On Sunday March 1st, 2020 Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley held their annual fundraising event Bowl For Kids Sake raising $24,600 towards local mentoring programs.
Bowl for Kids Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley’s largest fundraising event each year where community members and local businesses come together to support this pledge-based event by bowling in our local bowling alley, Duncan Lanes. Teams of up to 6 members are invited to participate in the one day event (divided into two sessions). Individuals raise a minimum pledge of $50 however Executive Director Erin Generous states that “many people raise more than the minimum pledge because they want to contribute to local programs and support children in our community by helping us match them with positive mentors”.
Generous reports that this is the largest Bowl For Kids Sake event to date, with the fundraiser having a long history with many long-term sponsors and community participants. This year, 37 teams participated in the event with approximately 226 bowlers attending on event day. We could not implement such a great event without our amazing Match Sponsors: Island Ford, Shawnigan Lake School, and Telus, as well as our In-School Mentoring partner Island Savings a Division of First West Credit Union. With the support of many volunteers donating their time on event day, along with our Board of Directors, the event ran smoothly and bowlers had a great time.
This year’s theme was Mardi Gras and there was a definite party spirit at the event both in costumes and in funds raised. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley was chosen by Island Ford as part of their 2020 Community Giving plan donating $10,000 towards mentoring programs. Island Return It also donated $3545 towards mentoring through their Charity of the Month program. “We’re pleased to see such incredible generosity in our community with many long-time supporters”, says Generous. “Investments like these have great outcomes when we can further our work and increase the number of children being served, particularly with the need so high”.
Bowlers had the opportunity to win the highest Individual pledge prize which was awarded to Sylvia Webb who raised $1095. Sylvia has won this distinction three years in a row and is one of the most dedicated fundraisers for this event. The prize allocated to thank Sylvia for her hard work is a 3 day getaway provided by Country Maples and Arbutus RV. To make the event even better, Panago Pizza delivered pizza to bowlers in both sessions and kept all those party-goers energized while they bowled. Duncan Dodge and Tim Horton’s sponsored our two TEAM LITTLES allowing an opportunity for children in our program, either waiting or matched, to participate in this event! The kids had a fun time with a few strikes to add to the cheer!
The event is supported by MANY sponsors and local businesses that donated prizes and they all contributed to making the event a success. For details on all our supporters please visit our website at www.bbbscowichan.ca or visit Duncan Lanes over the next month to see the great community Lane Sponsors displayed over the bowling lanes.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley (BBBSCV) is an independent regional branch of Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada. BBBSCV matches at-risk children and youth with volunteer mentors from the community – fostering enriching interpersonal relationships that change young lives for the better. The organization has served the community since 1972, dramatically improving individual outcomes for youth and positively affecting the social determinants of health in the Cowichan region.
BBBSCV is actively seeking Big Brothers and Big Sisters. With a variety of mentoring programs including one-on-one relationships in the community or in school, and 7-week group sessions, there are options to fit mentors of all ages and availabilities. BBBSCV is an independent Registered Charity that provides services free-of-charge and relies entirely on community support to sustain operations. Donations of any amount are very much needed throughout the year.
Contact: Erin Generous, Executive Director
Phone: 250-748-2447
Email: erin.generous@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca