September marks Big Brothers Big Sisters month, a dedicated time for raising awareness about the importance of mentoring and the positive impact that role models have on the healthy development of children and youth. For over 45 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Huron has been creating life-changing mentoring relationships that unlock the POWER and POTENTIAL of young people. Our vision is straightforward: to ensure that all young people realize their full potential. We achieve this by offering quality mentoring programs, supported by our professional Mentoring Coordinator who ensures that our programs adhere to both Agency and National Standards. This guarantees safe, positive, and healthy relationships between mentors (Bigs) and mentees (Littles). Remarkably, these programs and professional support are provided at no cost to young people and their families. In 2023, our Agency had 71 dedicated volunteers who served 204 children across various mentoring programs. Our services extend to Ailsa Craig, Bayfield, Brucefield, Centralia, Clinton, Crediton, Dashwood, Exeter, Grand Bend, Granton, Hensall, Huron Park, Lucan, Parkhill, Seaforth, Vanastra, Zurich, and the surrounding areas.

On Friday September 27th we are hosting the 8th Annual Harvesting Hope, an evening dedicated to supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Huron. This event will be held at The Barn Restaurant and Pub in Centralia. The Harvesting Hope evening will include: a cocktail hour, a harvest-style buffet dinner, live musical entertainment, an in-person Mentoring auction and an on-line auction (running from September 22nd to September 29th).

The primary goal of Harvesting Hope is to raise community awareness about the invaluable mentoring programs we provide, connect with new volunteers, and generate essential funds to support our Agency. Although we are part of a national organization, our Agency does not receive base funding from our National office and only minimal program-specific government funding. In fact, 96.5% of our annual budget is comprised of funds raised through grants, sponsorships, individual donations, The Little Shop (our children's consignment store), and fundraising events like Harvesting Hope.