Toronto - For 10 years Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto has been hitting the slopes for a BIG cause and thanks to all of the snow this winter, the hills are in the perfect shape for skiing! On Thursday, February 28th at Caledon Ski Club, Bigs, Littles and the community will enjoy a day of great skiing, snowboarding, races, family activities, auctions, raffles and more! Humble Howard, one of Toronto’s most recognized radio personalities will be the Après ski auctioneer announcing the event’s winners of the silent and live auction and raffle which includes fabulous ski & golf vacations, weekend getaways and an HDTV.

This year in honour of the Big Ski’s 10 year anniversary, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto (BBBST) hopes to raise $110, 000 with funds going towards their mentoring programs that help make a positive difference in the lives of Toronto’s children and youth. In the BBBST mentoring programs a mentor volunteer spends time with a child who would benefit from having a friend. Big Brothers and Big Sisters can also can spend time with their Little at a school (School Based Program and Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds) or during arranged outings (Group Program and Big Bunch). The Littles waiting for a friend come from all backgrounds; each one has a different story to tell and has different needs.

Research has shown that our success in matching children and youth with a Big Brother or Big Sister has made a positive and lasting difference in their lives. The power and impact of these relationships affect so many aspects of a child’s life:

- 64% of Little Brothers and Sisters have more self confidence
- 56% achieve higher grades
- 46% have an increased likelihood to avoid alcohol and other drugs

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto serves approximately 1,200 children and currently there are more boys than girls on the waiting list. We are in need of men 18 years and over who live in the Toronto area that can be a friend and share some time with a much-in-need child. We are also looking for girls aged 6-16 years who could benefit from having a Big Sister in the downtown core.

For more information on how you can become a Big Brother, Big Sister, Little Brother or Little Sister visit http://www.bbbst.com/.

If you would like to Ski for a BIG cause please contact Camille Achat at cachat@bbbst.com or call (416) 925-8981, ext. 4138.

Ticket Pricing:
Family Package Big Ski Pass - $275
Package includes 2 adults and 3 children (up to 12 years of age).
Adult Big Ski Pass - $125
Kids under 12 years - $30

Date & Time:
Thursday, February 28th 2008

Location:
Caledon Ski Club, 17431 Mississauga Road Caledon, Ontario L7K 0E9

About Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto: Big Brothers and Big Sisters is widely regarded as Canada’s best known and most successful mentoring organization. Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto (BBBST) is committed to improving the lives of Toronto’s children & youth by delivering the highest quality volunteer based mentoring programs. BBBST believes the healthy development of every child is enhanced by positive, nurturing, mentoring relationships. Established in 1913, BBBST helps children between the ages of six and 18 years of age become caring adults by matching children with a mentor who provides friendship and positive support. Our focus is to be preventative by reaching children at a pivotal point in their lives when the impact of a mentor can change the course of their future. Our vision at BBBST is every child who needs a mentor has a mentor. For more information visit http://www.bbbst.com/.