September 2015 will be Big Brothers Big Sisters Month & United Way Month

Following a council meeting on Monday afternoon, Mayor Lori Ackerman proclaimed September 2015 to be Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, and United Way of Northern BC Month.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has been working in Fort St. John for 31 years, with no sign of slowing down.

Even with as little as one hour a week, children who have mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters show dramatic improvements in success at school and life.

The organization says boys with a Big Brother are 3 times less likely than boys without one to suffer peer pressure related anxiety – and girls with a Big Sister are 2 and a half times more likely than girls without  to be more confident in school.

United Way operates not just in Fort St. John, but many other cities in Northern BC as well, including Prince George, Smithers, Chetwynd, and many others.

They operate focuses on their three ‘pillars’ – children, poverty, and community.

“We prepare children to succeed in life, we build pathways out of poverty, and we inspire people to care for one another through all three pillars.” Community Developer and Campaign Officer Niki Hedges told the council.

Celebrating United Way of Northern BC in the month of September seems like a clear choice, as the organization hosts an annual Fire Truck Pull each year.

The Fire Truck Pull this year, which takes place on September 19th, and Hedges says many different companies are keen to be part of the much-anticipated event.