MEDIA RELEASE

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF WATERLOO REGION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 23, 2010

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cambridge
and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kitchener-Waterloo and Area merge to better serve the children in our region.

On Tuesday, June 22, 2010 the members of both the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cambridge and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kitchener-Waterloo and Area, voted in favour of the amalgamation of the two organizations. After several months of investigation and community consultations, the two organizations became one on June 23, 2010.

"This is the beginning of something very significant for this region and it came together with the hard work and support of an active merger committee with board and staff representation from both agencies," said Scott Bridger, Co-President of the newly formed Big Brothers Big Sisters agency and Director of Sales, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region is a member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.  “I believe that the unification of the agencies in the KW and Cambridge areas represents an incredible opportunity to provide more services to more children,” said Bruce MacDonald, CEO and President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. “Most of all, it shows courage and vision. It shows the community that we are a movement that sets children above administration and willing to shake things up if it means helping more children – lines on a map are not a deterrent to doing what is best for kids.”

The management team of the merged agency combines the skill and passion of both agencies'
executive directors. Gert Hartmann (KW) will assume the role of CEO, and Julie Phillips (Cambridge)assumes the role of COO of the regional organization. Together they bring over 30 years of combined expertise and knowledge in the area of mentoring children and youth to the organization and the region.

Nancy Gill, Co-President of the new organization, “I'm delighted at the prospect of serving more children in our region by combining our talents, resources and passion for youth and mentoring. It was important throughout the merger process that we did not lose sight of our mission – to help children and youth reach their potential.”

A location for the new agency has not yet been determined, and until such time, operations will
continue out of the existing Cambridge and Kitchener facilities.

If you would like further information, please contact Gert Hartmann at 519-579-5150 ext. 216, or
Julie Phillips at 519-624-7655.

The Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region is:

Christopher Annett, Vice-President, Business Development, Century Group Financial Solutions Inc.
Scott Bridger, Director of Sales, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce
Peter Charters, Owner, M&M Meat Shops, Cambridge
Penny Cleaver, Retired
Nancy Gill, Manager, TD Canada Trust
Stephen Grant, Partner, Madorin Snyder LLP
Karl Kaufman, Retired
Sean Murphy, Manager Tax, Deloitte and Touche LLP
Stephen Nabney, Robotics Assembler
David O’Hagan, Coach/Facilitator, Red Sky Coaching + Consulting
Nicole Pereira, General Manager, Cambridge Centre Honda
Jim Reeves, Program Manager, Siding and Window Dealers Association of Canada
Deb Robertson, Residential Manager, Community Living Cambridge
Mary Jo Stewart, Manager, Stewart Financial Services
Leanne Way, Partner, Madorin Snyder LLP

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Mentoring is about the power of friendship. The volunteers and young people in our programs experience the magic of everday moments when they are shared with a friend. Everyone needs someone to laugh with, share a dream with, and just hang out... with friends it's the little things that mean the most.

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