awards Program is to celebrate the many achievements of member agencies, their staff, volunteers and their partners. Each year Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada recognizes local partners who assist local Big Brother Big Sister agency in fulfilling the mission and vision of the organization.

Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters is currently serving over 170 children through a variety of mentoring programs that include Big Brothers, Big Sisters, In-School Mentoring, Go Girls!, Big Bunch, and Big Hearts, Little Hands. The current recruitment campaign, 1 Year 100 Men, aimed at recruiting 100 new Big Brothers, wraps up September 28th, 2008.

Cliff Hall Alumni Award Winner

Tom Thornton Receives Cliff Hall Alumni Award

Medal Of Excellence

Chris Alderson and Jenny Chang Receive Medal of Excellence

Agency Growth Award

Veronica Loveless Receives Agency Growth Award from the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development

Kids helping kids

On Saturday May 24th, 5 year old Davis Gollert of Niagara Falls set up a lemonade stand. He raised a total of $12.11 and has donated the proceeds to Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big sisters. Thanks Davis!!!

Davis' lemonade stand

2007 President's Banquet

On Tuesday April 29th, 2008 Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters honoured our outstanding volunteers for 2007 at our President's Banquet. This year's Big Brother of the Year of award went to Chris Irwin. Our Big Hearts Little Hands volunteers were all honoured as Big Sister's of the Year. Karyn Jolley who has volunteered with the agency to help with Bingo's and other special events was honoured as this year's recipient of The John Prentice Volunteer of The Year Award.

Big Brother of the Year 2007
Veronica Loveless Manager of Programs and Services with Big Brother of the Year Chris Irwin

Big Sister of the Year 2007
Big Hearts Little Hands Big Sister's of the Year
Helen, Sarah (staff), Edna, Pearl, Harriet, Mildred, June and Debbie

Volunteer of the Year 2001
Former NFBBBS Executive Director John Prentice, NFBBBS Fundraising Manager Noelle Sinclair with the John Prentice Volunteer of the Year Award Winner Karyn Jolley.

CIBC Youthvision Scholarship

CIBC is committed to investing in the education of Canada's young people. Through a unique partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and YMCA Canada, 30 scholarships, valued at $34,000 each, are awarded annually to Grade 10 students. All recipients receive tuition, mentoring and internship support. Niagara Falls' Little Sister Melissa Lefebvre was one of the 30 students selected from across Canada this year.

Congratulations Melissa on your accomplishment!

CIBC award winner

Melissa Lefebvre and NFBBBS's Manager of Programs and Services Veronica Loveless in Toronto for the award ceremony.

Elaine Paugh, 2007 Paul Harris Fellow Award Winner
Big Sister receives award from Niagara Falls Sunrise Rotary Club

Elaine Paugh has been a Big Sister with Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters for over 16 years, and is currently matched with Gionet. The Sunrise Rotary Club recognized her commitment to the children of Niagara Falls, and presented her with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship on February 6th. Congratulations, Elaine, we are all very proud of you!!

Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters receives
Award for Leadership Excellence!!
Niagara Falls, ON - At the annual awards banquet held July 7th in conjunction with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada’s National Convention, Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters received the Leadership Excellence Award for agencies serving up to 200 children.

This award recognizes those agencies (Board, staff and volunteers) that have demonstrated exemplary leadership related to: program innovation, Board leadership, agency to agency support, marketing achievement, innovative partnerships or staff team.
“This award is really quite an honor for us at Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters.” commented Jon Braithwaite, Executive Director for the agency. “The National Board and Staff have recognized our accomplishments throughout the past year, and felt that we strongly deserved this award. We’ve all worked very hard over the past year to provide more mentoring opportunities for the children of our community, and we are increasing the number of children we can serve. The fact is, however, there are still kids out there without a mentor, and so our responsibility is to continue in this direction and provide them with this opportunity. However, it’s great to know that we have so many supporters in Niagara Falls, from our volunteer mentors and board members to our fantastic donors.”

Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters started two new programs in 2005 designed to increase options for volunteer mentors. Go Girls! Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds was successfully piloted at BattlefieldSchool in October of last year, and offered at Kate S. Durden, John Marshall, and James Morden schools in the spring. Go Girls! is a mentoring program designed to encourage participation in physical activity, healthy eating choices, and the development of a positive self-image, among girls aged 12 to 14.

Big Hearts, Little Hands was also a new program offered this past year. In partnership with Coronation 50 Plus and SimcoeStreetSchool, 8 volunteers from Coronation 50 Plus were matched with 8 students at SimcoeStreetSchool to meet weekly for a variety of activities, many of which were aimed at improving the literacy/numeracy skills of the students. The program culminated with the planting of a butterfly garden at Eventide Home in Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters has increased the number of children served by over 20% in the past year, now serving over 150 children and youth in Niagara Falls. Ian Gollert, President of Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters, feels that their recent move to the MacBain Community Centre contributed significantly to this growth. “Certainly with our new location, we are more visible and accessible. We are pleased to see the increase in our volunteer applications, and of course, this translates to providing more mentors to the children in our community. This award is a tribute to funders such as the United Way of Niagara Falls, to our many community partners, volunteers, board, and staff. As an agency we have a vision to see that every child in Niagara Falls who needs a mentor, has a mentor, and it is through these types of collaborations and program innovations that we will achieve this. We are so pleased that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada has recognized all of our hard work.”

