On Sunday March 4th, 2018 Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley held their annual fundraising event Bowl For Kids Sake raising $22,680 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, 40 teams (full capacity) participated in the event with approximately 194 bowlers attending on event day. We could not implement such a great event without our amazing Match Sponsors Island Ford and Shawnigan Lake School as well as our In-School Mentoring partner Island Savings a Division of First West Credit Union. With the support of nine Island Savings staff volunteering their time on event day along with our Board of Directors, the event ran smoothly and all the bowlers had a fantastic time.
This year’s theme was SUPERHEROES and there was a definite superhero spirit at the event both in costumes and in funds raised. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley was also chosen by Island Ford as part of their 2018 Community Giving plan donating $10,000 towards mentoring programs.
Bowlers had the opportunity to win the highest Individual pledge prize which was awarded to Sylvia Webb who raised $650. The prize was 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 superheroes energized while they bowled superhero style!
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 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, Big Sisters, and Big Families. With a variety of mentoring programs ranging year long, one-on-one relationships to 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.
Website: www.bbbscowichan.ca
Facebook: @BBBScowichanvalley
Twitter: @BBBSofthecv