Jack Astor’s has donated the entire breakfast buffet for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the West Island’s (BBBS)annual breakfast for 12 of the 16 years that the fundraiser has taken place. The generous staff gets up much earlier than they are used to to serve up breakfast to the more than 150 guests who donate to the cause as they see fit.
According to Executive Director Francesca Corso the West Island Chapter of BBBS provides more than 200 children mentoring and related activities.
“Fundraisers such as this one allow us to match more children and give more services to the kids on the West Island,” Corso said.
There are currently more than 60 children waiting for mentors that will go through a screening process to qualify to mentor a child. There are often more boys missing matches as more women tend to volunteer.
“Many “little” hopeful boys can wait up to two years for a match,” she explained. “Matches are made with interests in mind, so the big and the little often have a chance to do an activity that they enjoy. We will match an athletic person with another athletic person to give them common ground. The “big” becomes a role model who supports the child but is also a constant reliable friend.”
Matches are chosen based on location, interests and schedule. BBBS asks for a one year commitment but more often the relationships lasts for a lifetime.
BBBS is already planning its second Rib Fest for August 2016. The very popular event hosted more than 35,000 visitors last summer and is on the look out for volunteers to help make the event another huge success.
