BBBSO Archives - Loreeebee

My nephew, James Sliter, was recently awarded a Sesquicentennial Medal from the Senate of Canada for his volunteer role in making our community a better place to live. He was nominated by the current Senator and former police chief of Ottawa, Vern White.

James has shown dedication and commitment towards the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Ottawa organization (BBBSO) for many years. He is a former big brother, a former Board President, and currently sits on the business development committee.

Unfortunately, there was controversy swirling around the dispersion of the rest of these medals. These awards were supposed to honor community activists and volunteers or unsung heroes. The Canadian Mint created the medals as part of our 150 birthday celebration. That’s where the name sesquicentennial medal comes in. Our 93 Canadian Senators were each supposed to nominate 12 deserving individuals to receive the 1500 medals. However, many of the Senators, 47 to be exact, kept the medals for themselves or gave them to former senators. The last time I checked no senators can be termed volunteers or unsung heroes. This is pure greed on their part.

Regardless of the controversy, Vern White got it right with his nomination of James. The rest of my family and I are extremely proud of him!

Did you know that who you donate used clothing to has become a competition? Many organizations (charitable and otherwise) have contracts with distributors to make money from your donations of clothing and small household items. This is not a problem when the proceeds fall into the right hands, to be used for the right reasons. Unfortunately, there are those that prey on the opportunities intended to promote generosity and compassion for the less fortunate. Donation bins are popping up everywhere, and not always in approved locations. If not approved and supported by the City of Ottawa, they will be removed.

If you wish to keep reusable items out of our overflowing landfills and support a non-profit organization that provides mentors to at-risk youngsters in our community, check out this option. The Ottawa branch of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Association (BBBSO) is spreading the word and dropping off their distinctive purple bins to collect donations of old clothing. These PURPLE BINS are approved by the City of Ottawa, maintained, and monitored by the BBBSO, with all proceeds going to the BBBSO.

There are many ways you can support the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program. You can donate used clothing, money, or your time by mentoring a youngster. The emergence of the purple bins in Ottawa has now made it even easier for individuals and organizations to provide support in our community. Businesses can organize a clothing drive or apply to have a purple bin (maintained and monitored by BBBSO) at their location.

The Big Brothers and Big Sisters program has always been somewhat of a tradition in the Sliter (my maiden name) family. My cousin was the first executive director and co-founder at the Cornwall branch for many years. My brother, nephew and I have all mentored several youngsters. My nephew is a past president and member of the board of directors here in Ottawa. When he was living in Ottawa, he even used his truck to drop off purple bins at approved locations.

Check out the purple bin link for details on how you can get involved in this wonderful cause. You may start a family tradition!