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Huron Expositor, 2007-03-07, Page 3News owl for Kids' Sake fundraiser comes to Seaforth's Starlight Lanes Seven `tittles' Susan Iiundertinark MIED As Big Brothers and Big Sisters of North Huron holds its first Bowl for Kids' Sake day at Starlight Lanes in Seaforth, there are seven "littles" looking for a Big Brother or Sister in town. "We have seven Seaforth kids waiting to be matched. The last big sister in Seaforth moved to London two years ago," says executive direc- tor Elaine Osborne. After a recent restructuring - Big Brothers and Big Sisters joined to form one organization during 2005 - Osborne says Big Brothers and Big Sisters hope to focus on building its ser- vice in the cen- tral part of Huron County. And, they're hoping an annu- al Bowl for Kids' Sake fundraiser will "be a good fit for this com- munity." The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 31 at Starlight Lanes, has the theme Sports Stars. Bowlers are invited to wear sports costumes and those who collect pledges over $50 can win a number of prizes including a day at Canada's Wonderland for two and two Hockey Hall of Fame passes. Bowling at the fundraiser will be B eth Collins, of Goderich and her L itt l e S ister Cazzandra Gets, 14. The two have been together through the $ig S isters program for seven years since B eth moved to Goderich from London. Cazzandra was seven and being raised by her grand- mother when they applied for a Big Sister. "I remember I needed someone in my life. We mostly went to the beach and went shopping and we've played a lot of air hockey. I still can't beat her at it," says Cazzandra. Beth says since she's never had her own children, her friendship with Cazzandra has become "one of the most impor- tant relation- ships in my life." "This- program gives you the opportunity to make a real dif- ference in the life of a young person and before you know it, that's hap- pened to you. She's made a big difference in my life. If you have the time to devote, it's very fulfilling," says Beth. looking for Big Brothers and Big Sisters Kids event are available at Starlight Lanes, the town hall in Seaforth and the Seaforth Bakery. The Huron Expositor • March 7, 2007 Page 3 _- ___ GJ% FFNEY ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS Li'D. POTALLN10N • MMNTEIUNCE • CONTROLS MIICHELL ONT 5/9-348-0505 TREE & LIMB CLEAN-UP & REMOVAL • Generators • Overhead Lines • Electric Motor Repairs & Sales • Aerial Bucket Truck Service 82 Huron Road Mitchell 1-888-595-8655 www.gaffneyelectrical.ca Honeycomb Shades Seaforth Coun. Bob Fisher and Starlight Lanes owner Pete Klaver pose with Cazzandra Gets and her Big Sister Beth Collins, both of Goderich. While Cazzandra was a little` girl -when they met, the two are now the same height. They get togeth- er at least four hours a week and spend a lot of time on the phone. "She's given me a lot of advice when I need it. We pret- ty much don't stop talking," says Cazzandra. As well, Beth has been able to help Cazzandra with her school work and study habits. When they met, Cazzandra was getting Cs and Ds on her report card but now she's a B -plus student at St. A n n e' s Secondary School. "She makes me study a lot," says Cazzandra. "She does all the work - I've just told her she can do it," adds Beth. Osborne says Beth has helped model effective and appropriate behaviour to Cazzandra and contributed to her growth and development. 'Ib qualify as a "Little," children must be between six and 18 years old from any family constella- tion but need a role model or adult friend in their lives. To qualify as a "Big," adults must be 19 or older with police and medical clearance and letters of refer- ence dealing with character, family and employment. As well, a case worker does a home study to assess the safety of the adult's home and pro- vides child safe- ty training. The "Big" and "Little" get together with the case worker every three month and after a year, they determine if they want to keep the rela- tionship going. Osborne says Big Brothers and Big Sisters also provides other resources to involved fami- lies from what- ever agencies can be helpful. "We really get to know the fam- ily before the match is made so we can focus on the child and the child's best interests," she says. Pledge sheets for the Bowl for 1)csigned \V1t11 `,,. if, ///« fiefe /tom / eq e / ( ` Energy efficient Iii Crisp & Clean `" 1)urablc t Lifetime Warranty Buy 4 Duette honeycomb shades and recc iv a $100 Gas Gift Card!` 'With mail -in ottu. Offer valid from January 1 to April 30 .2001. Ijmitations and r': fictions apt* HunterDouglas Free Installation for a Limited Time! 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