The Big Bunch Program provides organized activities and a consistent mentor for children waiting to be placed in foster care. The program has 300 enrolled children and 164 volunteers. It relies on funding and volunteers to coordinate 4-6 activities per month. The process involves application and screening for both families and volunteers. Surveys found most parents, children, and volunteers rate the program positively and feel it provides benefits, but it faces challenges with capacity and funding.

1. … One Child at a Time! Making a Difference …

2. Big Bunch Program Started in 2004 Program for youth on wait list 300 children enrolled 164 volunteers 4-6 activities coordinated a month Program dependant on funding and volunteers (Community Campaign for Kids)

3. Big Bunch Coordinator Organizes activities for 2 month period Sends bulletin to volunteers and families Bulletin outlines activities and requirements Requests taken from families and volunteers Two weeks prior to activities, volunteers/team lead assigned their activity’s matches Volunteers emailed who they are picking up along with their address and contact information and pertinent activity details Caseworker is always available on activity day

4. Program Process - Family Families submit an application to participate Family interview & Child Safety Training conducted Bi-monthly bulletin sent to families Outlines 6-8 events (some events co-ed) Families make 1 st and 2 nd choice Try to accommodate all requests Restrictions result due to limited volunteers

5. Program Overview - Volunteer Flexible program for volunteers Volunteers must be 18 years old to mentor Complete following forms: Program Application Police Check Confidentiality Agreement Submit references by employer, family and character In person interview takes place that lasts approximately 1.5 hours Talk about personal history, activity process and next steps

6. Volunteering – Next Steps Once paperwork completed, volunteers attend training that includes Child Safety Process typically takes up to 2 months but dependant on Police Check Receive bi-monthly mailing Contact caseworker for activities of interest Required to volunteer once a month 2 (max. 3) Children assigned per volunteer Not always the same children

7. Program Overview - Volunteer Volunteer contacts the family one week in advance to make travel arrangements Volunteer informed of any requirements to remind family (Children must be ready) Volunteer Team Leader assigned to oversee group (Caseworker always available)

8. 1:1 in Bunch Sub-Program of the Big Bunch leading to the 1:1 program. Good program if All approvals may not be complete Funding or time commitment may be a problem for volunteer Program provides consistent mentoring Volunteers pick up the same children

9. Program Statistics Questionnaire sent at the end of each year 82% of parents agreed that their child benefitted from the positive interaction with mentors in Big Bunch 78% of parents agreed Big Bunch provided increased opportunities for their child to be physically active. 73% of parents agreed that their child participated in more community activities through the program. 97% of children reported that they had fun at Big Bunch outings this year. 84% of children reported that they felt better about themselves. 94% of volunteers rated their experience with the program as Excellent.

10. Program Costs and Structure Program costs approximately $140,800 Expenses include: Salaries of one full-time caseworker Family Assessment, & Volunteer screening Occupancy Costs - Office Space, Computer Equipment, Program Marketing Program Supplies and Materials

11. Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities for businesses: Host a Lunch and Learn Become a Big Bunch Host Sponsor a Big Bunch Activity Make a Product Donations Encourage Staff to become mentors Identify an Ambassador (internal champion)

12. Past Corporate Activities EB Games 50 children and 25 volunteers BBQ, Games, Take home & competitions PCL – BMO Field Soccer Workshop Bus 30 children 15 volunteers Tour of facility & Soccer workshop Lunch at stadium Simply Divine - Spa night 10 teens Premier Fitness – Swimming excursions & Gym Nights

13. Corporate Activity Ideas Sports Related Activities Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis, Badminton, Soccer Kitchen- Cooking Class Computer Workshops Spa Night, Hairdressing Games Night at your office Restaurant/Business tours Garden Clinic Craft Night Stock Market Music Industry Scavenger Hunt Dance Classes Flower Arranging Mechanics Class Woodworking Canoeing/ Kayaking Hiking Yoga Martial Arts Bowling Art Pottery

14. Program Needs Volunteers Activity Hosts Sponsorship Activity Outing Activity Bins In-Kind Donations Craft supplies, sports equipment, swimming coupons, movie tickets, Gift Certificates – Dairy Queen, Pizza Granola Bars, Fruit juice, Snacks

15. Working Our Networks Who do you know who can help support our Big Bunch Program Make one connection