Meet at Past Match: Marg & Cody - Together for over 25 years!

 Marg & Cody 

(Photos were taken by Daniel Cullen Photography)

Story by: Krista Webb

Marg and Cody’s story is truly inspiring.  They were first matched back in 2000, when Cody was just 10 years old and Marg was old enough to be his grandmother. But despite the age difference between the pair, their relationship blossomed right after they met. Flash-forward 16 years, and Marg and Cody still have a really special relationship. So special, in fact, that last year Cody moved in with Marg and her husband, Roger, and he refers to Marg as his “grandma”. 

Their relationship has been different than most matches since the very beginning. Cody was a sweet, kind, sensitive young boy who loved having an adult friend to hang out with just him for an hour every week. Marg, who is a very kind and caring woman, got along with Cody right off the bat. They talked, drew pictures, painted, played cards, and made up fun games. 

Marg and Cody’s In-School Mentoring match was closed when Cody finished grade 7, but their relationship didn’t stop there. They continued to see each other outside of school, and soon became a part of each other’s families. Marg would watch Cody’s hockey games and take him to baseball games and wrestling matches, and Cody would spend time at Marg and Roger’s cottage. 

Cody only has nice things to say about Marg and how she’s affected him. “She’s been a constant presence in my life. To this day she’s one of the only people I can count on.”

Marg and Roger have mentored many in their lives, and they’ve invited quite a few non-family members to live with them over the past 40 years, so it’s really no surprise that Marg’s non-biological Little Brother now lives with her and her husband in Port Perry. Roger has also become an unofficial mentor to Cody over the years, and Cody looks up to him a lot, too.

Marg acknowledges that Cody wasn’t the only one getting something out of their match. “It’s very rewarding to see someone grow up and do well, when it could have gone so differently,” says Marg. Cody says that he thinks his life would have been “1,000 % different” if he had never met Marg. He admits he got into some trouble in high school and knew he was going down a bad path, but when he decided to change his ways, it was partially due to the fact that he didn’t want to disappoint Marg and Roger. 

Marg has encouraged Cody to continue his education, and he has plans to attend Durham College in the fall for the Fitness and Health Promotion program. Marg is so proud of the young man Cody has become. They both agree that Marg gave him confidence, and by supporting him in whatever he did, she has helped shape him into the person he is today. 

If you're interested in learning more information about the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs, please call Cheryl Doyle at 905-985-3733 ext 2, or visit www.BigBrothersBigSisters.ca/NorthDurham.

Meet our Staff: Mentoring Coordinator, Becky Lawlor

Name: Becky Lawlor
Nickname: Little Bird, Beck
Age: 25
Horoscope Sign: Pisces
Kids: None (yet)
Fiance: Cody
Pets: A bunny named Thumper

I asked her a few questions so that we could get to know her better...here they are:

Favourite colour: Pink
Dream vacation: Bora Bora
Favourite food: Mac & Cheese
Biggest pet peeve: When people don't listen
What did you want to be when you were a kid?: Dolphin Trainer
What did you take in school?: Child and Youth Worker
Favourite vacation to date: Cuba with Cody
Favourite movie: Anything Nicholas Sparks
Favourite Book: Don't like reading
Favourite Band/Artist: Anything Country
Favourite T-Show (of all time): Friends
Favourite Season: Summer (she loves the heat)
 What's your favourite thing about working at BBBSND?: Our team, and seeing how happy with kids are with their mentor.

Becky lives in Epsom with her fiance and her family with her bunny, Thumper, her fiance's dog, Dexter, and family dog, Cali.

She joined the BBBBSND team back in 2013 and can be seen around many different schools all over North Durham!

Right now, she is busy planning her wedding with Cody, that will be in June 2017 at their family home.

In her spare time, she likes to go four wheeling, travelling to tropical destinations, hanging out with friends, and going camping. You won't catch her shopping though, she hates it!

Becky has been matched with Little Sister, Hailey, for 2 years now!  (Read her blog post about that here)

I hope you enjoyed getting to know our Mentoring Coordinator, Becky, a little bit better!

If you're interested in learning more information about our Mentoring Programs, please call Cheryl Doyle at 905-985-3733 ext 2.  

Annual Wing & Pizza Night- Port Perry

Hey y'all! 

It's about that time again for our biggest and best fundraising event of the year! Do you like mouth-watering wings? How about pizza? Well this is the event for you! 

Saturday, February 27 at the Scugog Community Centre

Tickets are $30 cash only

(only available in advance. You can book a table if 8 tickets are bought)

Doors open at 7:00pm and food is served from 8:00-9:30pm

 

This year, we have 12 restaurants participating, and we want to know who you like best! Here are the contenders:

Wings:
The Pub
Durham Homestyle Gourmet
Food Man
Vos Independent
Great Blue Heron Charity Casino
Harp & Wylies
Clem's Custom Wing Shop
Col. Mustards

Pizza:
Dominos
Bona Via Pizzeria
Crusty Pizza
Jim's Pizza and Pasta

 

Last year, we had a tie for Best Wings with Harp & Wylie's and Clem's Custom Wing Shop, and the winner of Best Pizza was Bona Via Pizzeria! 

