Big Brothers Big Sisters is asking organisations, schools and individuals within the community to support their campaign this March, to raise awareness and funds for their all-important cause: helping youngsters in Cayman reach their full potential.
Pilar Bush, Big Brothers Big Sisters Chair urged people who care about children and young adults to get involved.
“BBBS is a fantastic organisation that pairs mentors with youngsters facing adversity in a bid to guide, inspire and motivate young people as they develop, helping them choose a positive life path,” she said. “Our mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported relationships that changes their lives forever. Through one-on-one interactions and group activities, matched mentors spend time quality time each week with matched children. “
Big Brothers Big Sisters is reaching out broadly to the Cayman community to ask everyone to donate a little of their time or money to help further Dress for BBBS Month and the important work they do within the Cayman community. Ms Bush said that people can contribute very easily and a little can go a long way.
“It would be great if people can get together and choose a specific day when they can pledge fundraising, perhaps within their school, office, community group or even as an individual, in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters. We are suggesting that people either wear purple as a symbol of their support or have a casual dress or jeans day in corporate offices. Employees could donate a small sum such as CI to dress down or wear purple for the day and students could pay CI to wear purple,” she said. “In addition, we encourage employers to match employees’ contributions, dollar for dollar. We also would welcome corporate donations and encourage everyone to play their part in helping Cayman’s youth have access to caring mentors (our Bigs) who help children and young people (our Littles) achieve their fullest potential.”
BBBS is celebrating its 20th anniversary in the Cayman Islands, a testament to the success of the initiative. Hundreds of young people have been helped and dozens continue to be helped onto a positive path in life, thanks to the dedication of the volunteers who choose to be mentors. Each and every mentor plays a vital role in securing the future of young people in Cayman.
“Inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life,” Ms Bush said. “BBBS provides children facing adversity with caring, committed mentors who invest dedicated time each week in that child. Over the years we have seen time and time again how BBBS mentors have helped young people to have higher aspirations, develop more confidence, avoid risky behaviours and achieve greater educational success. It’s very important that we continue the momentum to ensure that BBBS is able to continue the great work.”
Funds from the month-long Dress for BBBS campaign will help subsidize the cost of match activities, e.g. outings to local museums, parks and attractions, sporting and cultural activities, art lessons and festivals. In addition, funds help BBBS recruit new volunteers, provide expert training and professional social work staff to support Bigs, Littles and their families to have enduring, positive match relationships.
If you would like to become a BBBS mentor, find out more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cayman Islands or pledge your support, visit www.bbbs.ky
Cayman Compass – March 9, 2015
Cayman 27 – March 11, 2015
