Move for Kids’ Sake fundraising goal smashed, new $100,000 target set

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel York originally had $50,000 goal, but $81,000 raised already

By Zachary Roman

It's safe to say people have been excited to get together and get moving in support of local youth this year.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel York (BBBSPY) is in the midst of hosting its first in-person Move for Kids' Sake event since the start of the pandemic. Each year for the event, people get together for events like bowling and rock climbing, while raising money for BBBSPY through pledges.

Money raised helps the non-profit BBBSPY provide life-changing mentoring to youth in Peel and York Regions. During the pandemic, gathering for events had to stop, so virtual Move for Kids' Sake events were held where people could choose their own way to move. 

Lori Plati, BBBSPY's Public Relations Manager, said at first that the non-profit wasn't sure what the response would be for the return of the in-person Move for Kids' Sake events. So, a conservative goal of $50,000 was set for 2023.

Soon, Plati was blown away. 

As of March 24, $81,000 had already been raised for BBBSPY through Move for Kids' Sake 2023. Peel's Police Chief, Nishan Duraiappah, is the honourary chairperson of this year's event, and Peel Police alone have raised $50,000 so far. York Regional Police have now planned their own event on April 6 in support of the charity.

“It's been outstanding, the support we've received from the community,” said Plati.

While various events have happened already, such as bowling events in Mississauga and Newmarket, there's still more to come. 

People can register on BBBSPY's website to do their own activity until March 31, or they can join the Bankers Challenge bowling event, being held on May 9 at Classic Bowl Mississauga. More details are available online at peel.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/event/move-for-kids-sake/.

The Bankers Challenge came to be as in the past banks like TD, CIBC, and Scotiabank had always participated in Move for Kids' Sake. It was decided to make a special event for their teams to inspire some friendly competition.

“They challenge one another, which makes it really fun for them,” said Plati.

While it's called the Bankers Challenge and many bank teams will be there, any team is welcome to join in the fun on May 9.

Plati wanted to emphasize that BBBSPY is still looking for mentor volunteers, as there's over 300 local youth waiting to get matched with a mentor. Demand for mentor volunteers grew during the pandemic. 

“Our fundraising events are great, but they're to raise money so we can match kids into our programs,” said Plati. “That's what it all comes back to.”

Anyone interested in volunteering with BBBSPY can visit the website link mentioned earlier in this story.