Do you remember the role models that helped shape your life? Was there that one person who pulled you from a dark road to put you on the path of success? Now imagine if that person never existed, what would your life be like today?
Every year Big Brothers Big Sisters helps ensure children have those positive role models that many of us might take for granted.
“It’s not a nice to have, it’s an essential,” said Karen Orser, president and CEO of the Calgary and area chapter. “People have grown up to be successful and engaged community members and they attribute that to their mentors.”
Currently, the organization matches 100 children in Cochrane with a big brother or sister and 2,000 across the region. There are 23 children in Cochrane on the waiting list and Big Brothers Big Sisters has launched a fundraising campaign to help meet the need.
The funds will help people like Natonya Fedeyko, 9, match with mentors.
Fedeyko, whose mother, Marni, is Cochrane’s designated Community All-Star, meets regularly with her big sister, Karli, engaging in activities ranging from swimming and movies to going out to dinner and baking..
“She helps me with problems and she gives me ideas … and teaches me things,” Fedeyko said of her relationship with her big sister.
Describing Karli as fun, adventurous and smart, Fedeyko said she is an important part of her life and that her life would not be the same without Karli.
“It would be harder and sad and frustrating,” Fedeyko said.
The All-Star Community Campaign replaces the organization’s annual All-Star Weekend, which was a corporate event.
“With the economy the way it is, we couldn’t find the sponsorship,” said Orser of why the corporate event did not go ahead this year.
That has left a big hole in Big Brothers Big Sisters’ fundraising gains. Last year the corporate event raised $250,000 and the hope is the community campaign will bring in $200,000.
For every dollar that is donated, the organization has two donors matching the funds up to $100,000.
The money will go toward helping the organization match young people with mentors, training and security. Orser said there is a rising need and last year there were 1,000 applicants who could not be accommodated because of a lack of resources.
“We’re at capacity. We rely on public support and donations,” said Orser, who added the campaign is off to a slow start.
MacKays Ice Cream is also participating in the campaign and will donate the proceeds from the sale of its All Star Grape Float ice cream flavour in August
In its 2015 audited financial statements, the Big Brothers Big Sisters Society of Calgary and area reported expenses of $4.36 million with 71 per cent of spending ($3.09 million) going toward its charitable programs. Total employee compensation was reported at $2.86 million.
