From L to R: Yolanda Ritsema (Executive Director, BBBSKD), Angela Cowley (Principal, Maitland River Elementary) and Lisa Harper (UWPH Manager Community Development, North Huron & Area).
(Photo courtesy of Perth Huron United Way)From L to R: Yolanda Ritsema (Executive Director, BBBSKD), Angela Cowley (Principal, Maitland River Elementary) and Lisa Harper (UWPH Manager Community Development, North Huron & Area). (Photo courtesy of Perth Huron United Way)
Midwestern

BBBS to support kids in Huron County

The Executive Director of Big Brother, Big Sisters in Kincardine says they were more than happy to help out when the Perth Huron United Way asked if they could expand their services into North Huron.

Yolanda Ritzema explains, the North Huron Big Brothers and Big Sisters folded in 2020 so there was a need for service and programs in that area and they're happy to provide that.

“We cover the municipalities of North Huron, Morris-Turnberry, Huron East, Ashfield-Wawanosh-Colborne, Howick and the town of Goderich. But for right now we are just focused on two schools, Maitland River Elementary School in Wingham and Brookside Public School,” said Ritzema.

“The matches take place during the school day, on school property. So it's a one hour a week program, you and your little sit down and you can do a puzzle, play a game, go outside and kick a ball, but really it's about developing a relationship.”

She says they're hoping to start by matching eleven young people with mentors and they're currently looking for mentors to help them meet that target.

More information can be found on the Kincardine Big Brother, Big Sisters Facebook page.

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