Big Brothers, Big Sisters forced to close its doors

The board of directors for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Patricia Region regrets to inform the public that the agency will be closing its doors at the end of September.
“The decision was no doubt a difficult one for the board to make and one that we have been working tirelessly to avoid,” noted Mike Ebbeling, president of the local chapter.
“However, due to financial constraints and no core provincial funding, the board feels we can no longer operate to the best of our ability, especially in tough economic times.
“Today is the most difficult and gut-wrenching day for me personally and for the board,” he added.
Ebbeling said Big Brothers and Big Sisters has been making a difference in the lives of so many children for more than a quarter-century.
“For the past couple of years, we have been running on minimal finances and fighting each day to make ends meet,” he noted. “Every avenue was explored to avoid closing the agency, unfortunately, economics finally caught up to us.
“We are at a point now where we will be struggling to pay our bills.”
Big Brothers and Big Sisters provided a number of programs to children in Dryden and Sioux Lookout. The Kids ’n Kops program, In-School Mentoring, Occasional Match, “Big” for a Day, Big Bunch program, Couples, and our Traditional Match all were major successes.
“The board can’t thank everyone enough for their support,” said Ebbeling. “So many individuals and organizations took time out of their busy schedule to help us. I can’t put into words what they have meant to our kids and our agency.
“They can walk away knowing they truly made a difference and I want to personally say thank you!”
Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Dryden and Sioux Lookout relied heavily on community support.
“I realize this announcement is a negative one, but I just want to stress to all of our supporters that without their ongoing support, the closure of the agency would have taken place years ago,” stressed Ebbeling. “If it wasn’t for donations and the enthusiasm towards Big Brother events, kids in this area wouldn’t have had anyone by their side to look up to.”
Ebbeling said the board also would like to thank the staff for their dedication, hard work, and never-give-up attitude.
“They went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure our program was working effectively and efficiently, and I can’t think of a better group throughout the years,” he remarked.
“We wish all staff the best of luck in their future endeavours.
“On behalf of the board, I just want to say the pain we feel right now is for the 36 kids we serve in the area,” he added. “We tried everything in our power to avoid this day and from the bottom of our hearts, we truly apologize.
“We are hopeful that Big Brothers and Big Sisters can find new life sometime down the road and again offer the services you all deserve.”
In closing, Big Brothers and Big Sisters again would like to thank everyone.
“Tears were shed when the decision was made, and it’s something that will stay with us for a long time,” said Ebbeling.