Bill Walker presenting Ontario Trillium Foundation cheque to BBBSOS.  (left to right)  MPP Bill Walker, Andy McKee, President BBBSOS, Jim Hepple OTF Grant Review Team, Heather Folwer, Advisory Chair, BBBSOS  (photo submitted)Bill Walker presenting Ontario Trillium Foundation cheque to BBBSOS. (left to right) MPP Bill Walker, Andy McKee, President BBBSOS, Jim Hepple OTF Grant Review Team, Heather Folwer, Advisory Chair, BBBSOS (photo submitted)
Midwestern

Big Sisters Program Back In Owen Sound

There is new interest in the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization in Owen Sound.

Some of that optimism stems from the announcement of a $173,000 three-year Grow Grant.

Bruce-Grey Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker joined a representative of the Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant Committee in presenting the cheque to BBBS of Owen Sound at their annual general meeting Friday night.

This grant has helped the organization hire a full time Mentorship Coordinator and provide resources to expand the re-introduced Big Sisters Program.

Receiving a Life Time Achievement Award for over 30 years of support to Big Brothers of Owen Sound was former MPP Bill Murdoch.

Many volunteers were recognized for their service to youth as board members or big brothers; 25 years - Mike Forcier; 20 years - Andy McKee; 15 years - Peter Boulter and Bob Knapp; ten years - Glenn Breadner and Tim McKay; five years - Bob Nadon, Jeff Burlington, Jack Seamen and Kevin Brown.

"In my 16 years serving as president, I have never been more optimistic about our organization," says President Andy McKee.

Matthew Chater, national vice president Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada, provided statistics and stories to illustrate the power of mentoring for youth. He complemented the Owen Sound organization on their growth and provision of important programs in the community.

The winner of the WestJet Cares for Kids raffle was Val McCrae of Owen Sound. McCrae receives two round trip tickets for anywhere WestJet flies. This generous donation by WestJet netted $4,300 profit for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Owen Sound.

Andy McKee presenting a voucher to Val McCrae of Owen Sound, the winner of the WestJet Cares for Kids raffle for a flight for two anywhere WestJet flies. (photo submitted)

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