Huron-Bruce MPP acknowledges impact of $113,600 grant on local Big Brothers and Big Sisters

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson was in Kincardine, Friday afternoon, to acknowledge the impact a Resilient Communities Fund grant of $113,600, from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, has had on Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Bruce North Huron.

Received in 2024, the funds have been used to strengthen the agency’s long-term sustainability and capacity, and this project has helped ensure more local children and youth are matched with mentors and receive critical support during a growing mental health crisis.

"Our government is proud to support this organization through the Ontario Trillium Foundation," said Thompson. "This investment helps strengthen the agency's long-term sustainability so it can continue delivering life-changing mentorship opportunities for children and youth in our region.

"At a time when young people are facing unprecedented mental-health challenges, ensuring they have access to caring, consistent mentors is more important than ever. This funding will help the organization grow its capacity, expand its reach, and continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of families across Huron-Bruce.

"We appreciate all that you do. Young people are in need of hope and that's what you and your team are doing. In the end, it's all about the kids."

The grant is supporting the development of a comprehensive, forward-looking organizational plan focused on revenue diversification, strategic planning, and long-term sustainability. With youth mental-health needs at an all-time high, more young people are seeking mentors. At the same time, financial pressures have made it increasingly difficult to meet demand. Through this investment, the agency is building a new strategic plan, enhancing revenue-generation strategies, and strengthening operational resilience.

Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig said the municipality joins the Province of Ontario in supporting Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Bruce North Huron. "We're thankful that you're raising a generation of children with hope."

Speaking on behalf of executive director Deirdre Carroll and the agency, Matt Smith, fund development specialist, said this grant came at a critical time for the organization.

“The needs of youth in our community are growing rapidly, particularly as we continue to see the effects of the mental-health crisis across Ontario. This funding allows us to build a sustainable foundation so we can expand programming, reduce wait-times, and ensure more young people have access to a caring, consistent mentor.”

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Bruce North Huron is a local charitable organization dedicated to enabling life-changing mentoring relationships that ignite the power and potential of young people. Serving children and youth across the region, the agency delivers community-based, school-based, and group mentoring programs designed to foster confidence, resilience, and positive mental-health outcomes.

The organization will host its annual Golf Fore Kids’ Sake tournament, June 6, at Ainsdale Golf Course, bringing community members together in support of local mentoring programs. Those interested in participating or learning more, are encouraged to visit the agency’s website at brucehuron.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca, for details.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, the foundation invested nearly $105-million into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to work together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit https://otf.ca/ to learn more.



Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson (front, left) acknowledges the impact of an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of $113,600 to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Bruce North Huron in 2024; with her, in back, are Jillian Reece (left), Airianna Murdoch-Fyke, Matt Smith; and in front, Erin Frook and Linda Johnson of the organization, and Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig