Minutes of the 38th Annual Dinner and Meeting
May 14, 2008
Meeting held Mountainview Christian Reform Church
Main Street, Grimsby, ONL3M 3H1
PRESENT: Larry Lupish, Doug Neilsen, Jim Rowaan, Lynn Clancy, Melanie Gushie, Marc Seguin, Charlie Robinson
ABSENT,
REGRETS:Joan VanBreda, Val Wills
GUESTS: Betty Robinson, Mike Krklijus, Bruce Bond, Bob Bentley, Mike Marlow
Motion: To accept the minutes of Annual Meeting held May 9, 2007. Motion made by, Jim Rowaan seconded by Larry Lupish
Motion: To adopt the reports as printed in the Annual Report. Motion made by, Doug Neilsen seconded by Melanie Gushie
Motion: To accept the slate of officers as printed in the Annual Report. Motion made by, Melanie Gushie seconded by Mike Marlow.
Motion: To accept Patrick Gabriel, CGA to do our financial review. Motion made by, Charlie Robinson seconded by Marc Seguin.
Motion: To accept the actions of the Board for April 1, 2007 – March 31, 2008. Motion made by, Melanie Gushie seconded by Charlie Robinson
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS/PUBLICITY & RECRIUTMENT:
NEW BUSINESS
- Fishing Derby – May 24 - Fifty Point 8am-1 please RSVP need to know numbers
- Fergie Jenkins Golf- need 4 more golfer and sponsors- June 20- Rockway - please see Lynn or Mary for Details
- Happening in the Park -June 22, 200- 3pm-10pm
- Edward Jones Golf Tournament- June 22-
- Wills Chevvy Showdown- August 9th- 10am – 3pm – need volunteers
- Winona Peach Festival August 22nd –24th- need
MEETING ADJOURNED AT: 9:30pm
NEXT MEETING – June 13, 2008 @ 7:30pm, 18 Ontario Street, Grimsb
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Welcome to the 39th Annual General Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation Night. On behalf of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters’ Board of Directors for Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln I’d like to thank all our supporters and agency volunteers.
In tonight’s agenda we recognize and publicly appreciate the individuals and organizations that have demonstrated their interest in helping our organization. We truly value everyone’s donations of time, funds and community spirit to keep our Big Brothers/Big Sisters agency providing quality mentoring programs for local children.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Canada has set a blueprint to serve 100,000 children in Canada by the year 2013. We are accountable for ensuring that we work within this blue print and seek ways to become sustainable to ensure that every child has a Mentor. In order for this to happen we have to strategically plan for growth, adequate resources and ensure high quality of service.
With the help of all our Corporate Sponsors, Community and Volunteers, we need to spread the word so that we can increase our financial and human resources to meet the goal of serving 100% of the children on our wait list.
In the two years of my term we have been through some highs and lows. Most recently, the loss of our past President Larry Lupish. On the positive side we now have a Strategic Plan in place and three new board members that have brought new life to our Board. With the strong leadership of Marc Seguin, a productive board and a great staff, BBBS GLWL has a positive outlook into the future.
Finally, without the great volunteers that we have, our Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization would not be possible. It’s the Mentors that make it all work it, when you see what they do for the children in our area.
I would like to thank the Board of Directors for assisting me during my two year term. I appreciate all the dedication and commitment from this Board. I would like to thank, Lynn Clancy-Leenaars, Mary Champ, Karen Thompson and Brenda Falconer-Baughman for all theirhard work and commitment do, and thank you to all our amazing volunteers.
Respectfully submitted
Doug Neilsen
President
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Welcome to our 39th Annual Dinner and General Meeting. This is my 9th year with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and boy how time flies!! This has been another very busy year with many fundraisers as well as undergoing an intense accreditation.
Fundraising has been very successful this year due to the hard work of Marc Seguin and his committee, who helped lead us to another successful Tim Hortons “Bowl for Kids Sake”. Given the economy we should be proud of the work the committee put into organizing and to our community who continues to support us. We continue to focus on third party events like the Fergie Jenkins Golf Tournament , Parker Hannifin Canada “Bulls Eye for Kids”, and the Edward Jones Golf . Grimsby Benevolent Foundation and Winona Mens Club have also been crucial to our success this year and we hope everyone continues to support such a worth while organization.
We are very fortunate to have great support from our local Mayors and received funds from the Mayor’s golf tournament. I can’t help but mention Bob Bentley who is always seeking ways of supporting BBBS
As you know raising funds is a big part of our job, but equally as important are our volunteers. BBBS has many volunteers. Whether it is our service groups, community people or our Mentors, everyone plays an important role. The impact that our volunteers have on our children is immeasurable. Without you there would not be a BBBS.
We completed a strategic plan this year and have outlined areas of strengths and needs. This is a blue print for the Board to follow in the coming years. The goal being to serve all West Niagara children needing a mentor by the year 2013.
A big thank you to Mary Champ, Karen Thompson and Brenda Falconer Baughman for all their enthusiasm and hard work.
Personally, I would like to thank the Board of Directors for their support, vision and direction. I really enjoy working with such a great group of caring and professional people.
Looking forward to working with everyone to eliminate our waiting list. “We need more people just like you”
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn Clancy-Leenaars
Executive Director
Caseworkers Report
Yet another year has flown by.I will have been here for four years this June. Each year seems to get busier! Though the number of matches remains constant there were thirty six inquiries last year with eleven following through to the screening process and then being matched with waiting children.
We had several matches end last year as well, but on a happy note. The littles graduated the program, meaning they are seventeen and I will no longer monitor these matches. We are happy to report that after several years, at times ten-eleven years of building a relationship as a big and little these friendships will likely last a lifetime.
Our wait list numbers remain constant as well. For every match that we are happy to make there is a new child that enters our programs hoping to also have the opportunity of having that special relationship in their life. If you know of someone who you think would be interested in mentoring please tell them about our programs and have them give me a call. You might be instrumental in taking another child off our wait list.
This was another great year for scholarships. Five of our littles will receive scholarships this year through BBBS. Our youth are our future and we are excited to be part of their future!
I would like to say a HUGE thank you to our volunteers who are so committed and dedicated to making a difference in the life of a child. Thank you to the staff at BBBS that I work with. What a great, caring group of people. Thank you to our sponsors and all who come out to our fundraisers. We are all one team working towards a common goal. Providing quality mentoring relationships to the young people of our community
Sincerely,
Karen Thompson
Caseworker
Big Brothers Big Sisters Statistics
January 1st 2008 to December 31st 2008 Statistic
Number of Inquiries
Girls =6
Boys =11
Number of new matches last year:
Big Bother = 6
Big Sister = 3
Couples =0
Cross Gender = 2
Closures = 17
Number of Volunteer Inquiries
Big Brother =7
Big Sister =26
Couple = 1
Cross Gender = 0
Number of Inquiries that resulted in approved volunteer applications = 11
Average number of traditional matches = 30
Average number of children on the waitlist = 18
In-School Mentoring Report
Once again the In School Mentoring Program has experienced growth. There are 46 matches! We are serving children in 11 different Public Schools and 1 Catholic Elementary School. This year we have had co-op students who have been able to be matched to multiple children. This has helped reduce the waitlist significantly.
This year the GrimsbyAnimalHospital and Lynn Fee from Remax Garden City generously sponsored 2 local schools with Boredom Buster bins. These bins are full of all kinds of board games, craft supplies, card games and books for the matches to use during their weekly hour visits. The goal is to have a bin for each of the schools that offer mentoring.
In November the agency went through an accreditation process with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. Having reviewed our National Standards, it came to light that In School Mentors cannot have contact with their mentees during the summer months. This is because there is no way for me to match monitor any in person visits, telephone calls, or emails you may be sharing with your mentee. I am confident that the mentors will understand the risk management behind this standard.
It is hard to believe I will now be working on completing closing interview with the matches. The In School Mentors will enjoy the summer and resume visiting their mentees in September.
Having been with the agency for 7 years, it always amazes me at how committed and caring the volunteers are. It makes coming to work a wonderful experience. I often receive emails from the mentors with heart warming stories about their matches. Together we are building futures through friendships!
All of the staff and Board Members have been supportive of me and my family. I am very fortunate to have such an amazing group of people to work with on a daily basis. Looking forward to continued success.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Falconer-Baughman
Caseworker
Inschool Mentoring Statistics 2008 |
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| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Inquires this month |
| 3 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
Number of matches |
| 20 | 21 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 27 | 29 | 30 | 33 | 33 |
Number of ISM |
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| 19 | 19 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 29 | 28 | 29 | 33 | 32 |
Number of ISM on waitlist | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
Closed during this month |
| 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Children on waitlist |
| 23 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 26 | 23 | 6 | 9 | 14 |
New matches |
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| 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
Matches last year |
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| 12 | 12 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 23 |
WHAT IS IN-SCHOOL MENTORING?
