This month Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area (BBBS) is hoping you will help support mentoring relationships for children and youth in need.

The organization is once again hosting the annual 'All-Stars for Kids Campaign,' which features sports stars, Olympic athletes, and community champions rallying support about how important positive mentorship is, in a child or youth's life.

Jodi McKay, Manager, Recruitment and Partnerships for BBBS shares the campaign is the organization's largest public fundraiser, raising money and awareness about the impact of mentoring and also the work that goes on within their local chapters. In Cochrane, McKay was happy to report that numbers remain strong. "Last year, we were able to serve 56 young people in one to one mentoring relationships, which is excellent, and we want to continue that great work."

Thanks to many community partners, McKay says they are hoping to beat last year's total of around 300,000 dollars. "One of our longest-standing community partners is MacKay's Ice Cream, and they have been with us right from the beginning. They started four years ago when our campaign started in August, and for the month they take a portion of one of their ice cream flavours and donate it back to the mentoring programs that we support in Cochrane. This year it is exciting, it is Haskap Berry Cheesecake ice cream. So anyone can head on down to MacKay's at any point throughout the month, enjoy a nice treat, and support mentoring in Cochrane."

While Mckay is happy to know that 56 young people are already receiving support in Cochrane, there are several names remaining on the waitlist. "We are always looking for adult mentors to step up. Right now, we have thirteen young people that are waiting for a mentor in Cochrane, so we are looking for more to come forward."

Positive mentorship plays such an important role in a child's life, shares McKay, especially for those young people that may be dealing with significant challenges, such as grief and loss, mental health issues, family violence, addiction, and poverty. "We can really help them reach their potential; these are young people who need a stable, consistent, and caring relationship in their life." 

An exciting part of the campaign, and for BBBS, is the additional monetary support they will receive from Qualico Homes, Gary Nissen as well as long-time supporter PBA Land & Development. These mentoring champions and matching donors will once again match all donations for the month. "They have come together to match every donation that is made in August, so that is up to a total of 320,000 dollars that we are looking to raise thanks to their matching."

Monies raised from the campaign will go to support the ongoing work behind the scenes for the matches, their ongoing relationships, as well as special events held for young people that take part in the program."

If you would like to find out more information about the campaign, All-Star representatives, events, how to donate, or to become a volunteer, go HERE.

McKay also welcomes any other businesses in the Cochrane area that would like to get involved in helping them fundraise to get hold of her through the above website.