In The News: Grant helps Big Brothers Big Sisters ‘reconnect’ with community

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Grant helps Big Brothers Big Sisters ‘reconnect’ with community

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia and District received $45,800 from Ontario Trillium Foundation; impact of grant ‘cannot be overstated,’ says official
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Pictured, from left, are Haleigh Payne, fundraising and community development co-ordinator with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia and District, Miranda Chaffey, executive director, Lauren Oke, mentoring co-ordinator, Heather Breckles, Ontario Trillium Foundation volunteer, Eric Sterling, constituency assistant to Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop, and Destiny DeFrance-Miller, case worker.

NEWS RELEASE
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF ORILLIA AND DISTRICT
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On Tuesday, the team at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia and District (BBBSOD) met with Heather Breckles, an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) volunteer, and Eric Sterling, a constituency assistant to MPP Jill Dunlop.

At the event, BBBSOD spoke to the impact that a $45,800 Resilient Communities Fund grant, awarded by OTF in 2022, has had in helping it rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19 by redeveloping its volunteer recruitment and retention strategies.

This project helped the agency reconnect with the community following the pandemic and ultimately helped it with providing mentors to youth who are faced with adversity. Funds from the grant were used to help with a staffing position, as well as to provide workshops and training for staff and volunteers, purchase some technological equipment and help with some administrative costs as well.

Through various evidence-based mentoring programs, BBBSOD has been fostering and supporting positive mentoring relationships within our community for 57 years and is looked upon as a leader in fostering positive mentoring relationships to children and youth.

BBBSOD is committed to providing quality mentoring experiences to children in our community who are faced with various adversities. Volunteer mentors serve as role models, teaching by example the importance of giving back to one’s community, and having respect for themselves, family, and peers. If you wish to inquire about volunteer opportunities, please visit the website at orillia.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, celebrates 40 years of grant making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested over $110 million into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

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Read the original article here: https://www.orilliamatters.com/local-news/grant-helps-big-brothers-big-sisters-reconnect-with-community-7796648