Peterborough Bigs Executive Director Announces Departure Effective July 12

After years of service to Big Brothers, Big Sisters Peterborough (Peterborough Bigs), Brent Shepard, executive director is leaving the organization effective July 12, announced on Friday morning.

BRENT SHEPARD (LEFT), LINDA CARDONA (MIDDLE) AND JON OLDHAM (RIGHT) WITH A CAPTURED PHOTO OF THE MURAL THAT STODD ON THE SIDE OF THE BUILD FOR 33 YEARS. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

According to a press release, Shepard has opted to pursue a new opportunity.

The following is a statement from Shepard:

“I'm grateful for the opportunity to have worked with a team of dedicated staff, volunteers, donors and sponsors. During my time at BBBS, we’ve made significant strides in supporting Peterborough's children and youth. Together, we’ve been able to create so many mentoring memories by matching “bigs” with their ‘littles,’ creating lasting friendships and positive impacts. I am grateful and proud of what we’ve accomplished together.

Effective July 12th, I will be stepping down from my role. The organization is in capable hands, and I have full confidence in the team’s ability to continue our vital work. Please support and encourage them as they continue to bring their dedication and enthusiasm to their work.

Thank you for your unwavering support of our mentoring mission. Your dedication changes lives, and I am honoured to have been part of this journey.”

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Peterborough Petes Game to Benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough in 'Big Game For Kids' On March 7

The Peterborough Pets game against the Ottawa 67’s on March 7 will be extra special as a fundraising night for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough (Peterborbough Bigs) in the “Big Game for Kids,” announced on Thursday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Bigs.

The game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre has the puck drop for 7:05 p.m. The event features a classic photo booth, chuck-a-puck prizes and local hockey action while making meaningful differences for Peterborough youth.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Peterborough Petes and Monaghan Lumber for the 'Big Game for Kids,' an event that combines the excitement of hockey with the spirit of community giving,” said Brent Shepherd, Peterborough Bigs executive director. “Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of children and youth in our community by providing them with the support and guidance they need to succeed.”

All funds raised benefit Peterborough Bigs’s mentoring programs, allowing the organization to continue matching young people with caring adult mentors, fostering meaningful relationships and positive outcomes according to a press release.

Tickets are available at the Peterborough Bigs website or by contacting Hilary Morgan at (705) 743-6100.

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Peterborough Bigs In Need of Big Brothers/Sisters; At Least 60 Children In Program Needing Mentors

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Peterborough (Peterborough Bigs) are dire need of mentors to join their organization as at least 60 to 70 kids involved in the program are without a mentor.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The number of children entering the Bigs program has doubled over the past year according to Brent Shepard, Peterborough Bigs executive director.

“It's an ongoing need,” he explained. “We found that there has been an increase in the number of children requesting to come into our programs and waiting for a mentor.”

Children in the program are entered into a waiting pool and get matched based on what best fits both the mentor and the child.

As a result of the matchmaking system, children can wait from roughly six months to a year before being paired up with a Big.

“Because we want the child's interest to be matched with the volunteer's interest, it can sometimes take longer depending on what volunteers come in,” said Shepard.

Shepard also encouraged potential suitors to join Peterborough Bigs, citing several testimonials from mentors who are getting more than what they bargained for but in a positive way.

“We hear over and over again that someone that wants to mentor with us will come to the program and want to give back to the community,” he explained. “What they always underestimate how powerful of an experience it is for them once they start mentoring. They realize how much impact they make for how little investment they need to make and they'll talk to their friends about how it's a highlight of their month.”

The program allows flexibility for mentors, as they spend, on average, two to four hours a month seeing their ‘little’; however, the time spent can be increased at the request of the ‘big.’

Children in the waiting pool remain active with Peterborough Bigs, with several activities offered.

Activities include sports tickets, event tickets, holiday parties, a children’s camp and more.

Mentors can volunteer online at Peterborough Bigs’s website.

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Peterborough Bigs's 33-Year-Old Mural Preserved With Photos As New Sponsor Sign and Paint Job Takes Its Place

After 32 years, the colourful mural on the side of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough building has been painted over and a new sign with the organization’s sponsors was installed this past week.

