Posted by Sudbury Northern Life Sabrina Byrnes
The annual Bowl for Kids Sake, in support of Big Brothers Big
Sisters, is taking place March 28 at Plaza Bowl, in an effort
to raise money and awareness for the organization's mentoring
program and need for volunteers.
"There's a high need for mentorship in Sudbury," said Chantal
Gladu, agency director for Big Brothers Big Sisters. "It just
takes a little bit of time. Two outings per month is all it
takes to make a difference in a child's life."
The Bowl for Kids Sake is the organization's largest fundraiser
each year. Teams of four to six players get together and raise
a minimum of $50 each for the organization. Last year, the
event raised $30,000, and this year Gladu said she's hoping to
exceed that.
Every year Bowl for Kids Sake has a new theme and this year's
theme is Hollywood. Gladu said she thought the theme would be
fun because everyone can interpret it differently.
"Are they going to dress up as their favourite actor or super
hero? Are they just going to do the bling? Are they going to be
a director? It's fun to see what they're going to do," said
Gladu.
While there are many prize incentives and draws to lure local
bowlers to participate, the real incentive is the children.
"Our programs have a high effect on the kids and helping to
raise their self-esteem. Giving them positive role models and
somebody to be their friend, it helps guide them through their
life path into adulthood," said the agency director.
"It's just having that extra person who believes in them."
Currently, there are 65 children on a waiting list for a Big
Brother or Sister - 75 per cent of which are boys.
"Females are more apt to step up and volunteer a lot quicker
than the men," Gladu said.
There is a strong need for male volunteers to become a Big
Brother. On average, boys will wait up to two years before they
are matched with somebody.
Josh Acasaki, who is eight years old, has been waiting for a
Big Brother for six months now. He said he wants someone to do
fun things with, like go swimming or bowling. He added it would
make him happy have a Big Brother.
The young boy currently lives with his grandparents and it's
challenging for them to keep up with his active nature.
"I can't do the physical things that maybe a younger person can
do," said his grandmother Monika Lausch.
Gladu said it would mean the world to her to see him, as well
as all the other kids, matched.
"It's the most devastating thing when they call you and they
ask you 'did you find me a Big Brother or a Big Sister yet?' if
you don't have anybody," she said.
"It means to me he's going to have the mentorship and the role
model that he needs in his life."
Gilles Aubin has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters
since 1991 and has had six matches over the years, some of whom
he still remains in contact with. Aubin said he and his wife
don't have any children of their own, but they both love kids
and thought it would be a good idea to join.
Just recently, Aubin was matched with eight-year-old Bailey
Rector.
"I never had a dad before," the young boy said. It was his
mother who put him in Big Brothers Big Sisters and he's happy
she did.
"I feel there should be more of us out there. I find there's
not enough and there are too many kids looking for a Big
Brother," said Aubin.
The Bowl for Kids Sake is a chance for the matches to get out
and have fun, as well as meet new people, said Aubin.
"It's a day of fun. It's a day we do once a year for anybody to
come and join us."
The Bowl for Kids Sake takes place at Plaza Bowl on Saturday
March 28 from 1:30 p.m. to midnight.
For more information, visit
www.bbbssudbury.com
.
