The head of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton says seeing a record number of kids find their mentors of late has really made the difficulties of the past 18 months worth it.
Executive Director Kaylen Burgess said the organization is currently working away at its waiting list at a record speed and that volunteers continue to come through the doors. She added that there is definitely still a need for big brother mentors.
Burgess said despite a good summer of fundraising, the local BBBS is still behind in money raised compared to years past.
"I think I've learned since COVID that we really can no longer compare what we used to be to what is now, so this is really a new world. Fundraising is completely different and money is being allocated in different ways than it used to be, so we're just trying to adapt to new ways and thinking in order to be successful. The pandemic has certainly taken away a lot of dollars that would've been raised, but it's given us the opportunity to do new events."
Burgess said the nonprofit raised over $37,000 combined from two summer campaigns, including one which saw former Executive Director Mike Hurry dye and cut his hair. She said that initiative brought in over $27,000, far beyond the $20,000 goal.
"The community really just seemed to get behind this. It was something new, and Mike -- he's very well known, so people were more than willing to donate to see him clean shaven for the first time in probably close to 10 years."
Mike's little brother, Eddie, did the honours of shaving Mike's head in August.
Former Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton Ex. Director Mike Hurry with his Little Brother, Eddie, during Mike's hair fundraising event. 15 August 2021. (Photo by BBBS of SL)
"He's been matched with him here with the agency for I believe just over two years," said Burgess. "And Eddie actually surprised Mike that day and shaved his own head to support his efforts, so that was pretty cool."
Burgess said Mike has been a mentor to herself for many years. She talked about what he brings to the organization, even in retirement.
"The knowledge of the community and the agency that he holds, I feel is priceless. So, when him and I spoke about him staying on to help with fundraising, I was thrilled to keep him on -- he remains just as passionate about Big Brothers Big Sisters now as he did when it was under his direction, and as long as he's willing to lend a hand, we're certainly happy to have him here."
The nonprofit raised just over $10,000 during the 2nd annual Big Drop event and kid's golf tournament that took place at Greystone Golf Course August 4. Phil Lasek had his ball land closest to the hole, earning him a cheque for $2,500.
Burgess said they sold over 1,500 balls for the drop, and that nearly 100 golfers took part in the kid's tournament. She said the organization plans on hosting the event again next year.