MARK IT ON YOUR CALENDAR
BIG TICKET NEWS
Fundraising Events
For more information on our fundraising events please contact Camille Achat at (416) 925-8981,
ext. 4138 or email [email protected].
Have you tried our new Arena Ticket Manager?
GWN Dragon Boat Challenge: Saturday, September 6th and Sunday September 7th
The beat of the drum is calling! This is the 4th year as the charity partner for the Great White North
(GWN) Dragon Boat Challenge at Marilyn Bell Park. Well over 170 corporate and community teams
and close to 4000 paddlers are expected to take part in the two-day dragon boat challenge.
Interested in paddling at this year’s Dragon Boat Challenge or want to volunteer? Call Camille Achat
at (416) 925-8981, ext. 4138 or email [email protected].
Cochrane at (416) 925-8981, ext. 4118 or
Big and Little Events
For more information on our Big and Little events please contact Wayne Cochrane at (416) 925-8981,
ext 4118 or email [email protected].
Best Buy Canada has teamed up with Big Brothers Big
Soap Box Derby: Saturday, September 20th (Rain date – Sunday, September 21st)
The Soap Box Derby, one of the oldest events of its kind in Canada, is a major highlight of
September’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Month. Politicians, celebrities and Bigs and Littles race to help
raise awareness for the need of volunteer mentors. Interested in racing?! Contact Wayne Cochrane
at (416) 925-8981, ext. 4118 or email [email protected].
NEW FRIENDS
NEW FRIENDS
Available to all active volunteers!
re
Sha
agic
M
e
l
t
t
A Li
For more information or to donate tickets call Wayne
ALUMNI: REGISTER TO WIN $20
FROM BEST BUY
Sisters Alumni to help us connect with our volunteers
and those that we are trying to reconnect with. For
“Becoming a Big Brother and getting to know my Little Brother Tom,
ranks among the most rewarding things I have ever done.”
the entire month of July, all new members who
register will receive a $20 gift certificate.
- Terry, Group Program Mentor
Visit bbbsalumni.ca for more information.
WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
MEET A MATCH
become a mentor, or to find out about other ways you
BIGS
LITTLES
BIGS
LITTLES
Maria McKenzie
Jackson
Srikant Sortur
Eric
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto
Christopher Ragobeer
Gregory
Miranda Lung
Gureet
2345 Yonge Street, Suite 501
Roshen Daniel
Jahlando
Tania Walsh
Cheyenne
Toronto, ON M4P 2E5
André Day
Keyshawn
Sumaira Khalid
Kowsika
Kareem Dorsett
Richard
Michael Pelletier
Brandon
Email: [email protected]
Sharon Augustine
Georgia
Runjun Kumar
Dakota
Web: www.bbbst.com
Joel Douglas
Shemar
Cara Gresser
Jewell
Nicole Goulding
Amber
Scott Blakely
Zachary
Heena Han
Rebecca
Pauline Kim
Nicayla
Lysa Ryerson
Carmen
Chris Benvenuto
Shane
Michelle Pinnock
Rida
Trevor Cleveland
Lionel
WHILE YOU’RE WAITING
Shauna-Marie Benn
Jonell
Shayne Tryon
John
Raymond Lee
Ricky
Antoinete Calabria
Nancy
Alice Chung
Josephine
Prasan Parikh
Patrick
Kemba Byam
Shaquira
Joey LI-Hoi
Avery
Carolyn Burrell
Jasveen
Andrew Ogilvie
Michael
Dennis Asamoah
Shaquille
Clyn Hsiung
Treavor
Shameeka Samuels
Michelle
Vatche Tanachian
Daniel
Kofi Darko
Keston
Nancy Monteiro
Danielle
Dennis Asamoah
Jaelan
Marta Borowski
Selena
We would like to thank our volunteers waiting to
be matched with a Little Brother or Little Sister.