It’s a small commitment that makes a big difference. Become a mentor to a child in a school environment. You’ll help build a child’s self-esteem and school performance while having a lot of fun. And it only takes one hour a week during the school year. One child. One hour a week. One big reason to go back to school.
WHAT SHARING A LITTLE MAGIC CAN DO
Children who spend time with a mentor gain confidence, acquire new skills and competencies, and develop an enhanced capacity to care for others. Mentors experience a sense of discovery and enjoyment as they see the world of possibility open up through a child’s eye.
IN-SCHOOL MENTORING MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE
- 90% of mentors saw a positive change in the child they were mentoring*
- 88% of students showed improved literacy skills*
- 64% had developed higher levels of self-esteem Mentors*
- 85% of ISM volunteers feel they have a positive influence on the community*
- 89% felt better about themselves*
Activities Report
MAY
Fishing Derby
This years Fishing Derby was great fun as always. We had many matches come out and enjoy the sunshine and fishing experience. In total close to fifty people attended this event.
The fishing derby is a great event for bigs to bring their littles out to a fun and exciting activity. The matches are able to go out in actual fishing boats with down riggers, fish finders etc.
After everyone has enjoyed being out on the water for a few hours we enjoy a barbq on land. Last year our big sister Erma Mutch gave board members Doug Neilsen and Jim Rowaan a hand at the barbq. Thanks for the great lunch guys!
We are all very grateful to Harvey Velix for organizing this event each year. For arranging for the captains to bring out their boats, for starting as early as January sending out letters to arrange for the awesome gifts that get sent home each year with the kids and just in general for giving everyone such a wonderful experience.
Thank you to all our wonderful captains. They donate their time as well as pay for their own gas to take us all out on the water. A very generous gift to us.
The Fishing Derby is coming up again Saturday May 23rd at Fifty Point Conservation Area. It starts at 8:00 am and generally runs to about 1:00 pm. Showing up about fifteen minutes before that is a good idea.
If you have not RSVP’s yet please call the office at 905-945-9353. If we are not prepared then everyone may not get to go out in the boats
OCTOBER
Another fun evening of Pumpkin Carving was had at St. Phillips by the LakeChurch in Grimsby. Approximately 44 people showed up for this fun event. Once again we extend our gratitude to Rob Foster at Vineland Growers for donating the pumpkins and to St. Phillips by the LakeChurch for donating the space for this event. Without the generous support from our community we would not be able to have these fun times.
Once again we enjoyed delicious pizza from “The Depot Pub” in Grimsby after the carving was finished. Thank you to Audie Leenaars for all his hard work.
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DECEMBER
This year’s Christmas party was once again a skating party at the Jordan arena. If anyone has any ideas for another type of Christmas party or knows of a location that would donate space please let us know. We are always open to suggestions.
There was a bit of a smaller turnout this year with about 38-40 people attending.
We were very fortunate and grateful this year to have a generous donation of poinsettia’s from Alkema Greenhouses of Grimsby to decorate the hall as well as for the attendee’s to take home with them. Thank you to Alkema Greenhouses for that donation.
We were also very happen to be able to offer clementines, water and juice boxes as a healthy snack for our littles. These were donated by Vineland IGA. Thank you so much for your generous donation. The kids (and adults) were happy to have this choice.
Also a big thank you to Santa for making an early stop in his busy season! The kids and adults alike are always happy to see Santa.
We would be very grateful for any suggestions for activities, suggestions for possible donations or for extra help at any of these events. If you have a suggestion or would like to help please call the office at 905-945-9353 or email Karen Thompson at
aol.com
Respectfully;
Jim Rowaan
FUNDRAISING and DONATION REPORT
ØCandy Floss Sale - Happening In The Park
ØTown of Grimsby
ØMayor’s Golf Tournament (Lincoln and Grimsby)
ØWinona Peach Festival (Winona Men's Club)
ØPhoto With Santa - Village Studio
ØBell Canada Employee Volunteer Program
ØWills Chevy Showdown
ØDorothy Botterill
ØTim Horton’s Bowl For Kids Sake
ØAppeal Spiel
ØEdward Jones Golf Tournament
ØParker Hannifin Canada – Bulls Eye for Kids Sake
ØNiagara Community Foundation
ØGrimsby Benevolent Foundation
ØFergie Jenkins Golf
ØFleming Foundation
NEW FUNDRAISING
ØWalk/Run for Kids Sake Sept 12/2009
ØBig Brothers Big Sisters Month Mail Out Sept 09
Many thanks to all Board Members and their families who gave of their time to help in these events during the year.
