NEWS RELEASE
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
*******************************************
September is Big Brothers Big Sisters Month across Canada, and this year the three local agencies in Barrie & District, Orillia & District, and North Simcoe are coming together to launch an exciting regional campaign called “Turn the Town Teal.”

All month long, communities across Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Muskoka, Innisfil and surrounding areas will light up and rally behind the power of mentoring, celebrating the life-changing impact Big Brothers Big Sisters has on young people.

With nearly 100 local youth currently waiting for mentors, the campaign aims to raise awareness, inspire new volunteers, and generate critical funds to sustain and expand mentoring programs.

Residents are invited to join the celebration in a variety of ways:

• Visit participating businesses: Look for teal decorations and signage at local shops, restaurants, and businesses proudly showing their support (follow our social media channels for the growing list of partners).
• Attend a flag raising: Join us at municipal flag raisings across the region, where communities will officially mark September as Big Brothers Big Sisters Month. (Sept. 5 at 10 a.m., Barrie City Hall and Sept. 15 at 11 a.m., Orillia Opera House)
• Dine for a cause: Stop by Harvey’s in Orillia, Midland, Gravenhurst and Innisfil on Tuesday, Sept. 3. A portion of meal sales that day will be donated directly back to support mentoring programs in our region.

“Mentorship changes lives. When a young person has someone in their corner, cheering them on and helping them see their potential, it transforms their future,” says Bre LeFeuvre, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barrie & District. “This campaign is about shining a light on the incredible impact our volunteers have, while also calling on our community to step forward — because right now, almost 100 young people are waiting for a mentor across Simcoe County and Muskoka.”

A Child Waiting: Meet Emma

Among those waiting is Emma, a bright and creative youth who has been on the wait list since 2019, along with her brother. Emma loves crafts, animals, and playing games on her phone, and sometimes enjoys outdoor activities.

She dreams of having a mentor — someone to keep her company, because she doesn’t like being alone.

Like many youth in our community, Emma has faced challenges: she lives with ADHD and autism, has experienced bullying and social isolation at school, and is growing up in a single-parent household navigating financial and mental health concerns. Despite these obstacles, Emma’s excitement about the possibility of a mentor is simple: someone to spend time with, encourage her, and remind her she’s not alone.

“Every child deserves someone in their corner,” said Miranda Chaffey, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia & District. “Stories like Emma’s remind us of the urgent need for volunteers in our community. A mentor isn’t just a friend — they can be a lifeline for young people facing bullying, family challenges, or loneliness.”

“This story is just one example of the incredible young people waiting in our community,” added Joann Stephan, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Simcoe. “When someone steps forward to volunteer, they don’t just change one life — they strengthen an entire family and community.”

Right now, nearly 100 young people across Simcoe County and Muskoka are waiting for a mentor. You can change that.

• Volunteer: Become a Big Brother, Big Sister, or Big Couple and give a child the gift of connection, guidance, and encouragement.
• Donate: Your support ensures we can continue to create safe, supported matches and expand our programs.
• Spread the word: Share our message, attend events, and help us turn our towns teal this September.

Every small action adds up to big change. Follow us on social media for campaign updates, community events, and to learn how you can help change the life of a young person today.

Throughout September, let’s turn our towns teal — to celebrate mentorship, to support our youth, and to build stronger, more resilient communities together.

For more information on how to donate, volunteer, or find campaign updates, please visit:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barrie & District: https://barrie.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca, @bigbrothersbigsistersbarrie
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia & District: https://orillia.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/, @bbbsorillia
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Simcoe: https://northsimcoe.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca, Facebook: BBBSNS, @BbbsNorthSimcoe

*******************************************