Bruce Grey Mentorship

Hanover, Ontario

Promo baseball caps unite mentors and mentees

When the local Big Brothers Big Sisters^® of Canada program ended in Hanover, Ontario, its team of mentors rallied to fill the youth mentorship void that was left behind. “A lot of volunteers got together and said, ‘We can’t lose this type of service for the kids in our area,’” said Greg Dow, executive director. “That’s how Bruce Grey Mentorship was born.”

The organization, which officially became a registered charity in 2015 and began working with youth in 2017, serves Bruce and Grey counties—hence the name Bruce Grey Mentorship. “Our mission is to match children and teens with mentors who will help them build confidence and self-esteem,” Dow said. “We’re not replacing parents or grandparents. We’re just providing new, positive adults for the youth to connect with, learn from and grow with.”

Helping kids be the best they can be

The organization offers a safe and supportive environment for youth ages 7 through 17 with a focus on promoting friendship and developing interpersonal skills. While there is mentorship matching, the youth also move through the program in groups—there’s one for kids, tweens and high school-age students. It’s one of several twists the founders put on the Big Brothers Big Sisters model, which relies more on one-on-one connections and activities.

Another of those twists is an adventure club that provides opportunities for fun group experiences, including hiking, biking, canoeing and visiting museums and beaches. “I used to be a summer camp director, so the connection with nature is important to me,” Dow said. “A lot of kids come from families who don’t spend time outside, let alone drive to a forest and go for a hike. We’re providing opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.”

Promo baseball caps spread the word

A one by one grant provided branded hats opens in new window for the Bruce Grey Mentorship volunteers and mentees. Those connected to the organization sported their new promo baseball caps at a spring 5K event. The fundraiser brought youth and adults together amid blasts of colorful paint in support of the organization’s programs. It’s one of many opportunities those involved with Bruce Grey Mentorship will have to wear their branded hats while having fun together outdoors.

A note from Cheryl

The team behind Bruce Grey Mentorship stepped up to fill a need in its community, and, as a result, many lives have been changed for the better. We were proud to support its mission by providing promo baseball caps for staff, mentors and mentees. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca opens in new window.

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