Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince Edward Island is inviting Islanders to come together to support youth in the community, have fun and bring some joy to the province this winter.
For 42 years, thousands of Islanders have supported the organization by participating in Bowl for Kids Sake. However, with the realities of COVID-19, hosting more than 1,100 people safely at bowling lanes across P.E.I. won’t be possible this year.
Instead, The Big Little Challenge will begin on Monday, March 8, and run for three weeks. Teams across P.E.I. can have fun together while fundraising and completing challenges that are tied to mental health and well-being, trying new things and making a difference. The staff at BBBSPEI has developed separate activity lists for business and friends and family teams so that the challenges will be both meaningful and a lot of fun for everyone.
Heather Doran, communications and development manager at BBBSPEI, says the organization felt this winter it was important not to lose the things people love about Bowl for Kids Sake – team building, community spirit, the chance to have fun together and fundraising. She went on to say that by participating, teams can have a big effect with little actions, and since each week represents one of the big outcomes of its mentoring programs, participating will be a great way to see the impact of support.
In addition to the weekly challenges, there will be a special signature challenge that allows teams to show their collective creativity while competing for great prizes. As with many of the other weekly challenges, the Celebrate Summer in the Winter, Great Chili Cook Off and Go Bowling Covid-19 Style Signature Challenges come with suggested activities. Teams are encouraged, however, to choose their own adventure and come up with something that works for them.
Since COVID-19 has affected everyone, The Big Little Challenge focuses on team fundraising instead of individual totals. Every team that raises $100 or more will receive a Big Little Challenge Certificate and a chance to win some wonderful prizes. The more teams raise and the more challenges they complete, the more they can win. To help with fundraising, BBBSPEI will be providing team kits, raffle tickets and online fundraising.
Participants will be helping to provide mentors for youth who face adversity. Mentors challenge growth, provide support, expand possibilities and empower youth to succeed.
“Our work could not be more urgent. Mentoring is an essential service we must continue to provide for youth in need,” said Myron Yates, executive director of BBBSPEI. “As you help with our fundraising efforts this year, please be assured that our focus continues to be on providing mentors and supporting the wonderful volunteers who provide those meaningful, life-changing relationships.”
To register a team, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 902-569-KIDS (5437) or 1-877-411-3729, email [email protected] or fill out the form at bbbspei.ca.
