Big Brothers Big Sisters gets $10K in donations

CRANSTON – Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State has received $10,000 in donations from a Toyota dealership and its company match.
The nonprofit received a $5,000 grant from Balise Toyota of Warwick and a $5,000 matching grant from the Toyota Dealer Match Program.
“This is the second year in a row that Balise has so generously supported our mentoring programs. We are very grateful for their partnership,” said Katje Fuson, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ director of development.
The nonprofit’s mission is to provide more than 500 children facing adversity throughout Rhode Island with enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that improve their lives.
Some 200 children are still waiting for a mentor, said Fuson.
Donations like these allow the nonprofit to foster mentoring and provide free or low-cost activities for the mentors and mentees, she said.
Dealership General Manager Michael O’Connell said, “At Balise we feel it’s important to give back to the community. The Toyota Dealer Match Program allows us to really ramp up our donation in a more meaningful way. Having participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters Holiday Party last year, I saw first-hand what a difference this makes.”
The grant also will support the Holiday Help Program, in which the nonprofit provides gift giving and meals to children and families during the holidays, said Fuson.
“The holidays can be very stressful on a family who is working hard to make ends meet. Through our Holiday Help Program we are able to go beyond mentoring and provide additional support to the entire family,” she said.
To apply to become a mentor, visit www.BBBSOS.org or call 401.921.2434.

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