Do you agree? Come to the event, try every flavour and vote!

Make sure you save room for Old Flame Brewing Co. beer on tap!

There will be also be a silent auction, cash bar and dance!

Like us on Facebook to see the auction prizes before the event!

Mr. Todd Soomre will be the DJ! (We know he's the best) 

Tickets can be purchased at our office (The Scout Hall-15585 Simcoe St. Port Perry), PPPrint, Gus Brown, Flawless Dry Cleaners and the Scugog Arena.

Call 905-985-3733 ext. 4 for more information! 

 

New Year's Rockin' Eve Party

What are you doing for New Year's Eve? Celebrate the start of 2016 with us!

On Thursday, December 31, join us at the Port Perry Legion where will celebrate 2015 and ring in 2016!

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Gus Brown, PP Print, Flawless Dry Cleaners, The Port Perry Legion and our office (The Scout Hall). Call 905-985-3733 ext. 4 for more details.

No tickets will be sold after December 23.

There will be New Year's Party favours, a cash bar, a late night buffet, champagne at Midnight and of course, DJ Todd Soomre!

 

Meet our staff: Executive Director, Margaret Ayres

Here is the first of our "Meet our Staff" series, because we want you to know us on a more personal level! 

Meet Margie! 

Name: Margaret Wanless-Ayres
Age: Unknown
Horoscope sign:  Aries
Kids: 4
Husband: Mike
Pets: a 4-year old mix, Kasey

I asked her a few questions so that we could get to know her better...here they are:

Favourite movie: Wizard of Oz
Favourite artist/band: Johnny Reid, Shania Twain, Tim McGraw
Favourite book: Green Eggs & Ham
Favourite vacation you've ever been on: Hawaii
Favourite food: surf & turf
Favourite colour: Red
Dream car: DeLorean
Dream vacation: Back to Hawaii!

If you live in Port Perry, you've definitely seen our very own Margie Ayres in the papers 1 million times (pretty much on a weekly basis). It's a big joke with everyone she knows...and when she's not in the paper (rarely) people always ask where has she been?!

Margie has been at Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Durham for 17 years!! She started out as part-time, and worked her way up to a full-time Executive Director position 6 years ago.

In Margie's "spare time" (quotes because she doesn't have spare time) Margie volunteers for other local organizations and always always helps out families in our community. If you need something, you can ALWAYS could on Margie to help you out. We swear, her heart is made of pure gold.

Margie is very very involved in so many different aspects of our community. She is a member of the 100 Women of Uxbridge, she is a founding member of 100 Women of Scugog, she's on the Chamber of Commerce, and she has a Little Brother with us!

Margie got matched with her Little, Matthew, 2 years ago in the In-School Program. Margie and Matthew are now registered in both the ISM Program, and Traditional Program, meaning that she mostly sees him at the school, but she's allowed to see him outside of school, and just recently she started driving him to his first job!

So there you have it folks, Margie in a nutshell! We'd also like to add that she's a GREAT boss and such a kind, loving person! What a great person to have as ED of our organization! If you do not know Margie (doubtful, she knows everyone) stop in, she'd love to meet you!

Photos were taken by the amazing Daniel Cullen.

Easy DIY Halloween Costumes

So we were recently perusing through Google images looking for Halloween costumes, so we thought we thought we would share some that would definitely nominate you for some costume prizes at our Halloween Spooktacular Party!

I've just recently started watching American Horror Story, so I thought this would be kinda cool, and easy-- all you need it some white sheets, white and black face paint!

Need a REALLY easy group costume? Why not be DOMINOS!

Dora's backpack may involve some creativity, but the rest of the costume is basic! I think even a plain purple backpack would do :)

 I'm REALLY digging this group Troll costume. This could also be a single costume, or as many as you want, really! If you wanted to be punny, you could somehow make this into an internet troll!

 

I ALWAYS find sugar skulls very impressive!

I'm a sucker for anything Addams Family, so this Wednesday Addams costume is not only easy to pull off, but it's a classic!

And lastly, if you're in a pickle for a costume, you can always go as the Black Eyed Peas :)

Hope to see you at our Halloween Spooktacular Party! All proceeds benefit the children/youth in North Durham!

Please note this is a 19+ event.

http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/northdurham/en/Home/events/halloween-spooktacular-party.aspx

 

Our Halloween Spooktacular Party

Please join us at our Halloween Spooktacular Party!

We LOVE creative costumes...so start thinking about it now!

 

Meet a Match: Becky & Hailey

 

Becky & Hailey

Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Durham’s very own Mentoring Coordinator, Becky Lawlor, started mentoring Hailey a little over a year ago, in the In-School Mentoring (ISM) Program when Hailey was in grade 4. About 4 months ago, Becky and Hailey have transitioned to the Traditional Mentoring Program, which means that they can see each other outside of school, as well as in the school. Their favourite activities to do together in the school include playing on the playground, playing board games, making up their own games, and playing sports. Outside of the school, they like to go shopping, play mini-putt, and visit with Becky’s 3 dogs.

