Rev’s Bowling will host two Big Brothers Big Sisters fundraisers as part of the 24th annual Fraser Valley Bowl For Kids Sake. Big Brothers is turning 100 this year and will hold birthday party fundraisers on March 2 and March 6.

There are 20 bowling birthday parties set up, beginning Feb. 20 in Chilliwack and winding up March 16 in Abbotsford.

Funds raised by Big Brothers Big Sisters help to screen, support and match a volunteer mentor with a child, creating lasting friendships and providing positive and supportive role models to children, helping them reach their full potential. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley is to build a child’s future through the friendship and guidance of mentoring.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to share our story and for the support we find within our communities,” said Daniel Sorenson, board chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters. “There are 50 local corporate sponsors and as many as 1,000 bowlers that come out to this event. We’re proud of the way our community gets behind us and values our work.”

“By supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters as a sponsor we believe we can have a positive impact on local families,” says Bruce Howell, CEO of Prospera Credit Union. “We congratulate Big Brothers Big Sisters for their longevity and the important work they do by providing children and youth in our communities with mentors who are positive role models.”

A 2012 study published by the Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Addiction reported that mentorship increases a child’s sense of value and belonging, something that has ripple effects into the family, school and broader community. Kids who have a mentor tend to be more successful and have a positive sense of their value and role in their community.

To find out more about Big Brothers Big Sisters and Bowl for Kids Sake 2013 and join as a sponsor, bowler or pledge supporter, go to www.mentoringworks.ca or contact Angel Elias at 1-604-852-3331 or angel.elias@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.