Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley

November 26, 2008

Aldergrove Kids Still in Need of In-School Mentors

Aldergrove, BC- Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Langley are seeking 8-9 more volunteers for the in-school mentoring program at Betty Gilbert Elementary in Aldergrove.

The in-school mentoring program is unique to traditional Big Brother and Big Sister matches. It involves spending one hour a week with a child in his or her own school, during the school year. The “big buddy” is a role-model who spends the hour developing a friendship by doing fun and educational activities, and by simply being there to listen. This program is open to people 19 years of age and older who want to have fun and meet new people.

Greig McArthur, principal of Betty Gilbert Elementary urges residents in the Aldergrove community to lend an hour of their week to a child in his school. McArthur notes that there is a “strong need” for volunteers, as there are many children who could use a friend. He says the response to the program has been very positive, and that the entire school faculty has been very welcoming to those who volunteer.

The first volunteer for this new program is Gerry Biltstein, who responds to his role of a volunteer with enthusiasm. Biltstein and his “little” do casual activities such as basketball, chess, and educational games during the hour they spend together. He notes that being involved in the program has an “instant reward,” as his “little” is “ecstatic when he walks in [the room].” Biltstein also asserts that the program is very accommodating, and is worth it when you see the immediate positive impact that it has on the child.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley has been creating friendships since 1974. They started out matching Big Brothers with Little Brothers and have grown to include a variety of different programs that serve both boys and girls. They continue to strive to be on the leading edge of the Big Brothers Big Sisters movement in Canada. Visit www.bbbslangley.com to learn more.

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December 2, 2008
Auction Murrayville Town Pub

It was November 26^th,7:00 p.m. the 200 individuals and 55 registered bidders were well fed and ready to bid on the Big Brothers Big Sisters and Langley Child Development Centre’s Live Auction fundraiser.

Unlike last year, snow and ice did not dampen the enthusiasm of the bidders nor the 173 donors who generously gave of their products to ensure that two not-for profit organizations would again fulfill their mission in 2009. Lynne Pearson, Executive Director of the Langley Child Development Centre said “It is all about the kids and people really stepped up to the plate for the kids”.

Jim Marsh and his helpers from CANAM Auctions set a hectic pace as the highest bid for the evening reached $5,000 for a Gourmet Dinner for 8 at Manhattan’s courtesy of Mike Thompson and John Pybus (Langley’s newest Businessman of the Year).

Mary Reeves, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters commented “A highlight of the evening occurred when the Hershey’s 5 lb chocolate bar donated by Speedline Trailer was auctioned off 7 times for tax deductible receipts totaling $2,150 before someone actually took it home. It was one popular chocolate bar!”

The evening was a huge success and raised $34,000 for two local organizations. Thanks are due especially to the following: Murrayville Town Pub and Staff, Mike Thompson and Family, John & Marge Pybus and family; BBBS Langley Board who donated and recruited a lot of items. There were an overwhelming number of successful bidders and those who made cash donations towards the event. Barb Scott, Andrea Olson and Jen Selby kept track of the frantic bidding, while other volunteers organized and displayed the items. – Thank you Marge!

We are most grateful for all of the donations and each one added to the entertainment value of the event. Significant donations were received from:

Molson’s

MurrayvilleTown Pub

TerminalCity Ironworks

Murray Latta Machine

Morgan & Co.

Country Lumber

Curtis Lumber

Domaine de Chaberton

Keepsake Portraits

Birthplace of BC Gallery

Marble Slab Creamery

Keith and Cheryl Setter

Both the Times and Advance

On behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors and Langley Children’s Society’s Board of Directors – THANK YOU LANGLEY FOR MAKING LIFE A LITTLE BETTER FOR THE KIDS IN OUR COMMUNITY, Merry Christmas!

Mary Reeves Lynne Pearson

Executive Director Executive Director

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley Langley Child Development Centre