20°c Partly cloudy
10°c Sunny
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Winnipeg
Greg Unger says for many families, the holidays can be a difficult time. (RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Winnipeg
HELPING SINCE:
1969, when the local Big Brothers was founded, and 1970, when Big Sisters was launched separately. In 1997, the Big siblings joined forces under one roof to mentor kids in need of a grown-up friend.
HOLIDAY HOPES:
In a season that can be bittersweet for many, quality time with a caring mentor can make a big difference.
"We know for many of our families, (the holidays are) a tough time," executive director Greg Unger says. "The biggest thing we ask of our mentors is just to be there... so that things continue to be as normal as possible, but still have that positive impact."
To help boost holiday cheer, the organization hosted its annual Rudolph Penny Sale last weekend, inviting kids from the program to "buy" donated presents for their families -- such as books, and even a pair of downhill skis -- for mere pennies. The event gives kids a chance to have the satisfaction of buying a gift for loved ones, while bonding even more with BBBS volunteers.
And there are a lot of them. The BBBS started with a handful of dedicated volunteers; now there are over 300 grown-up "bigs," and last year they helped about 480 kids. This year, the organization is hoping to connect with 550 "littles."
Because the number of kids hoping to find a fun grown-up pal isn't shrinking, more volunteers and more donations are needed. "As we grow, we need to find new ways of spending the money, or find new money," Unger says. "We have a wait list... at any time, you could have 100 kids waiting to be matched."
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Have at least a few hours a week to spare? Think about volunteering as a mentor. Have more money than time? Donate money, vehicles, or auction items at bigwinnipeg.com. You can play your way to help too: In February, Big Brothers and Big Sisters will hold the biggest fundraiser of its year, the Bowl For Kids Sake bowling tournament at Academy Lanes.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 1, 2010 A5
More Local
- Back to Top
- Return to Local
More Local
(1 of 15 articles for today)
Man dies after being pulled from vehicle submerged in Winnipeg retention pond
3:37 PM 0An 18-year-old man who drove into a Fort Richmond retention pond early this morning has died from his injuries.
Rescue divers ......
Poll
Most Popular Local
- Man dies after being pulled from vehicle submerged in Winnipeg retention pond
- Apple trick on Ellen falls short for city woman
- The end of the credit card?
- Couple faces new charges of sexual assault
- Gentle, humble native leader who made history lies in state
- A new mom's booze-fuelled hell
- Mourners line up to pay respects to Elijah Harper
- Rainfall warning issued for southern Manitoba
- Police identify slaying victims
- WAG's 100 Masters exhibit drawing more than art aficionados
- Charleswood deaths being investigated as domestic incident
- Man charged, victims identified in double homicide
- '2 minutes after I read the winning numbers, I retired': Winnipeg lotto winner
- Sex charges for ex-club boss
- Man dies after being pulled from vehicle submerged in Winnipeg retention pond
- Police identify slaying victims
- Aboriginal leader Elijah Harper dies
- 'Responsible Winnipeg' ads appear on sign run by mayor-owned Goldeyes' baseball park
- Woman killed in head-on crash in southwestern Manitoba
- Headingley grass fire destroys dealership's cars
- Hundreds pitch in to dig out houses damaged, destroyed by Ochre Beach ice floe
- A child-custody catastrophe
- Charleswood deaths being investigated as domestic incident
- Man charged, victims identified in double homicide
- Co-worker 'sick' today? Maybe it's the $17M flu
- '2 minutes after I read the winning numbers, I retired': Winnipeg lotto winner
- Parents, community relieved and elated as missing boy found safe
- No threat from bag found at Winnipeg Square
- Man missing since 2009 found safe
- Earls on Main going, but new one coming
- Man dies after being pulled from vehicle submerged in Winnipeg retention pond
- Power restored to Linden Woods after goose collides with lines
- U of M to chop $5M out of $642-M budget
- U of M researchers awarded $9.5M in grants, U of W $2.2M
- Gentle, humble native leader who made history lies in state
- Accomplished Paralympian wins seat in B.C. legislature
- Elijah Harper: The humble man who said no
- WAG's 100 Masters exhibit drawing more than art aficionados
- Goose gets cooked in Linden Woods
- Carving out a niche in traditional art
- Province introduces changes to rules governing landlords, renters
- Crushing blow for amateur sport
- Aboriginal leader Elijah Harper dies
- Fishing for fashion
- Woman killed in head-on crash in southwestern Manitoba
- Sex charges for ex-club boss
- Newly minted MD a beacon for kids in youth program
- North End proud
- Power restored to Linden Woods after goose collides with lines
- Bethania CEO put on leave during investigation
- Hundreds pitch in to dig out houses damaged, destroyed by Ochre Beach ice floe
- Mental-health patients get own ER
- A child-custody catastrophe
- Black market in moose thrives
- An uncommon phenomenon
- Steen invests $1M in family entertainment centre
- Earls on Main going, but new one coming
- Province introduces changes to rules governing landlords, renters
- Crushing blow for amateur sport
- Boost same-sex curricula: union
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.