WE APPRECIATE THE CONTINUED SUPPORT FROM ALL OF OUR SPONSORS
Respectfully submitted;
Julie Dixon
BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS
GRIMSBY, LINCOLN, WEST LINCOLN
ACKNOWLEDGES WITH APPRECIATION
THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION
OF THE
GRIMSBY CURLING CLUB AND MEMBERS
PHOTOGRAPHER: DOUG NEILSEN
PIPER: TOM SMART
CATERER: DWIGHT & MARY JANE LUPISH
AUCTIONEER: BRUCE BOND
MEDIA: COGECO
GRIMSBYLINCOLN NEWS
SPONSORS
NRB
CHARLIE BEE
CLA-VAL CANADA CORP.
SOBEY’S – BEAMSVILLE
BEAMSVILLE LEGION
CARRUTHERS PRINTING
MAJOR PRIZE DONOR
CANADIAN TIRE, GRIMSBY
TEAMS
Saturday 9:00 am Draw
Grimsby Legion Team Rowaan
Grimsby Legion Ram Rods
Grimsby Rotary St Philips by the Lake
Grimsby Fire Ass. Beamsville Lions
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Saturday 11:00 am Draw
First Student CanadaKew Steel
Hydro One Kew Steel
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Sunday 9:00 am Draw
Beamsville Lions The Depot Pub
Wills Chevrolet Grimsby Kinsmen
Winona Men’s Winona Men’s
Dr. Joe Keri Evers
BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE 2009
Our 31st Annual Bowl For Kids Sake was held at Stryx Bowling Center in Grimsby on February 21st and 22nd . All of our regular supporters were out in full force, as well as some new faces.
A special thank you Doug Neilsen, for commentating , you really made it interesting and fun!!
This year was the 6th Annual High School Challenge. All six West Niagara high schools participated – Grimsby Secondary, South Lincoln High, Smithville Christian, Beamsville Secondary, Blessed Trinity, and Great Lakes. The schools raised close to $8,000 in pledges. Thanks !!!, we appreciate your support. This was the second year for our Elementary Bowl for Kids Sake. Nine schools participated and raised just over $2,000. It was a fun day with the schools coming out together in their school colours.
Again this year Tim Horton’s was a title sponsor. With a donation of $10,000.00 distributed to all the Niagara BBBS agencies, and the incredible advertising in all of their stores, this fundraiser continues to receive a tremendous boost. Merdian Credit Union was a Regional Supporter this year with a donation of $20,000.00 distributed to all the BBBS agencies in Niagara Region. Cogeco Cable 14 is also a major sponsor with the regional Big Brothers/Big Sisters- Thanks!!
2009 TIM HORTONS BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE TROPHY WINNERS
Town Trophy Town of Grimsby $1,680.00
Public Service Trophy Grimsby Chamber of Commerce $1,205.96
Firefighters Trophy West Lincoln Firefighters $578.00
Bank Trophy TDCT Grimsby $1,162.00
Service Club Union Lodge #7 $1,070.00
Real Estate Trophy Royal Lepage $776.00
Commercial/Retail Wills Chevrolet $693.00
Commercial/Industrial Air Care $474.00
Financial Services Edward Jones - Grimsby $2,058.00
Wineries Kittling Ridge $1,324.00
Community The "B" Strikers $955.00
Youth Sports Teams Red Griffin $2,479.00
Bar and Restaurant The Depot Pub $1,213.71
TOP YOUTH MONEY EARNERS:
Female: Bryar BaughamnMale: Andrew Brons
2009 Elementary and High School Tim Hortons Bowl for Kids Sake
Top High School SouthLincolnHigh School $2,063.02
Top Female Emily Mulder
Top Male Alex Anderson
Top Elementary School Senator Gibson $475.72
We acknowledge with appreciation the following sponors: