Third Year of Gauvreau CPA's 'Gear Up For Good' Initiative Sends 208 Backpacks to Kids For Back-To-School Head Start

There were 208 fully-stocked backpacks given by Gauvreau CPA’s ‘Gear Up for Good’ initiative to kids to get a head start on back to school at the accounting firm on Friday.

(From left to right) Carrie Truman, Kawartha Haliburton Children's Foundation executive director; Tammy Thompson, Case Worker at Peterborough Bigs; Ava McQuade, 9, Little Sister and Robert Gauvreau of Gauvreau CPA. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The children receiving the backpacks are affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough (Peterborough Bigs) and Kawartha Haliburton Children's Foundation.

The initiative is in its third year and has more than doubled its output from last year, with 101 and 73 in the inaugural event.

Seven businesses helped chip in by supplying products for the backpacks:

• Domino's Pizza (200+ pizza dinners donated)

• Ricart Branded Apparel and Promo (200 water bottles and 25 backpacks donated)

• Quaker (800+ snacks donated)

• Eco Chalet Homes (150 Lunchboxes donated)

• Mirror Mirror Beauty Salon (40 Haircuts donated)

• Angela's Hair Co. (10+ Haircuts donated)

• Hair Studio One (10+ Haircuts donated)

Children and parents picked up the supplies throughout the day and selected their knapsacks on a first-come, first-served basis. Kawartha Haliburton Children's Foundation took 75 of the backpacks to be picked up at their facility.

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Gauvreau GPA Hosting Third Annual 'Gear Up for Good' Campaign Give 200 Local Kids a Head Start For School Supplies

200 local kids are getting a head start for back to school supplies as is Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory is hosting its third annual ‘Gear Up for Good’ campaign.

Savannah Thompson has her pick of the litter of 101 backpacks in the Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory 'Gears Up for Good' initiative from last year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The initiative provides backpacks and supplies to under-served children in Peterborough from Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Children's Aid Society for the upcoming school year.

This year, the company is increasing its goal from 101 to 200 backpacks from prior years. In addition to the supplies, Gauvreau CPA is providing complimentary haircuts as a way to boost students' confidence as they start the school year according to a press release.

Ricart Branded Apparel and Promo have donated water bottles while Domino's has offered a free pizza to each participating family as part of the campaign.

“Every child deserves the chance to excel in their education,” said Robert Gauvreau of Gauvreau CPA. “We are grateful for the incredible support from our community and partners, and we are determined to make this year's 'Gear Up for Good' campaign the most impactful yet.”

Gauvreau CPA is calling on the public’s assistance to help with the initiative, seeing additional support that includes providing haircuts, backpacks and supplies. Potential assistance can help by visiting Gauvreau’s Amazon Wishlist or drop off donations at their facility located at 150 King St., Suite 100 W by Aug. 16. Backpacks will be distributed on Aug. 23rd.

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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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Gauvreau CPA Kickstarts Peterborough Bigs Children With 101 Filled Knapsacks For Back-To-School

The children of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough (Peterborough Bigs) are getting a head start for their classes this September as they were given 101 backpacks filled with school supplies by accounting firm Gauvreau CPA on Friday.

Savannah Thompson, 10, has her pick of the litter of 101 backpacks in the Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory 'Gears Up for Good' initiative. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The initiative, ‘Gear Up for Good,’ began last year as 73 backpacks were given to local kids affiliated with Peterborough Bigs. New this year, Gauvreau CPA also included complimentary haircuts.

Local promotional supplier Ricart Branded Apparel and Promo, donated water bottles as part of the fully-loaded backpacks.

“Every child deserves the chance to excel in their education and pursue their dreams,” said Robert Gauvreau, Gauvreau CPA founder. “We are humbled by the support of Ricart and our community and we're determined to make this year's 'Gear Up for Good' campaign even more impactful than before.”

Children and parents picked up the supplies throughout the day and selected their knapsacks on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of these incredible kids,” said Gauvreau. “By joining forces, we're not only equipping them with school supplies but also with the belief that their dreams are worth pursuing.”

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Hometown PTBO: Mark Hubble and His Inaugural Hubbs Open Mini-Golf Tournament to Support Peterborough Big Brothers and Big Sisters

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with Mark Hubble about his inaugural Hubbs Open mini-golf tournament at Milltown Mini-Golf on Aug. 19 at 2 p.m. The event concludes with a pub crawl with proceeds for Peterborough Big Brothers & Big Sisters.

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Peterborough Petes Fundraising "Big Game For Kids" For Peterborough Bigs For Mentoring Services

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough and Peterborough Petes are launching the ‘Big Game for Kids’ initiative to raise funds to support local children in need of mentoring services on Thursday’s game.

Riyen (left) and Kohl (right) enjoy a Petes game in January. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Bigs.

The Petes are playing at the Peterborough Memorial Centre against the East-leading Ottawa 67s and is the final home game of the season. Discounted tickets are $15 with all proceeds towards Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Peterborough Petes for this exciting event," said Brent Shepherd, Peterborough Bigs executive director. "The funds raised through this initiative will go a long way in helping us find a mentor for a child, support current mentoring matches and provide much-needed programs for children on our waitlist."

Shepard says roughly 20 tickets of the original 200 are left for purchase and can be bought online.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough Children Receive 73 Fully-Loaded Backpacks From Local Accounting Firm

Getting back to school just got easier for local children of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough as accounting firm Gauvreau CPA gave them fully stocked 73 backpacks with school supplies on Friday afternoon.

Lily G., 11 (left), got her pick of the litter for backpacks as Caitlin Walker (right) of Gauvreau CPA Firm gives her one of 73 fully-loaded backpacks. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Several employees at the firm have grown up benefiting from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and the backpacks were a way to help the next generation of children.

“We have a team dedicated to helping advance our community,” said Robert Gauvreau, Gauvreau CPA CEO. “We have a few people on our team who are connected with the Peterborough Big Brothers Big Sisters so it's got a special spot in our heart.”

Students attending high school or elementary school and part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program were eligible for the free backpacks.

Backpacks were filled with supplies such as a lunch bag, sandwich containers writing utensils, glue sticks, scissors and erasers.

Children and parents picked up the supplies throughout the afternoon and were able to select what bags they wanted on a first-come,first-serve basis.

“Everything isn't just about business all the time but the fact that our team is positively influencing the outcomes of our community to me, that is the biggest win,” said Gauvreau.

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