Brothers’ big fund-raising

By Kelly Yates
MORE than 30 local volunteers battled the warm weather last Saturday and hit some of the City of Casey’s main intersections to raise funds for the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor program.
The collections took place at five major intersections including Berwick, Hallam, Cranbourne, Noble Park and Dandenong, with volunteers raising more than $8000 for the Narre Warren-based program.
Big Brothers Big Sisters, which is operated through the YMCA, matches vulnerable young people, aged from seven to 17 years, with an adult volunteer mentor.
The adult mentors engage in low-cost or no-cost activities with the young people in an effort to build friendships.
Program director Rebecca Wolstenholme said the response from the collection was wonderful.
“Most people were extremely generous and happy to give to such a worthy cause – a program that is right here in their own community,” she said.
Ms Wolstenholme said the money would help match and support more young people on the program’s waiting list.
“We have some people who have been waiting for as long as 12 months for their Big Brother or Sister,” said Nett Bailey, program co-ordinator.
“We’d like all the volunteers who helped us on the day to know they have truly made a difference and to say a heartfelt thankyou to everyone in the community who contributed to our final tally,” she said.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for volunteer Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
All donations are fully tax deductible. For more information please call Rebecca Wolstenholme or Nett Bailey on 9705 5033 or go to the Big Brothers Big Sisters website at www.bbbsosem .org.au