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.

As Comedian Yakov Smirnoff once said:  "Everybody laughs the same in every language because laughter is a universal connection."  

As word spreads about our current decision to halt enrollment in our traditional match program, we are thrilled to see community support for our programs.

Since September, our Mentoring Coordinators have been creating InSchool matches weekly. Bigs and Littles in this program meet up once a week over the school year. You may be asking yourself, how much of a difference can once a week make... well hear it from the kids.

While we ask our volunteering in the traditional match program to establish their friendship for one year, we often have matches that last much longer. Ronald and Curtis are one of our graduated matches. During the graduation ceremony help last April, Ron also received a 10 year tenure award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. Read on to learn more about Ron and Curtis' match.

As we enter into our 39^th year of Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa annual fundraising event, we are excited to let you in on how the event is shaping up. This year's event is a real team effort as we work with a committee of dedicated volunteer who are invested in the cause.

Alors que nous préparons notre 39^e collecte de fonds annuelle, nous sommes  impatients de vous annoncer le déroulement de l'événement. La collecte de cette année est un réel travail d'équipe puisque nous collaborons avec un comité de bénévoles dévoués à la cause.

Grâce à deux événements qui ont connu beaucoup de succès, aux généreux donateurs et aux nombreuses sociétés partenaires, 2008 a été une année merveilleuse pour le développement des ressources de l'organisme Grands Frères Grandes Sœurs d'Ottawa (GFGSO).

With two very successful events, generous donors and many corporate partners, 2008 was a wonderful year for Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa (BBBSO) Resource Development.

If you are heading out to purchase a Christmas Tree this weekend, stop by Bank Street South and Queensdale (Blossom Park Pharmacy) where Bigs and Littles will help you pick out a beautiful tree.