An organization serving youth within Chatham-Kent is getting a financial boost to help offer services to rural areas of the municipality.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chatham-Kent has been awarded a $25,000 grant by Canada Post Community Foundation for Children. A ceremony was held on Monday at the Dresden Post Office, where a giant cheque was officially handed over.
Amanda Clark, casework program manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of CK, said the entire process of receiving the grant has been a "surreal" experience.
"Something we've wanted to do for a while is reach out and expand our services outside of Chatham," she said. "This is something we've wanted to do and dreamed about for a while, it has just been a challenge in the past."
Although there is a need of services for children who live in areas outside of Chatham, Clark said some families may not know the programs Big Brothers Big Sisters offer.
"We just feel that the families aren't aware of our programming or don't know that they can access us," said Clark "Even though we are located in Chatham, they can still access our services as we come directly right to them."
Through the organization's traditional match program, Clark said Big Brothers Big Sisters is able to match an adult role model with a child between the ages of six and 16.
"Our adult role models teach children the importance of giving back, building up their communities, and ultimately helping them become positive, contributing members of society," she said.
The Canada Post Community Foundation for Children aims to provide organizations with a financial boost as they work to improve the lives of children.
"Starting today, 118 organizations across Canada are receiving grants close to $1.2 million," said Wendy Vercauteren with the Dresden Post Office. "These funds will help organizations just like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chatham-Kent, to build better, safer, and supportive communities for Canadian kids."
Vercauteren said funds are raised by Canada Post employees through donations and their annual in-store campaign, which runs from September 23 until October 27.
