Big Brothers Big Sisters P.E.I. celebrates 40 years with Bowl for Kids Sake

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince Edward Islandis celebrating a major milestone this year as it turns 40 years old, something Heather Doran, executive director, says is an amazing achievement.

"It's hard to believe we've been matching kids on P.E.I. for 40 years," Doransaid, speaking with Mainstreet's Karen Mair.

Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children in need withmentoring.

Doran says over the years she's had the opportunity to meet some ofthepeople who have been matched and she says it is gratifying to learn some of the people have maintained lastingfriendships.

We really want to make a friendship that'sgoing to last.- Heather Doran, Big Brothers Big Sisters of P.E.I.

"We have one case where someone was calling herself the 'great-big' because her 'little' had become a 'big' to another 'little,' so it's nice to see that," she said.

One of the most important events of the year is theBowl For Kids Sake fundraiser, which is set for the weekend of March 5-6. It helps to fund the many programs run by the organization, including newer programs such as teen mentoring.

'We're doing the teen mentoring now at Colonel Gray so some of the kids in the leadership program are basically in-schoolmentors," said Doran.

She says the program is going so well she hopes to see it roll out in other areas of the province soon.

'A great community fundraiser'

Doran says Bowl For Kids is "a great community fundraiser" for Big Brothers Big Sisters of P.E.I. and it is also a great deal of fun.

"Fun in the sun is the theme. Come out in your summer gear, dressing up is a big part ofthe fun," she says.

Doran encourages everyone to get involved, either by putting together a bowling team for the day or to volunteer at the event.

"It's a great team building event for businesses," she said.

There will be manyprizes up for grabs at the event but the biggest one is the chance to win two tickets to anywhere Air Canada flies in North America. Doransays it's all for a good cause.

"We really want to make a friendship that'sgoing to last."