Strike out against bullying
Roll a ball and help put a stop to bullying.
Of course, it's not quite that simple, but getting a team together and participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley’s annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake event is a good first step toward helping kids who are having a tough time fitting in with their peers.
BBBS Langley is getting set to once again host its annual bowling fundraiser — it happens on March 1 and 2 at Willowbrook Lanes.
If those dates don’t work, why not plan to find somebody who is bowling and pledge them a few bucks?
Money raised at the event will stay in Langley and go toward programs that match local children who need a good friend with adult ‘Bigs.’
In addition, BBBS Langley operates in-school and teen mentoring programs and offers regular group activities for unmatched ‘Littles.’
But all of these services come at a cost, and the annual Bowl For Kids Sake event is a major source of funding for the non-profit agency.
What can’t be measured in dollars and cents is the positive effect that having a good and trusted friend can have on a child. That is especially true when that child is the target of a bully.
“Ninety-five per cent of Canadians agree that freedom from bullying is the right of every child and teenager,” said Mary Reeves, executive director of BBBS Langley.
Citing the findings of a national survey commissioned by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, Reeves noted that more than 40 per cent of bullied Canadians believe they would have benefitted from having a volunteer mentor, such as a Big Brother or Big Sister, to provide support.
And a strong majority of Canadians — 78 per cent — believe that not enough is being done to stop bullying in their communities, the survey indicates.
“Clearly there is strong support for action to reduce bullying and its harmful effects on our communities,” said Reeves.
“We invite the citizens of Langley to make a positive impact by participating or donating to Bowl for Kids’ Sake.”
People and businesses can donate to the Bowl for Kids Sake campaign, sign up as a sponsor or with a team or individual by visiting www.bbbslangley.com.
People who want to help put a stop to bullying may also contact the local agency at 604-530-5055 for information about Bowl for Kids Sake events and other agency services.
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