Big Brothers and Big Sisters Prepare to Unite
London, ON – On February 1, 2009 Big Brothers of London and Big Sisters of London will follow the success of other locations across Canada and become one organization called Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area. Creating healthy communities through collaboration is a heightened priority in London and area; therefore it is a wise and strategically-sound decision to integrate our services to achieve greater benefits for the children and families in this community.
"Combining these two organizations, will provide a more effective and efficient mentoring service to children and youth in this community" says Suzanne Hipple, Board Chair of Big Sisters.
"The unification of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London is a big step forward for our community," says Wally Bedford, Board Chair of Big Brothers. "Together, we will be able to further our shared vision of expanding and enhancing the mentoring programs that have such a positive effect on children in the community."
Through the eyes of little brothers and sisters, the most important things will not change when unification occurs. They will have the same adult mentor and will continue to participate in the same programs and activities. All current community mentoring programs will also continue. What will change, however, is that both boys and girls will go for programs and services to the Big Sisters House – it will become known as the Big Brothers Big Sisters House. The Big Brothers House will serve as the administrative office.
Both Glen Mitchell, Executive Director of Big Brothers and Cathy Urquhart, Executive Director of Big Sisters agree that providing children and youth with successful mentoring programs will help to build caring, creative, responsible adults tomorrow. They state: "Together we are looking forward to using our collective expertise and resources more effectively and efficiently to achieve a strengthened community,"
With both agencies currently planning for future growth, the time is right for this proactive change. Through the continued support of the London community, and as a United Way agency, Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area looks forward to being able to serve more children and families in our community – better.
For additional information please contact:
Glen Mitchell (519.679.1000) or Cathy Urquhart (519.438.7065)
Thank you Tim Hortons and You for sending Little Sisters to camp!
Big Sisters Staff, Courtney, Katie and Kellie helped out on Send a Kid to Camp day at Tim Hortons!
Click here to read about one Little Sister's experience at Tim Horton's Camp!
TELUS PRESENTS BIG SISTERS WITH A CHEQUE FOR $4,500.00!
Telus locations in London raised $4,500 from the sale of Charity Critters in the month of Decemeber. Thank you to all Telus employees for choosing Big Sisters of London!! Click here to visit their website.
Thank you Panago Pizza for your ongoing support of Big Sisters of London!
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Four Little Sisters Win CIBC ScholarshipEach year CIBC awards 30 scholarships across Canada to youths in a mentoring program. This year four Little Sisters, with the help of their Big Sisters and Case Managers, won a 4 year college or university scholarship!
Congratulation girls!! 
Thank you to the Mandarin London for their donation towards Volunteer Recruitment and Big & Little events. Click on the link below to visit their website.
Big Sisters of London Sweatshirts now available!
Drop by the Big Sister House to purchase your Light Denim Blue Sweatshirt for only $25.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada Honours Ontario MPPs at a reception hosted by MPP Deb Matthews. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada will honour Members of the Ontario Legislature whose exceptional support of mentoring has made a profound difference to the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency in their ridings. Click here for photos.