In response to the challenging times that we are experiencing together regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to give props to some stellar local businesses who are stepping up to serve our great community.
Featured this Week:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka
Website: www.muskoka.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Vision: “Every Child in Muskoka Who Needs a Mentor, Has a Mentor.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) has been providing mentorship and making a positive impact for youth in Canada for over 100 years. They help to create meaningful relationships that ignite the power and potential of young people. BBBS has a chapter here in Muskoka – their office located at 49 Manitoba Street (Suite 205), Bracebridge – and they too have been carrying out the BBBS vision. Through One-on-One mentorship, In-School mentoring and the Prism Program, BBBS Muskoka has been supporting youth and their development right here in our community.
As with everything in the world, when the pandemic first rolled through, BBBS had to adapt to continue delivering on their services. At first, ‘Bigs’ (mentors) were encouraged not to meet with their ‘Littles’ (youth) as to prevent the spread of Covid-19. However, as it became more evident that things were going to be different for quite some time, the urgency to adapt was quite clear. The mutually beneficial relationship and bond between Bigs and their Littles would serve as a much-needed support through these difficult times of uncertainty. That is when BBBS of Muskoka began to encourage virtual one-on-one mentorship. Littles were provided with decks of cards and could play card games with their Bigs over FaceTime or Zoom. Another activity involved baking bagel pizzas together – Littles were provided all the ingredients to make them and then made them over FaceTime/Zoom with their Bigs. As restrictions have lessened since the lockdown and it has become a bit safer for some, the one-on-ones have thankfully resumed. With that said, the focus is still about enhancing the virtual means of connecting and helping to foster those connections until it is safer for everyone to return to ‘normal’.
We want to give our thanks and provide this shout out to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka for doing such wonderful work in our community. Supporting the mental health and the development of young people is a cause very close to our hearts so we are proud of all the amazing things BBBS of Muskoka has been able to do – not only through Covid, but just in general.
If you are looking to get involved as a mentor, as a sponsor or as a donor, we highly recommend getting in touch with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka today. Fundraising may look much different these days, but that does not mean that they do not still need our help. BBBS of Muskoka has launched a Virtual 50/50 Raffle Draw on their Facebook Page that you can support – or visit their website for all the ways you can get involved.
Again, thank you Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka for all you do!
You can follow Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka on Facebook.
If you know a local business who deserves a shout out, send us a direct message with a photo and why they should be featured.
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