MEDIA RELEASE
August 21, 2025
$256,000 in OTF Funding Help Big Brothers Big Sisters Build for the Future
Hamilton, ON – On Wednesday, local MPP Robin Lennox joined Big Brothers Big Sisters, serving Grand Erie, Halton and Hamilton (BBBS) to celebrate the organization’s receipt of $256,000 in funding from the Ontario Government through two grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Both grants will positively impact 12 communities served by BBBS in Halton, Hamilton and Grand Erie regions for years to come.
“We would like to thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for this grant. This is more than just funding for Big Brothers and Big Sisters; this is an investment in our community’s future, it is empowering our youth through connection,” says MPP Lennox. “When children start to believe in themselves, when they learn that they have someone in their corner — and that they matter. That is how we grow strong, resilient communities. This funding allows Big Brothers and Sisters to not just extend their program capacity; it is supporting them to create powerful connections that change lives.”
BBBS serving Grand Erie, Halton and Hamilton received a $190,500 Resilient Communities Fund grant which will help the organization become more sustainable for years to come. The grant has allowed BBBS to hire a fund development specialist for a term to build and implement new fundraising strategies.
BBBS was also awarded a $66,000 Seed grant in September 2024, which is helping the organization build capacity through temporarily hiring a volunteer recruitment coordinator and case worker to implement transition to independence (T2I) programming.
T2I programming targets youth ages 12-24 to promote skill development and competencies that will help them feel more prepared as they transition through adolescence and into young adulthood. Skill building aims to help youth succeed in school, work and life. Creating programming for this demographic has been a gap need of the organization for some time.
“We respond to the evolving needs of our community by listening to young people and continuing to provide relevant programs. OTF funding is helping us live into our commitment to serve our community fully,” says Michael Treadgold, Executive Director. “OTF funding is helping Big Brothers Big Sisters plan for the future — To build capacity to serve more young people and become more sustainable for years to come.”
For over 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has helped enable life-changing mentoring relationships for young people who need it most. Mentoring connects a young person to personal growth and development, education, as well as social and economic opportunity. Together with volunteer mentors, Big Brothers Big Sisters empowers young people on a path to educational success and future readiness, improves wellbeing and mental health, while inspiring and igniting potential. Over 1,500 young people benefited from programs in Halton, Hamilton and Grand Erie regions. Visit MentorsForKids.ca to learn more.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