We appreciate your patience. While you’re
waiting there are other ways you can get
involved. Our office is always busy and we could
use some extra hands with filing, organizing and
supporting various departments. BBBST hosts
many fundraising events and Big and Little events
that require caring volunteers just like you. For information on how you can volunteer at our events
or at BBBST headquarters call Wayne Cochrane at
416.925.8981, ext. 4118 or email
[email protected].
Nevil Desai
Tremaine
Randy Mac Leod
Omargbon
Kevon
Othman Moutadayne
Kern
Dhwani Raiyani
Rupal
Helen Mallinos
Jin
Krista Valentini
Sarah
Sanjey Patel
Quniton
Between
FRIENDS
email [email protected].
To learn more about our agency, how to donate,
Brian Quan
Summer Issue 2008
can help contact us:
Phone: 416-925-8981
Fax: 416-925-4671
A UNITED WAY MEMBER AGENCY
Design and Printing by KP Graphics
www.kpgraphics.ca
Interested in becoming a Big Brother
or Big Sister or know someone
who might be interested?
Visit www.bbbst.com and register today!
Or refer a friend!
▲ Big Brother Steven Moffat and Little Brother Ben
“Matched for close to 6 years Steven and Ben go to
many of the agency events that become available
including the Big Ski. Their favourite games to attend
are Raptors and Maple Leafs. Watch out for extras
Steven and Ben in Mike Myers new film, “The Love
Guru” as they played screaming hockey fans at a
Leaf’s game!”
Learn about agency events, programs,
agency news and things to do…
online @ www.bbbst.com
SPREAD THE WORD CONTEST!
CELEBRATING A FRIENDSHIP
You know the difference a friend can make in a child’s
AT THE CN TOWER
life and that’s why we need your help with finding more
mentors. Right now we have 365 Littles waiting to be
matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister. Know
someone who would make a great volunteer? Let your
friends, family and co-workers know about how sharing
a little time with a child can make BIG magic! Here’s
how the contest works: Recruit as many potential
volunteers as you can! The Big Brother or Big Sister
with the most referrals will have their name entered into
a draw for a fabulous prize! Send your referral’s
information, including name and phone number to Sally
▲ Colin and Brady visit
▲ They stopped by the
Bernard ([email protected]) by September 30th.
the CN Tower during one of CN Tower 5 years later!
BBBST will announce the lucky winner!
their first outings in 2003.
GALA BENEFITS GO GIRLS!
Congratulations Big Brother Colin Low-ring and
Little Brother Brady on your 5 year friendship!
We had the chance to chat with Big Brother Colin
about this special match.
On May 10th 2008 International Women’s
Association of Toronto celebrated its 20th
anniversary with a Gala Ball. Thanks to their
support, over nine thousand dollars was
raised for BBBST’S Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy
Minds Program! IWAT has been a centre to foster
goodwill, friendship and understanding between women
of different nationalities and backgrounds channeled in
a cultural and social way. Thank you to IWAT for
supporting Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto and
our Go Girls! progam.
Would you like to make a difference in a young girl’s
life? Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto is looking
for positive, healthy minded female volunteers ages
(18-25) who are interested in mentoring girls (ages
12-14). If you are interested in becoming a Go Girls!
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds mentor or know a female
role model contact us at (416) 925-8981 or visit
www.bbbst.com.
Q: What are your favourite things to do together?
We’ve had a lot of fun times and this has also
given us the opportunity to see more of our city.
Things like going to the beach, tobogganing,
skating or walking around St. Lawrence Market.
Q: What has Little Brother Brady taught you?
Brady has taught me a lot. He’s taught me to
continue to be curious and learn as much as I can.
He’s also giving me perspective on what its like to
grow up in today’s world.
Q: Why did you become a Big Brother?
I wanted to support a “Little” that maybe would
like a little more support structure. These are
important years for the “Little” so to be able to
give any support has been very rewarding.
Q: What makes your friendship special?
