Canada Post made a special delivery to the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Orillia and District Thursday.
The Canada Post Community Foundation for Children presented the Orillia organization with a cheque for $9,000 - a donation that was much appreciated, said Lorie Roberts, the executive director of the local BBBS group.
“It makes a big difference to our organization and for our ‘littles’ to be able to have mentors in the community,” Roberts said at the presentation Thursday held at the Peter Street Canada Post office.
“We really appreciate the efforts of you and your staff in helping to make this happen,” she added, noting there are currently 25 ‘littles’ on a waiting list.
She said it’s costly to recruit volunteers and to provide activities for program participants.
“We also provide activities for those ‘littles’ while on a waitlist so they have support and get a sense of what it’s like to be part of a program that mentors them and helps them to grow up and feel more confident and more supported,” she explained.
Robert Janicki, Canada Post’s local area superintendent for Orillia, said he was proud to be able to make the presentation to the local organization.
“When we announced this to our letter carriers … they were really, really happy because a lot of them live in the area, so they are happy the money that is raised is earmarked for our community,” Janicki said.
He said similar donations were made across the country Thursday.
“Right now, 118 organizations across Canada are receiving grants worth close to $1.2 million,” said Janicki. “These funds will help organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia and District to build a better, safer supportive community.”
He said over the past eight years, the Canada Post Community Foundation has granted over $8 million to organizations and groups.
“We are very proud of this,” he said, noting Canada Post employees and customers “make a real difference for children in our communities from coast to coast.”
The Community Foundation raises money through personal donations from employees and via in-store campaigns.
Each time a customer makes a transaction at a post office like Orillia’s, they are asked to “donate anything they can or want to for the Foundation’s work,” noted Janicki.
This year, the Foundation is hoping to surpass last year’s totals by offering incentives to customers.
For example, Orillia customers can win a framed, autographed Bobby Orr photo, worth $400. Each time a local customer makes a donation, their name is placed on a ballot; the winner will be chosen in Orillia on Nov. 4.
After the cheque presentation, those in attendance enjoyed refreshments that included a home-made cupcake cake adorned with images of stamps.
For more information about the Canada Post Community Foundation, click here.
