Cornwall Ontario — A presentation by a group of students from Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School’s Civics class was selected for a $5000 grant through the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI). Three CCVS students were asked to develop and deliver a grant proposal presentation on a local non-profit organization and were inspired to highlight Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cornwall and District’s mentoring programs.
“These three girls were so involved in this project and passionate about our agency. We are so grateful for their hard work and dedication to acquire this grant for us!” said BBBS Caseworker Danielle Brisson.
Jaimee Saumier, Kris Struthers and Ashlea Laszewski researched and visited BBBS and conducted interviews to complete the proposal. The Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) offers students experience with “issues facing their community “and gives them a look at a first-hand look at “how charities help real people and solve real problems.” According to YPI, 85% of the students involved in the grant-proposal experience go on to do charity work of their own.
Big Brothers Big Sisters offers seven different programs that match local children and youth with a positive adult role model. The Match spend time doing weekly activities, which helps children in need with improved self-esteem, school retention, peer relationships and life outcomes.
The YPI grant will be used to help support BBBS Go Girls program and Girls’ Nights, which help build young girls’ self-esteem. Holding the grant cheque for $5000 from YPI are left to right: Danielle Brisson, BBBS Caseworker, Vanessa Rabideau, BBBS Caseworker, and CCVS students Jaimee Saumier (sitting), Kris Struthers and Ashlea Laszewski.