Big Brothers Big Sisters celebrate 35 years in LanarkCounty this year, and their volunteers are working hard to ensure that the agency continues to serve children for another 35 years to come.

The local mentoring agency boasts a great history of community support, with events like its annual Bowl for Kids tournament which annually raises about $50,000 each year. “We don’t receive government support,” Says Fund Development Committee Chairperson Stephen Cotnam, “so we work hard to ensure we can sustain our programming for children.”

The agency has taken some significant steps towards sustainability this year, both through its purchase of a building in Smiths Falls, and the growth of its second hand clothing store Jewels. Cotnam continues, “Our annual events are important and we don’t want to change them. We rely on the community to take part in those, and they have been terrific. If we want to grow though, we need to expand our fundraising strategy.”

Through a committee restructuring process, the agency’s Board of Directors has formed a new Fund Development Committee to look at the development of a Planned Giving Program, a Major Gifts Campaign, and a presentation package to reach out to those who could financially assist the agency. Agency volunteers have begun to roll out these initiatives, and would welcome requests to speak at community groups and workplaces about the agency and its programs.

Planned Giving focuses on working with individuals who would like to leave a gift in their will to a not for profit agency like Big Brothers Big Sisters. Cash donations, gifts of securities, life insurance, or stocks and bonds are all eligible for this type of program.

Tax implications vary depending on an individual’s circumstances, therefore financial advice should be sought from a Financial Advisor.

The new Fund Development committee has received positive news to start their campaign, with an anonymous donor stepping forward with a ten year commitment of $2500.00 each year for ten years. “It covers the cost of a match each year,” says Jennifer Miller, Executive Director of the agency, “and that we can count on this gift each year makes it extra special.”

For those interested, the new committee can come to speak to church groups, workplaces, or individuals.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County is a registered charity and can provide tax receipts. Donations can also be made as a gift, honouring someone special in your life, or remembering someone who cared about the well being of children in LanarkCounty.