Our friendship is special because we continue to
grow our relationship. We talk about a lot of
different things and we continue to try new things
that we haven’t done before.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Summer is upon us, albeit the weather has not been as cooperative as we
would have hoped for. Something special happens though during the
summer. We actually slow down and take time to enjoy family and friends.
In essence we give ourselves permission to have fun. Welcome to summer!
We are celebrating a high from an incredibly successful Big Night Out, our
signature fundraising event. In keeping with our theme Superheroes, we
celebrated our Bigs and Littles of the Year – Larissa Liontos and Tina; Mohan
Persaud and Ryan; Amy Chiu and Meeko; Mark Wilson and Joshua; Anita
Manson and Fallon; Melissa Miller and Aisha; Dray Perenic and Fallon and;
▲ BBBST President,
Darrin Jones and Laaren. Our congratulations are extended to each of these
Cathy Denyer.
phenomenal individuals who are OUR everyday heroes! I would also like to
thank the 56 individuals and families that took the time to submit
nominations for our Big and Little awards this year. The nominations
committee was significantly moved by your stories and testimonials.
September is Big Brothers Big Sisters Month and to celebrate we will be hosting a Refer a Friend
contest. During the month of August, take the time to visit our website for further details. We know
that our best recruitment tool is YOU, our volunteers. You know the difference that you have made in
the life of your little – imagine what your friends could do.
I would be remiss if I didn’t update you on our Alumni activities. BBBST was the winner of the Keg Gift
Card for registering the greatest number of Alumni during the Search for the Great Canadian Big
Contest. Now, Best Buy Canada has teamed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters Alumni to help us connect
with our volunteers and those that we are trying to reconnect with. For the entire month of July, all
new members who register will receive a $20 gift certificate. Visit bbbsalumni.ca for more information.
Have a wonderful and safe summer.
BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE –
CISCO AND BANK DAYS
On April 17th, longtime Bowl For Kids Sake
supporter, Cisco celebrated 3 years of bowling
for a BIG cause with160 Cisco employees raising
over $55,000 at Thorncliffe Bowlerama. On
March 29th Big Brothers and Big Sisters of
Toronto (BBBST) celebrated their annual Bowl
For Kids Sake (BFKS), Bank Day with over 800
bowlers from BMO, CIBC, RBC, Scotiabank and
TD Canada Trust. Bowlers spent the day
knocking over pins and played virtual bowling
with Nintendo’s Wii, raising funds for Big
Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto. Awards
were presented recognizing best scores and
winners of the raffle, which included a Nintendo
Wii game system! A BIG thank you to BMO, CIBC,
RBC, Scotiabank, TD Canada Trust and Cisco their efforts help us continue the important
mentoring programs that help to change the
lives of Toronto’s children and youth. And to our
Honourary Co-Chairs Jennifer Valentine, Roger
Ashby and Don Landry.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO CHANGE
YOUR LIFE... TO CHANGE HIS
A BIG NIGHT OUT FOR OUR BIG
AND LITTLE SUPERHEROES
On June 5th 2008, the 38th Annual Big Night Out
gala celebrated the heroes who make a difference in the lives of so many children and youth
in our community. This fantastic night took place
at Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex and was
hosted by Rick Campanelli and Kim D’Eon of
Global’s Entertainment Tonight Canada.
Guests enjoyed cocktails and a decadent dinner,
while having the opportunity to bid on one of a
kind silent and live auction items. The evening
included entertainment by 2008 Juno
award-winning artist for best R&B: Jully Black
along with Suzie McNeil, Wade O. Brown, Rex
Goudie and Sharon Riley, Liberty Silver and the
Faith Chorale.
In Celebration of the many heroes at BBBST, a
special presentation honored the 2008 Big
Brothers and Big Sisters of the Year Award
Recipients and their Little Brothers and Little
Sisters. Thank you to our night’s sponsors and
donors for sharing a little magic and to everyone
who helped make the night so magical!
