On Monday September 5^th, Chicago Blackhawk forward Bryan Bickell hosted a pick-up ball hockey afternoon in the parking lot of BBBSO to help local youth in need of an adult mentor.

When a Stanley Cup Champion and Chicago Blackhawk comes to town, it's the start of something BIG. In this case, the celebration of a donation from the proceeds of the inaugural Bryan Bickell Charity Golf Tournament with a pick-up ball hockey afternoon.

Proceeds from the Charity Golf Tournament have helped the Orono Minor Hockey Association and the local food bank in addition to Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa.  This year, Bryan chose BBBSO because his girlfriend's younger brother Devin had once been a Little Brother in Ottawa, matched for 5 years to Big Brother Mike Baylin.

 "Watching my girlfriend's brother Devin from the age of 8 years old to now, at 17, I've seen the benefits of having a male mentor in his life," says Bryan.

Witnessing the impact that having a Big Brother had on Devin helped Bryan decide which charity to support through his first annual golf tournament. "Devin was able to participate in experiences he would have never been able to without a Big Brother," adds Bryan  "I truly believe that his Big Brother Mike and BBBSO have played a BIG part in making him the responsible, caring and engaged young man that he is today."

Over 50 Littles, volunteers and community members joined us yesterday for ball-hockey, photographs and autograph signing. The Littles were in awe as Bryan joined their ball-hockey game.

A BIG thank you to Bryan, his family and friends for joining us. Thank you to the volunteers who came out to help organize the event as well as everyone who attended.

If you have a great idea for a third-party event or fundraiser, please contact us at info@bbbso.ca to share your ideas.