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BBBS Match Day
Imagine never having someone to look up to when you were a kid.
Imagine not having positive role models who guided you down a
responsible path in life. Imagine a community where every child
fulfills his or her potential and steers clear of bad decisions.
Imagine every child in our county graduating high school and college,
and giving back to his or her community.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County continues to work
hard arranging mentor relationships and developing innovative programs
that bring positive role models into the lives of local children. From
now until November 28, The Community Foundation of Shelby County is
offering a Match Day to celebrate 65 years of community philanthropy in
conjunction with the nationwide efforts of Giving Tuesday. Big
Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County is challenged to
generate donations that will be matched, up to $5,000, by the Community
Foundation.
Match Day presents an incredible opportunity for Big Brothers Big
Sisters of Shelby & Darke County to infuse support into one of
their most popular programs. “All donations received on Giving
Tuesday will be utilized for our vital after-school Big Buddies
mentoring programs,” said Jennifer Bruns, Executive Director. “Through
Big Buddies, high school students are paired with elementary students
throughout the county and meet two times per month immediately after
school to offer mentoring services to one another. Big Buddies
focuses on educational and social enhancing activities, healthy eating,
fitness, personal safety, and sustainability.” For the current
2017-2018 academic year, Big Buddies is implementing a curriculum
entitled “Earth Friendly Practices” which focuses on reducing waste,
recycling, reducing the carbon footprint, pollution, conservation,
water and air quality, and other earth-friendly sustainable practices.
The local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency also offers a Community-Based
Program and a Couples Match Program. Adults and couples are
always needed as matches and volunteers are welcome at any time.
“Littles” are typically ages 5 to 16 and have a need for a positive
mentoring relationship due to living in a single parent home, having
poor school performance, difficulty with family or friend
relationships, or isolation. “Mentoring relationships are also
beneficial for mentors, not just mentees,” notes Bruns. “Mentors have
reported more benefits than costs to being a mentor. Key benefits to
mentors included a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, recognition
from others, career and job renewal, and support from their protégés.”
To contribute to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County
for Match Day, checks must be made payable to The Community Foundation
of Shelby County and have “Match/BBBS” noted on the memo line.
Giving details, forms, and mailing directions are available on the
Community Foundation website at www.commfoun.com or at the
organization’s office. Gifts must be received on or before November 28
to be eligible for matching funds.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit United Way member
agency. If you would like more information or to become a
volunteer and make a difference in a child’s life, contact the local
agency at 937-547-9622 or go to www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org for
more information.
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