Brent Shepard (left), Linda Cardona (middle) and Jon Oldham (right) with a captured photo of the mural that stodd on the side of the build for 33 years. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The mural was painted in 1991 by Sharon Richards but was deteriorating after 33 years.

“This mural was painted in 1991 so the signs of aging were showing,” said Brent Shepherd, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough. “You could see that it was starting to peel and crack.”

Prior to the mural’s repainting, Linda Cardona volunteered to commemorate the mural with by taking photos of it.

The photos were submitted to the Peterborough Museum and Archives to be put on display.

The new ‘Big Believers’ sign displays the organization’s sponsors with seven already filled of the 12 available spots. Businesses contributing over $5,000 get their place on the new signage. There are 10 spots for medium medium-sized sponsors that can donate $1,250 and $2,500 to earn that distinction.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough Hosting Inaugural MEGABike Fundraiser On June 1

Get up to 30 riders to join in on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough’s (Peterborough Bigs) first annual MEGABike fundraiser for June 1, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough.

The fundraiser is to support Peterborough Bigs’s youth who are involved in their programs. The organization is seeking any sponsorships from companies that are ‘looking to be visible in the community.’ according to their press release.

The 30-person bike will ride a two-kilometre loop around Lansdowne and Monaghan. The route starts at Chuck's Roadhouse on Landsdowne St. W. then tours through Monaghan Road, Romaine Street, Park Street and back down Lansdowne.

Ten rides are available for the event with different sponsorship packages available including sending a ‘Big’ on the bike.

Riders are encouraged to coordinate clothing/uniforms as they ride with prizes available to be won for individuals and companies who raise the most money. 

Teams can register online with more information found here.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough Receives $6,000 from "Lids For Kids" Campaign

More smiles on kids’ faces and more heads are covered after the “Lids for Kids” campaign raised $6,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough (Peterborough Bigs) donated by PTBOCanada on Wednesday.

Members of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough and PTBOCanada at the cheque presentation.

The proceeds support weekly virtual programs to keep children on the waiting list connected to the agency. Examples include weekly trivia games and craft nights, including painting pictures and decorating pots in which they plant seeds.

Each hat purchased had $10 go towards the charity. They were available on PTBOCanada’s shop page in five different styles.

“It was great to have an opportunity to get behind the cause that simultaneously builds community through the PTBOCanada hats but also works for charity, said Thomas Jenkins, Peterborough Bigs board member. "We were absolutely honoured to be the charity choice for this."

"It's amazing to have people that are so supportive both with their time and energy and with their dollars," said Brent Shepard, Peterborough Bigs executive director. "It makes a big difference."

PTBOCanada owner Kirtus Evoy presented the check at their studio in East City to Peterborough Bigs. The campaign originally raised $5,000 from 500 hats sold but Evoy threw in an extra $1,000 totalling $6,000.

The campaign began back in late April with several local celebrities and notables showing their support such as WWE wrestler Bobby Roode, sports broadcaster Dan O’Toole, Peterborough Chamber of Commerce president Stu Harrison and more.

Activities were limited with COVID-19 between the brothers and sisters but with the donated money, the organization is hoping to do more with the mentorship program.

"This is going go a long way to help us pull out of that (COVID-19 pandemic) and build on the good stuff that we've already seen happen in the history of Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough," said Shepard.

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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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Local Boy has Imagination Soar Through Mentorship Program

The sky is the limit for Kenner student Alex Ouimet’s imagination as he and volunteer Thomas Jenkins from Big Brothers of Peterborough use it to connect with art and nature.

Ouimet, 14, and Jenkins have been meeting every Saturday for the last three years through a Big Brothers mentorship doing weekly activities and learning life skills.

Alex Ouimet (left) and Thomas Jenkins (right) met through the Big Brothers program where Jenkins was a substitute Big Brother for Ouimet during a Toronto Blue Jays game. Photo courtesy of Thomas Jenkins

A common activity is outdoor hiking involving forest explorations, walking through trails and exploring everything outdoors. During all activities, the two engage in conversation to let Ouimet unwind and express himself.

"This is about giving time and attention to your Little, it's not about the fancy things you do," said Jenkins. “It’s an escape. You get to develop a relationship outside of the family that can provide a different perspective.”

Alex Ouimet (pictured) has explored the outdoors from The Gut Conservation Area in Apsley, Ontario to the Petroglyphs Provincial Park in Woodview, Ontario. Photo courtesy of Thomas Jenkins

Physical health and proper dieting are other skill Ouimet learns through the Big Brothers program. Before the pandemic, the pair would often make healthy meals with workouts.

Big Brothers allows their matches to have a safe space for emotional control, a place to vent and develop social skills according to Jenkins.

“It's all about Alex. That’s the most important thing about this is Alex's time during the week where he can be himself and do what he wants to do,” said Jenkins. “We do that and all the positive reinforcement and building confidence such as talking about what his week was.”

One way Ouimet likes to express himself is through professional wrestling. It is not the violence that appeals to him but as a form of expression through music, visual and dramatic arts.

"We make a lot of wrestling characters, we've made shirts and we draw some of our characters,” said Ouimet. “They're actually all from my brain."

Alex Ouimet (pictured) has created over 30 different wresters each with their own backstory and persona with Jenkins. Photo by David Tuan Bui

Fictional wrestlers are brought to life from drawings, t-shirt designs and composing music that all stem from Ouimet’s ideas.

“The wrestlers are the vehicle to get to the creative things,” said Jenkins. “It happens to be about wrestling but it’s learning things about music production, drawing, costume design for acting.”

Thomas Jenkins (left) composing entrance music for Alex Ouimet’s (right) created wrestlers in a jam session. Jenkins has music studio that contains guitars, a keyboard, audio mixer and microphones. Photo by David Tuan Bui

Ouimet says he is always eager for every Saturday to spend time with Jenkins as they both consider each other to be “brothers’ because of their close bond.

“He makes me feel relieved with less anxiety and less depression,” said Ouimet. ‘There’s less stress.”

Lyric composition and vocals are some of the musical expressions both participate in as several artistic activities. Photo by David Tuan Bui

Jenkins notes that developing a relationship with another person takes time and trust compared to a quick fly-by of a motivational speech.

“The only way to get there is by developing strong long-term relationships,” said Jenkins. “It has to be this thing that takes a long time and building a lot of trust.”

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Darryl Lloyd Was Just 14 When He Died In Cycling Accident But His Impact Will Last Forever

Darryl Lloyd was a participant in Big Brothers Big Sisters back in July of 2000 when he was matched with Keith Calderwood as his big brother (mentor).  

Keith, a constable with the Peterborough Police Service, would accompany Darryl on regular outings whether it was fishing, baseball, hockey, cycling, or walking Darryl’s dog. Keith and Darryl had just begun to enjoy the sport of golf together as well. Most of their times together finished with a stop at Tim Hortons where Darryl would enjoy an iced cappuccino while talking with Keith about the everyday challenges of being a teenager and of growing up without a dad.

Darryl (middle) pictured with Keith Calderwood (far right)

Tragically, in June of 2003, Darryl died on Chemong Road as a result of a cycling accident. He was just 14 years old. Through the relationship between Keith and Darryl, Big Brothers and Big Sisters introduced two people to one another and started a relationship that will live on in memories forever—and has had a lasting impact. 

Darryl

A memorial golf tournament in Darryl’s name will assist in bringing other “Bigs and Littles” together by raising funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough. To support the Big Brothers Big Sisters through this important tournament, consider becoming a sponsor or enter a team for a great day of golf at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Thursday, August 18th.

***Register here, call 705.743.1045 or email here for more info.

Learn more about this tournament in Darryl's honour in this video below....

Mark Shuwera on The Darryl Lloyd Memorial Golf Tournament Published on Jul 29, 2016 Mark Shuwera is the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough. Here Mark talks about the Darryl Lloyd Memorial Golf Tournament and what it means to the organization. The tournament is held at the beautiful Peterborough Golf and Country Club.

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