MEDIA RELEASE April 22, 2025
Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin
Celebrates $148,700 OTF Grant from Ontario Government
St. Thomas, ON – Local MPP Rob Flack met with the team at Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of St. Thomas-Elgin to celebrate a $148,700 Resilient Communities Fund grant they received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The funding allowed BBBS to rebuild and expand its volunteer programs, ensuring that more youth in the community received the mentorship and support they need to thrive.
“This funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation has made a real difference for Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin,” said Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin—Middlesex—London. “It has strengthened their outreach, especially in our rural communities, and connect more local youth with the support and mentorship they need to succeed. I’m proud to see this kind of investment delivering results right here in Elgin County.”
With the grant’s support, BBBS of St. Thomas-Elgin achieved significant milestones including the hiring of a dedicated Marketing and Recruitment Coordinator, who played a key role in raising awareness about the organization’s volunteer opportunities and mentorship programs. This role allowed BBBS to engage new mentors, re-engage former volunteers, and build a stronger community presence.
As a result of the project, BBBS increased volunteer recruitment efforts, particularly in rural areas of Elgin County, and launched several innovative initiatives to better serve at-risk youth. The organization successfully adapted its programs to meet evolving community needs, focusing on inclusivity, accessibility, and fostering strong relationships between mentors and youth.
Additionally, the project’s impact extended beyond volunteer recruitment. By ensuring that youth facing socio-economic and geographic barriers had access to structured mentoring, BBBS improved the overall quality and reach of its services. The organization is now better equipped to support young people in overcoming challenges and accessing the opportunities they deserve.
“This funding allowed us to not only recover from the challenges faced during the pandemic but to also make meaningful strides in enhancing our programming and volunteer engagement efforts,” said Carolyn Johnson, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin. “We are incredibly grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support, which has helped us serve more youth and create lasting, positive change in our community.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin is dedicated to helping young people in the community achieve their full potential through positive mentoring relationships. Through one-on-one and group programs, the organization empowers youth to overcome challenges and unlock opportunities for success.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
For more information, please contact: Carolyn Johnson, Executive Director
Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin Phone: 519-633-3830 ext 201 Email: carolyn.johnsonc@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
(Left to Right) Carolyn Johnson -BBBS Executive Director, Gillian Martin- BBBS Board President, MPP Rob Flack