		Latest News			Latest News Agency Newsletter For Bigs and Littles MacBain Community Centre Big Brother Big Sister Month
		McDonald's Provides Tickets to Niagara Falls Canucks Game! Niagara Falls, Ontario—Niagara Falls McDonald’s Restaurants give 200 Canucks tickets to BBBS for the November 14^th game against Fort Erie Meteors. McDonald’s is a sponsor of both Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Programs and the Niagara Falls Canucks. “This gives is a perfect opportunity for both organization to come together for some fun” said Jana Katz, McDonald’s owner. “Our community minded spirit encourages us to look for these kinds of opportunities and this is a chance to help bring Bigs and Littles together.” McDonald’s has a history of contributing to Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters, including proceeds from McHappy Day. Thanks to McDonald's for your ongoing support! Miranda Beam, fundraising manager for Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters, accepts donation of Canucks tickets for children and youth involved with Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters. CIBC YOUTHVISION SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCED Three Youth from Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters recognized On Thursday, September 18, CIBC announced its 2008 CIBC YouthvisionTM Scholarship recipients. Thirty high school students from coast to coast, who applied for the scholarship while in Grade 10, are the winners of the awards valued at up to $34,000 each. The program, delivered through a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and YMCA Canada, helps young Canadians fulfill their academic aspirations and reach their full potential. “The 30 students who received these scholarships now have a path to a post-secondary education,” said Gerry McCaughey, CIBC’s President and Chief Executive Officer at a ceremony recognizing the recipients today. “On behalf of CIBC, I extend my congratulations to these 30 new scholarship recipients and wish them every success on their continuing journey towards their academic aspirations. I am proud of CIBC’s long-standing support of this scholarship program.” Over the past 10 years, 300 Canadian high school students have been awarded scholarships under the CIBC Youthvision Scholarship program, representing a multi-year commitment of more than $10 million. Among the 30 students across the country receiving these prestigious and much contested scholarships were 3 Niagara Falls students. Colin Perry, Meagan Lefebvre, and Shayne Manthau will be receiving CIBC Youthvisions scholarships, which include: scholarship support of up to $4,000 per year for up to 4 years of post-secondary education, plus the opportunity to participate in YMCA summer internships valued at up to $2,000 per year while in high school and up to $4,000 per year while in college or university. Colin, a grade 11 student at St. Paul school in Niagara Falls, has been matched with Big Brother John for 6 years. Colin, who plans to pursue a career as an architectural engineer, maintains a straight A average while working part time to save for his post-secondary education. Shayne has been matched with his Big Brother for close to 3 years. While Shayne is usually a student at AN Myer, he is currently involved with a cultural exchange program which will see him complete his Grade 11 studies in Germany. Shayne intends to pursue a career in dentistry. Meagan is the second member of her family to receive this scholarship award, as her sister Melissa was a recipient in 2007. Meagan is very active in her community, both as a volunteer and as a participant in soccer and dance. Colin, Veronica, and Melissa at CIBC Awards Luncheon Local Long-Time Big Brother Receives National Award for Exceptional Contribution Alderson and Company also receive award for their continued support of BBBS agencies across Niagara Niagara Falls, ON – Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters is pleased to announce today long time Big Brother, and current board member, Tom Thornton has been awarded the National Cliff Hall Alumni Award by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. Announced at the organization’s recent national convention, the Cliff Hall Alumni award, is named after 28 year National Staff member Cliff Hall and recognizes an active, long term (either continuous or re-engaged) alumnus (volunteer, Board, staff) who demonstrates significant commitment to forwarding the mentoring movement. “We are delighted that Tom was selected from amongst nominees from right across Canada for the impact that his contribution has had on the children and families in right here in Niagara Falls” stated Jon Braithwaite, Executive Director of Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters. “Tom has been an inspiration for not only the Little Brothers to whom he has been matched, but for our entire agency.” Tom was matched in 1968 with Ron Bartleet, and together, they serve on the board of directors for Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters. Tom has also volunteered on the boards of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies in Peel and Toronto. But most importantly, as Ron puts it; “Tom has been, and continues to be a positive role model and a mentor in many facets of my life encompassing; faith, career, volunteerism, and relationships.” Additionally, Alderson and Company, a St. Catharines based communications firm, has been awarded the Medal of Excellence by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. The Medal of Excellence recognizes those corporations and businesses that have had a meaningful impact on a local agency or a group of agencies at the local level. Alderson and Company has supported Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the Niagara Region in a number of initiatives, providing expertise and services to support fundraising and recruitment efforts. Finally, Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters received a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada Growth award for continuing to serve more children in their community. Presented by the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada Growth award recognizes agencies who have continued to reach out to their community to provide mentors for many of the youth in need of a mentor. The goal of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada National Awards Program is to celebrate the many achievements of member agencies, their staff, volunteers and their partners. Each year Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada recognizes local partners who assist local Big Brother Big Sister agency in fulfilling the mission and vision of the organization. Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters is currently serving over 170 children through a variety of mentoring programs that include Big Brothers, Big Sisters, In-School Mentoring, Go Girls!, Big Bunch, and Big Hearts, Little Hands. The current recruitment campaign, 1 Year 100 Men, aimed at recruiting 100 new Big Brothers, wraps up September 28th, 2008. Tom Thornton Receives Cliff Hall Alumni Award Chris Alderson and Jenny Chang Receive Medal of Excellence Veronica Loveless Receives Agency Growth Award from the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Kids helping kids On Saturday May 24th, 5 year old Davis Gollert of Niagara Falls set up a lemonade stand. He raised a total of $12.11 and has donated the proceeds to Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big sisters. Thanks Davis!!! 2007 President's Banquet On Tuesday April 29th, 2008 Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters honoured our outstanding volunteers for 2007 at our President's Banquet. This year's Big Brother of the Year of award went to Chris Irwin. Our Big Hearts Little Hands volunteers were all honoured as Big Sister's of the Year. Karyn Jolley who has volunteered with the agency to help with Bingo's and other special events was honoured as this year's recipient of The John Prentice Volunteer of The Year Award. Veronica Loveless Manager of Programs and Services with Big Brother of the Year Chris Irwin Big Hearts Little Hands Big Sister's of the Year Helen, Sarah (staff), Edna, Pearl, Harriet, Mildred, June and Debbie Former NFBBBS Executive Director John Prentice, NFBBBS Fundraising Manager Noelle Sinclair with the John Prentice Volunteer of the Year Award Winner Karyn Jolley. CIBC Youthvision Scholarship CIBC is committed to investing in the education of Canada's young people. Through a unique partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and YMCA Canada, 30 scholarships, valued at $34,000 each, are awarded annually to Grade 10 students. All recipients receive tuition, mentoring and internship support. Niagara Falls' Little Sister Melissa Lefebvre was one of the 30 students selected from across Canada this year. Congratulations Melissa on your accomplishment! Melissa Lefebvre and NFBBBS's Manager of Programs and Services Veronica Loveless in Toronto for the award ceremony. Elaine Paugh, 2007 Paul Harris Fellow Award Winner Big Sister receives award from Niagara Falls Sunrise Rotary Club Elaine Paugh has been a Big Sister with Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters for over 16 years, and is currently matched with Gionet. The Sunrise Rotary Club recognized her commitment to the children of Niagara Falls, and presented her with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship on February 6th. Congratulations, Elaine, we are all very proud of you!! Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters receives Award for Leadership Excellence!! Niagara Falls, ON - At the annual awards banquet held July 7th in conjunction with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada’s National Convention, Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters received the Leadership Excellence Award for agencies serving up to 200 children. This award recognizes those agencies (Board, staff and volunteers) that have demonstrated exemplary leadership related to: program innovation, Board leadership, agency to agency support, marketing achievement, innovative partnerships or staff team. “This award is really quite an honor for us at Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters.” commented Jon Braithwaite, Executive Director for the agency. “The National Board and Staff have recognized our accomplishments throughout the past year, and felt that we strongly deserved this award. We’ve all worked very hard over the past year to provide more mentoring opportunities for the children of our community, and we are increasing the number of children we can serve. The fact is, however, there are still kids out there without a mentor, and so our responsibility is to continue in this direction and provide them with this opportunity. However, it’s great to know that we have so many supporters in Niagara Falls, from our volunteer mentors and board members to our fantastic donors.” Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters started two new programs in 2005 designed to increase options for volunteer mentors. Go Girls! Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds was successfully piloted at BattlefieldSchool in October of last year, and offered at Kate S. Durden, John Marshall, and James Morden schools in the spring. Go Girls! is a mentoring program designed to encourage participation in physical activity, healthy eating choices, and the development of a positive self-image, among girls aged 12 to 14. Big Hearts, Little Hands was also a new program offered this past year. In partnership with Coronation 50 Plus and SimcoeStreetSchool, 8 volunteers from Coronation 50 Plus were matched with 8 students at SimcoeStreetSchool to meet weekly for a variety of activities, many of which were aimed at improving the literacy/numeracy skills of the students. The program culminated with the planting of a butterfly garden at Eventide Home in Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters has increased the number of children served by over 20% in the past year, now serving over 150 children and youth in Niagara Falls. Ian Gollert, President of Niagara Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters, feels that their recent move to the MacBain Community Centre contributed significantly to this growth. “Certainly with our new location, we are more visible and accessible. We are pleased to see the increase in our volunteer applications, and of course, this translates to providing more mentors to the children in our community. This award is a tribute to funders such as the United Way of Niagara Falls, to our many community partners, volunteers, board, and staff. As an agency we have a vision to see that every child in Niagara Falls who needs a mentor, has a mentor, and it is through these types of collaborations and program innovations that we will achieve this. We are so pleased that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada has recognized all of our hard work.”