Toronto Hat-Trick to Celebrate Big Brothers Big Sisters Month

TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - September 08, 2016) - September marks Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, a time to commemorate and celebrate the successes of Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across Canada, and the thousands of volunteers that change lives every day for our children and youth. "Mentoring matters -- it has a powerful, positive effect demonstrated by the successful experiences of young people who are connected to a mentor in their life", says Richard Solomon, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto.

Toronto is consistently ranked one of the most livable and prosperous cities in the world, yet 29% of Toronto's children live in poverty. That means approximately 147,000 children are facing barriers critical to their success in life. When a child is placed with an adult volunteer mentor, these issues become easier to overcome. "Mentoring is linked to improved academic, social and economic prospects for our children and youth which breaks the cycle of poverty, violence and drugs, ultimately strengthening our community and city", says Solomon.

Research has shown that children enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs are more likely to graduate high school and obtain a post-secondary education. They are also likely to be happier, healthier and more confident compared to their peers that did not benefit from mentoring.

To highlight the extraordinary difference that mentoring contributes to our city, BBBST will be undertaking a Toronto hat-trick throughout the month; an Open Market Ceremony at the Toronto Stock Exchange, a flag raising ceremony at City Hall, and the lighting of the CN Tower and the TORONTO sign in front of City Hall in the charity's distinctive purple colour.

With the support of Toronto Mayor John Tory, who has officially proclaimed September 2016 as Big Brothers Big Sisters month, volunteers, donors, government and the public are invited to acknowledge and celebrate Big Brothers Big Sisters Month and the theme Mentoring Matters.