Big Brothers Big Sisters had a hit on their hands with this year’s virtual Bowl For Kids’ Sake, raising over $20,000 for their mentorship programs.
The event had to adapt around COVID-19 this year, forcing them to quickly come up with a physically distanced version of Bowl For Kids’ Sake.
Despite the challenge, the organization went ahead with a virtual event, where people created bowling alleys at their home or bowled digitally using their online app. The event also brought in 35 business sponsors providing support and prizing.
Director of Service Delivery Jacqueline Weed says all of this funding will go right back into supporting their kids.
“Any donations that we receive in the agency go towards supporting the matches we have in place, as well as screening, training and processing new volunteers and creating new matches, and then providing support for the families that are part of our agency as well.”
Instead of putting the event on for one day as they have in previous years, BBBS let Bowl for Kids’ Sake run from July 15th to the 22nd. Weed adds that because of good feedback from players, they may look at incorporating the digital element into next year’s fundraiser as well.
The next big event for Big Brothers Big Sisters is also online. August 7th’s Keeping Kids Connected is a Big Brothers Big Sisters event connecting chapters from all across North America. Anyone is welcome to watch online. Viewers will hear interviews and testimonials from big and little siblings and learn more about mentorship.
Weed explains that this live stream will help people get a deeper understanding of what Big Brothers Big Sisters impact on children, bring in new donors and foster support from existing donors.
“The reason it’s taking place is to seek assistance for action to continue doing what we’re doing. So professionally supporting our matches, [and] helping to prevent social isolation for our young people and families.”
Keeping Kids Connected will run from noon to 1 PM Mountain Standard Time and be available on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.