Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Huron and

Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Huron

receives Trillium Grant

DASHWOOD — A grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has allowed Big Brothers Big Sisters South Huron and North Huron to hire a resource co-ordinator who will work on the agencies' behalf to secure grants and allow for future growth.

Huron-Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell and OTF volunteer Peggy Menzies met with Big Brothers staff and board members in Dashwood Friday afternoon to officially announce the $47,800 grant.

Menzies noted the hiring of the new resource co-ordinator — Jamie Sandwith, who will work out of the Big Brothers Big Sisters South Huron headquarters in Dashwood — sees a collaboration between the South Huron and North Huron agencies. She said she hopes the new position will help the agencies set up sustainable fundraising and attract more volunteers.

Big Brothers Big Sisters South Huron executive director Bruce Shaw expressed appreciation for the OTF grant. He noted many kids have a lot going against them and anything Big Brothers Big Sisters can do to help them is a positive investment in the future.

He said the creation of a new resource co-ordinator will create sustainability. While he said both South Huron and North Huron agencies will still have to fundraise, Sandwith's work tapping into other grants will result in the agencies not having to spend as much time on fundraising.

Shaw noted there are children on the Big Brothers Big Sisters waiting list who are awaiting matches with a “big” brother or sister. He said the agencies have not forgotten about them and there are activities and programs for them. Mitchell thanked Big Brothers Big Sisters for the work they do. "Keep up the good work" she said.

In a press release Mitchell added, “Big Brothers Big Sisters in Huron County has been providing much-needed community programs, services and mentoring opportunities to our local youth for more than three decades. I'm pleased to announce funding that will help them to continue to grow and thrive as an organization.”

Shaw continued in the press release, “This grant will give us the boost we need in securing long-term financial stability, but the public should be aware that the grant is not intended to support our present programs or to pay case workers. We still must fundraise as usual for at least the next two years.”

Courtesy of the Exeter Times Advocate - February 9, 2011