Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser rolling back into Zurich
- 34 minutes ago
- 3 min read
By Dan Rolph
Bowlers of all skill levels will be hitting the lanes in Zurich for the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Huron (BBBSSH) Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser.
The event, which has been held at Zurich’s Town and Country Bowling Lanes for more than 30 years, is one of many fundraisers the organization relies on to deliver its programming throughout the year.
The three-day event will kick off Friday, March 13, with bowling sessions at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 14, will feature three sessions at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., before wrapping up Sunday, March 15, with sessions at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
BBBSSH executive director Amy Wilhelm said the event is open to bowlers, no matter their skill in the sport, and that challenges throughout the weekend will help to mix up the day’s fun for everyone who attends.
As well, this year’s bowlers will be able to win incentive prizes depending on how much they raise, earning up to a $100 Canadian Tire gift card.
Coming off the success of last year’s event that had more than 30 teams participate and raised $17,310, the organization has set an ambitious $20,000 goal for this year.
“We get very minimal government funding,” said Wilhelm, who noted that 3.5 per cent of their budget comes from government sources for school programming.
“The rest of our budget comes in through fundraisers, grants, individual donations and The Little Shop.”
Though BBBSSH is mostly sustained through donations, Wilhelm said the need for funding is particularly important, as anticipated funding cuts could lead to shortfalls for the organization this year.
BBBSSH has taken on a growing service area over the years, particularly after the closure of the Big Brothers Big Sisters branch in Goderich. The South Huron organization now encompasses communities as far north as Bayfield, Clinton and Holmesville while stretching southward to Lucan, Ailsa Craig and Parkhill – far beyond what their name might suggest.
In addition to their well-known mentoring programs, the organization also offers other programming for young people.
Their in-school mentoring connects mentors with children for an hour each week in a school setting, while “Big Bunch” is a weekly group program aimed at building self-esteem and learning new skills.
“Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds” is another group program open to girls from Grades 5 to 8 that gives them a space to learn how to stay healthy and active. Boys of the same age can get involved with “Game On! Eat Smart, Play Smart,” a program focused on developing healthy lifestyles.
Its most immediate event may be coming this month, but BBBSSH is already looking forward to a busy April as well.
The bi-annual Spring Quarter Auction is planned for April 9 at the South Huron Recreation Centre, with tickets already selling for the popular event. The doors will open at 6 p.m., and the auction is set to begin at 7 p.m.
As well, the Little Craft Show is being held April 25 at the South Huron Recreation Centre from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shoppers are invited to stop at the show to find local vendors and a bake sale. Admission for the show is $3 at the door.
To register for Bowl for Kids’ Sake, or to learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Huron, visit southhuron.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.
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