Lids for Kids Will Match More Children With More Mentors, Making PTBOCanada Proud

PTBOCanada’s new line of funky ballcaps is topping up a new fundraiser for a children’s charity that serves kids across Peterborough.

Alex Ouimet (left) and Thomas Jenkins (right) met through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough program where the two went to a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game as their first outing in 2018. Photo Courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough.

Lids for Kids will see $10 from every hat sold go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough, an agency that matches kids with mentors to help them better cope with the challenges of growing up. The hip hats sell for $29.99 via PTBOCanada’s site and can be picked up at Ricart’s Promotions on Lansdowne Street East.

This BIG partnership celebrates #PTBOCanada proud as city residents can show off their loyalty to the city while supporting children living here.

Big Brothers Big Sisters already has 47 Little Sisters and 25 Little Brothers matched with “Bigs”, mentors who meet with them weekly, plus 22 virtual mentoring matches. Yet, another 18 girls and 22 boys are still waiting to be paired up with adults of any age.

Funds from the Lids for Kids campaign will support weekly virtual programs to keep children on the waiting list connected to the agency. So far, the staff have been running weekly trivia games and craft nights, including painting pictures and decorating pots in which they plant seeds.

PTBOCanada has five different styles to choose from to support the fundraiser. Photo Courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough.

This has been a tough year for kids, who have been cut off from their friends and their school routines, on top of sports and other activities that keep them engaged and learning. For children in vulnerable families, the strain is even harder.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has been matching up mentors and children in Peterborough since 1964, one of the first 10 agencies in Canada to do so. Like PTBOCanada, it focuses on working with local partners to bring out the best in people in this community.

Jenkins and Ouimet often travel to parks, woods and other geographical places of interest as part of their Big Brother adventures. Photo by David Tuan Bui

Recently, has the Bigs’ Board of Directors developed a new strategic plan to revitalize the organization. The organization is infused with new energy and is looking to recruit new volunteers for its mentorship programs and its new committees for fundraising, volunteer management, building, and communications.

“We have an incredible executive director and two dedicated caseworkers who are focused on the core programs that support our Littles and their families,” said Tom Jenkins, who serves as chair of the board and a Big Brother for 18 years.

“Our staff and board are united in building a brighter future for the kids who need us most.  We thank everyone who helps our kids, including Kirtus at PTBOCanada,” Jenkins continues. “We are grateful for your support and look forward to working with you in the coming weeks and years as we have big plans in our future.”

­­Big Brothers Big Sisters offers traditional matches, mentorships in local schools, and tailored programs Go Girl! and Game On! to encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Volunteers are needed for all these programs, with an emphasis on traditional matches, where the need is greatest.

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