Day 4 of the EDULINX Mentoring Awareness Tour took Donovan to Halifax on September 29th for another whirlwind day of meetings with community groups, media and corporate partners: 24hours … 4 events … 800 people … 11 media interviews.
The kick-off event was a meeting with the black community in Preston. Over 200 people came out to meet Donovan and share in an evening of speeches, entertainment and lots of good food. For the agency, it was a signature event that provided a powerful opportunity to solicit support from black community leaders as well as government departments that focus on African Nova Scotian 
issues. ATV interviewed Donovan at the event and ran coverage on the 11 o’clock news, with the EDULINX banner clearly visible in the background.
The next morning, the day began with a breakfast meeting with the Association of Professional Engineers. Organized as part of their Annual Convention, APENS parlayed Donovan’s attendance into a celebration of the success of young black engineering students who are being mentored by established engineers. The focus was on the student’s responsibility to give back to the community, and positioned In-School Mentoring as a desirable option. APENS also made a $500 donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters in honour of Donovan’s participation.
Next up was the Building Futures Luncheon, which was targeted at corporations with whom the agency wanted to develop relationships. The even was another amazing success. The Halifax Airport Authority pledged to recruit 5 mentors from their workforce and committed to provide paid time off for any staff member volunteering in the ISM program. 4 individuals asked for applications right on the spot, and 3 additional businesses have since asked the agency to do Lunch ‘n’ Learn events in their workplaces. MP Mike Savage was also at the event, so it was an all-encompassing opportunity to build awareness and support.
Last but not least was the Circle of Champions Rally. This was a celebratory event for all of the champions of the agency, from businesses to volunteers to the children in Big Brother Big Sister programs. Over 375 people attended this event at Saint Mary’s University, and the highlight of the afternoon was when Donovan presented a specially designed medal to every “Little” in attendance. It was a fun, feel-good event with prizes, entertainment and treats. After the event, one Little Sister who seldom speaks told one of the staff “I have a new hero!” And just like that, all of the work that went into planning the event was absolutely worthwhile!
Congratulations to Carol Goddard, Shelda Cochrane and all of the staff at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax for pulling together such a terrific tour day.