Presenting Sponsor
Until next time,
OUR 2008 BIG AND LITTLE OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENTS
Big Brother of the Year –
Original One-to-One Program
James Marshall / Eleanor Hunter Awards
▲ Big Brother Mohan Persaud with Little Brother Ryan
▲ Big Brother Darrin Jones with Little Brother Laaren
“Mohan always thinks of cool stuff to do. We go to
movies, dinner, play pool and video games. We also
went to a Raptor’s game and yelled a lot. I have the
best Big Brother.” Little Brother Ryan
“Darrin is always trying to keep things exciting and is
always finding new things for us to explore. Whenever I
talk to him, he listens. We also have fun playing sports
and just hanging out. But I think the best thing about
Darrin is that he is ‘MY’ Big Brother.” Little Brother Laaren
Big Sister of the Year –
Original One-to-One Program
Elaine Giffen / Little Sister Award
▲ Big Sister Larissa Liontos with Little Sister Tina
▲ Big Sister Dray Perenic with Little Sister Fallon S.
“Larissa became my positive role model. She is
energetic and fun. She gives me good advice and she
always listens and understands me.” Little Sister Tina
“Dray is a kind, deserving and dedicated young woman.
The passion, effort and kindness that she puts forward
in her friendship with Fallon is admirable. I am amazed
in the power of Dray and Fallon’s connection.” BBBST
Match Support
Big Brother of the Year – Rookie
Big Sister of the Year – Rookie
Dinner Sponsors
Cathy Denyer
CELEBRATING THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP!
It was a summer picnic fit for
superheroes! Thanks to the generosity of
Scotiabank, Bigs and Littles celebrated
the power of friendship with clowns,
crafts, goodies, games and caricatures.
A lunch big enough to feed the hungriest
of heroes was served. For more
information on upcoming Big and Little
events contact Wayne Cochrane at
[email protected].
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto is in need
of male volunteers who can share a little of their
time with a boy. Every boy needs a mentor to
have fun with, talk to or confide in. Whether it's
playing sports, playing computer games or just
goofing around, a Big Brother can make a big
difference in a child’s life. Right now BBBST has
365 children (mostly boys) waiting for a friend. If
you know a male over the age of 18 who would
make a great mentor let them know about our
programs! We especially need male volunteers in
Rexdale, Jane-Finch and the Scarborough
communities. For more information visit
www.bbbst.com
Interested in becoming a Big Brother or
Big Sister or know someone who
might be interested?
Visit www.bbbst.com and register today!
Or refer a friend!
Cocktail Reception Sponsor
VIP Reception Sponsor
Wine Sponsor
Awards Sponsor
▲ Big Brother Mark Wilson with Little Brother Joshua
▲ Big Sister Amy Chiu with Little Sister Meeko
“Mark is fantastic! Generous, empathetic, and he has
an excellent sense of humor. Mark has brought so
much happiness to Joshua’s life. He goes the extra
mile all the time. ” Brenda, mother of Joshua
“I feel Amy is a perfect match for my daughter because
Amy is very outgoing. Amy is consistent, determined,
and very thoughtful. This summer Meeko is looking
forward to bike riding with Amy.” Tara, mother of Meeko
Big Brother/Big Sister of the Year –
Group Program
Big Brother/Big Sister of the Year –
In School Mentoring Program
Beer Sponsor
Beverage Sponsor
Media Sponsors
▲ Big Sister Anita Manson with Little Sister Fallon A.
▲ Big Sister Melissa Miller with Little Sister Aisha
“Anita is very committed to being a Big Sister in the
Group Program. Her interest in others and generous spirit
are most evident when observing the special connection
she shares with Fallon.” BBBST Match Support
“I have the most delightful Big Sister in the world. We
get along really well. Melissa helps me figure out what
is wrong and what is right. She understands me and
has also helped me to make more friends at school.”
Little Sister Aisha