Big Brothers Big Sisters Month - September 2025

WHEREAS Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County is an important communityorganization committed to helping children and youth reach their full potential by matchingthem with caring, volunteer mentors; and

WHEREAS evidence-based research has shown youth who have a Big Brother or a BigSisters are less likely to bully or be bullied, feel better about school, and are more likelyto have a healthy and positive outlook on life well into adulthood; and

WHEREAS we believe that by changing the course of young lives we can in turn bechanging the course of a community's future and that it could lead to a reduction in povertyand unemployment; to safer schools and neighborhoods; or to a renewed optimism forgrowth; and

WHEREAS Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County relies heavily on the strength anddedication of its volunteers who, through their commitment and support, make a profounddifference in the lives of children and youth in our community; and

WHEREAS the agency's goal is to expand its recruitment drive in order to serve morechildren and youth in our community; and

NOW THEREFORE, I, Shawn Pankow, Mayor of Smiths Falls, do hereby proclaimSeptember, 2025 as Big Brother Big Sister Month and specifically that September 18th,2025 be known as Big Brothers Big Sisters Day in the Town of Smiths Falls;

AND THAT the Municipal Complex and Bandstand will be illuminated in teal inrecognition of Big Brothers Big Sisters Month;

AND FURTHER THAT all citizens are encouraged to volunteer or donate by visitinghttps://lanark.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca and learn more about how you can get involved ingiving young people the confidence to achieve more.