PROCLAMATION
Big Brothers Big Sisters Month

WHEREAS Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County is an important community organization committed to helping children and youth reach their full potential by matching them with caring, volunteer mentors; and

WHEREAS evidence-based research has shown that for every dollar invested in Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring, society gets a return of $23 dollars. In addition, youth who have a Big Brother or a Big Sisters are less likely to bully or be bullied, feel better about school, and are more likely to have a healthy and positive outlook on life well into adulthood; and

WHEREAS we believe that by changing the course of young lives we can in turn be changing the course of a community's future and that it could lead to a reduction in poverty and unemployment; to safer schools and neighborhoods; or to a renewed optimism for growth; and

WHEREAS Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County relies heavily on the strength and dedication of its volunteers who, through their commitment and support, make a profound difference in the lives of children and youth in our community; and

WHEREAS the agency's goal is to expand its recruitment drive in order to serve more children and youth in our community; and

NOW THEREFORE, I, Shawn Pankow, Mayor of Smiths Falls, do hereby proclaim September, 2024 as Big Brother Big Sister Month and specifically that September 18th, 2024 be known as Big Brothers Big Sisters Day in the Town of Smiths Falls;

AND THAT the water tower will be illuminated in teal from September 15th to the 21st in recognition of Big Brothers Big Sisters Day I Month;

AND FURTHER THAT all citizens are encouraged to volunteer or donate by visiting https://lanark.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca and learn more about how you can get involved in giving young people the confidence to achieve more.