Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon is asking people to get moving to help the organization raise money to keep its local mentorship programs running.
Until May 31, people can sign up for Move for Mentoring and pledge to do activities depending on the amount of money they raise. For instance, someone may choose to run a kilometre for every $1 raised.
Brenley Kroeker, the marketing and communications coordinator for BBBS Saskatoon says the organization estimates it has lost out on $90,000 in revenue from cancelling fundraising events over the last 13 months because of COVID-19 restrictions. At the same time, costs for the organization have increased as staff have had to find new and innovative ways for little brothers and sisters to connect with their big brother and sister mentors.
“We’ve had to face a number of challenges — even on the technology side — like getting our Littles some laptops and computers or getting creative in making sure the ways mentors do hang out with their Littles is safe, distanced and masked,” Kroeker says.
BBBS Saskatoon volunteer Dani Mario has served as a mentor for her Little for nearly five years.
Before the pandemic restricted in-person hang outs, Mario and her Little would often enjoy being active together by going on walks or exploring playgrounds across the city.
Mario, a runner-turned-spin-bike-enthusiast, says participation in Move for Mentoring can help people be active during the third wave of the pandemic.
“Right now I think a lot of people feel stuck,” Mario says. “If there’s anything I’ve learned it’s that just getting your body moving in a different way than you usually do can promote happiness and energy and help you feel a little unstuck.”
Kroeker says there are many safe ways to earn pledges through Move for Mentoring such as going for walks or runs outdoors or doing push ups and jumping jacks in your home.
“It’s really just encouraging people to get out some kind of wellness goal,” Kroeker says.
People can sign up for Move for Mentoring online until May 31 and donations can be accepted until June 15. People are encouraged to share their progress on social media using the hashtag #MforMChallenge.
