Big Brothers came about almost 100 years ago. In 1903 Irvin Westheimer, a Cincinnati businessman, saw a young boy foraging for food in an alley trash can. Mr. Westheimer befriended the youth and learned that he was fatherless. Mr. Westheimer along with like-minded business and personal friends felt that fatherless boys could benefit from an association with interested men who would act as a "big brother" to the young boys.
In New York in 1904, Ernest K. Coulter realized that many of the boys who came in contact with the Children's Court were fatherless. Mr. Coulter believed that the influence of a positive role model in these boys' lives would help. Therefore, he and 40 other men undertook to form a friendship with a boy from the court caseload. In 1909 some of these men joined Mr. Coulter in formally incorporating the first Big Brothers agency.
The philosophy eventually spread throughout the United States and into Canada. In 1913, the first Big Brother program began in Toronto. As agencies formed in other communities it became clear that there was a need to co-ordinate the program, set guidelines and standards, and promote the agencies growth throughout Canada. Therefore, in 1964, representatives of ten associations formed a national organization. By 2002, there were 186 member agencies throughout Canada, serving approximately 17,000 children. |
In 1982 Carleton County started it's Big Brothers Big Sisters Programs. In 1991 the programs were extended to include the the community of Nackawic and York County.
Today, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Carleton-York is one of about 180 agencies across Canada. Our professional staff works with the guidance of a local volunteer Board of Directors to serve children in our community.
The majority of the money needed to implement our programs is raised through a variety of local fund development initiatives, including our anual Bowl for Kids Sake and Festival of Trees Campaigns. We only receive a small, annual grant from the federal government through Family and Community Services.
Over the years our agency has helped a great number of children in our community. We look forward to serving those children for many more years. With the support of Carleton County, York County and Nackawic we will continue "building futures through friendships".
It's easy to get involved!Call 506-328-2094
E-mail us to find out more at nb.aibn.com