Wills Transfer Smiths Falls attended the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark September Campaign breakfast donating, once again, to cover the costs of Jewels Gently Used Clothing annual storage space.
What is Jewels Gently Used Clothing?
Jewels Gently Used Clothing
In 2005, the Board of Directors faced some tough decisions. Bingo revenues were dwindling, and they were running out of energy for events. The agency needed a new source of dependable revenue. Board member Jewel Purdon had the answer – a secondhand clothing store!
Jewels Gently Used Clothing was opened on Russell Street in Smiths Falls with a paid store manager and several dedicated volunteers. After much trial and error, the store began to thrive, and in 2008 moved to William St. E. with the purchase of the agency’s own building.
In 2010, a second location was opened, this one on Foster Street in Perth. Opening a second store helped bring in even more revenue, but also allowed the agency to have a part time office in Perth.
They have now moved the Perth store to the Metro Mall at 48 Wilson St. West and have taken over a second unit there – all kinds of space for all kinds of treasures!
A third Jewel’s store opened in Carleton Place to the former Carousel location, at 210 Bridge St. on July 20th, 2019 and now the stores are bringing in over $100,000 a year for mentoring programs and have provided consistent revenue, a source for new volunteers, and great PR for the agency.
Wills Transfer Smiths Falls also made a pledge to be used towards BBBS Mentoring Programs.
What are BBBS Mentoring Programs?
Big Brothers Sisters Mentoring
The BBBS mentoring program provides boys, girls, young men and young women with a role model to talk to and share the experiences of growing up with. Through regular outings, a relationship is developed between the mentor and the mentee, which is built on trust and common interests, and is supported by our experienced caseworkers. The result is a life-changing experience for both the mentor and the mentee.
In-School Mentoring
The In-School mentoring program provides youth with a role model and a friend to talk to and share the experiences of growing up within school grounds. For one hour a week, mentors meet with their mentee and engage in activities such as board games, crafts or just hang out on school grounds.
Most recently Wills Transfer has committed to provide further support annually and will be donating to the BBBS Outreach program.
The Youth Outreach Program is Available for youth (ages 16-18) that could benefit from the following services: crisis management, family work support, mentoring, advocating, provide/refer for counselling, ability for drop in location, facilitating programs and workshops, assistance accessing supports and services.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters, Leeds Chapter, over the last several years has been financially supported by Wills Transfer Brockville who participates in many of their annual events which includes, Golf for Kids, Bowling for Kids, Brockville Ribfest, and the new event this year Play for Kids.
Play For Kids Sake
Play laser tag or paint ball and change a child’s life…forever! Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville has free monthly bus trips to places like Fun Haven, Sky Zone, The Museum of Civilization, the Deifenbunker, Snow Tubing and Saunders Farm. Bowl for Kids provides the needed funds to support these programs and helping children in our community.
Wills Transfer is honoured and committed to being a partner of the BBBS program, now and in the future.