“Becky is a lot of fun. Since I don’t have any siblings, she’s definitely a role model for me,” says Hailey. Becky’s favourite part of their match is just spending time together and seeing how happy Hailey is whenever they are together. “I look forward to our time together and I’ve found that I’m happier on days when I’m going to see her. Hailey brightens my day.”

When I asked Hailey what she thinks she’s getting out of the program, she says “Becky has really been helping me get along with my peers. She also helps me set goals in school which really help.”

When I asked Becky what she gets out of the relationship, she said “I get to know Hailey on a deep level and I like knowing that we’ve made a lasting connection.” Since it’s obvious that both girls like spending time together, this summer is full of possibilities for their bi-weekly visits.

From a Big Brothers Big Sisters point of view, Hailey said the magic words to me; the words we always like to hear from our mentees: “Becky is amazing. She’s not only a mentor to me, she’s like an older sister.”

If you're interested in learning more information about our mentoring programs, please call Cheryl Holmes at 905-985-3733 ext 2. 

Meet a Match: Mike & Jack

 Mike & Jack

Although on paper the two don’t have much in common, and there’s a significant age gap between the two Brothers, nothing has gotten in the way of Mike and Jack’s steadily growing bond over the past 6 months. Since Mike lives in Port Perry and Jack lives in Beaverton, Mike spends over 1.5 hours each week just going to pick Jack up and bringing him back home—a true testament to how Mike feels about Jack.

Mike says that since there’s not much to do in Beaverton, he often picks Jack up and brings him back to Port Perry, sometimes with his bike so they can ride around the side roads. Or they’ll walk Mike’s dogs, watch a movie with Mike’s family, or play at the park. Mike has also introduced Jack to many firsts over these last 6 months, including an Oshawa Generals game, a Blue Jays game, the Ontario Science Centre and the Toronto Zoo. “Jack loves the zoo,” says Mike. “His mom said he would probably go to the zoo every day if he could.”

 Though Jack has been exposed to a variety of new and different activities lately, Mike says he knows that Jack’s favourite is when they go bowling together. “His smile is from ear to ear the whole time and he gets really excited if he gets a strike or a spare.” When I ask Mike what his favourite activity is, he says, “Watching Jack bowl. He’s just so happy.” 

Over the past months, Mike’s noticed that Jack has warmed up to him a lot more than in the beginning. “He’s a lot happier when he’s with me now. He used to miss his mom soon after we left, but now he doesn’t.” Mike also adds that Jack loves to joke around with him, and he’s not nearly as nervous as he used to be. Although Mike doesn’t think that he himself has changed much since they’ve been matched, he admits acknowledges that he really looks forward to seeing Jack and spending time with him.

Jack has really taken to Mike’s family, too. Mike says that whenever Jack gets into his truck, the first thing he does is look in the backseats to see if any of Mike’s kids have come along for the ride. “He’s part of the family.” Mike and his family recently celebrated Jack’s birthday with a surprise party, complete with cake and gifts! 

Mike says that since they’ve met, he’s learned a lot about Jack and that he hopes with every visit he will learn even more!

If you're interested in learning more information about our mentoring programs, please call Cheryl Holmes at 905-985-3733 ext 2 or visit our website here. 

Durham Region Feature: FUN Things To Do This Summer Part 2!

So, you've 'been there done that' to paintballing, you've found 1000 Geocaches and you've conquered your fear of heights at Treetop Eco Adventure Park...and it's only June. No fear, here are some more ideas of things you can do without leaving Durham Region! Enjoy :)

1.

Stand Up Paddleboarding

Want to keep up with the latest FUN fitness craze? This is it! Test out your balance (it's not hard, don't worry) with Port Perry SUP on Lake Scugog. Fun for the whole family!

2.

Goodwood Kartways

Got the need for speed? Then Goodwood Kartways is for you! Take the family or friends here to see who's fastest on the track! It's not often you can test how fast a vehicle can go, so take advantage of that here! 

3.

 Cedar Park Resort

Splash around in Bowmanville's Cedar Park Resort this summer with the kids! Not only do they have splash pads, water slides and pools, but also mini golf, camp ground, tennis courts and more. All you need for a fun-filled family day :)

4.

Pickering Playing Fields

You and your friends can't decide on an activity? Why not visit the Pickering Playing Fields that holds a variety of options: Mini Putt, Driving Range, Beach Volleyball and Batting Cages. Choose 1, 2 or all activities with your friends or family and enjoy the outdoors all day!

5.

 Pingle's Farm Market

There's stuff to do at Pingle's all year round! In the summer, there are wagon rides, a Barn Bouncer, visits with the farm animals, mini golf, giant board games and more. Best of all, all of this fun for only $5 per person! Check it out in the fall, too for an awesome corn maze!

6.

Bowmanville Zoo

Not only are there a lot of really cool animals at the Bowmanville Zoo, but there are also rides, a splash pad, and camels rides! Take the kids for an educational but fun day to the zoo where they can learn and play at the same time :) If you really want to splurge, you can book a private Big Cat encounter!

For more ideas of what to do this summer outside Durham Region, click here.

Missed Part 1? Click here