PICKERING, ONTARIO, January 23, 2009 – The Board of Directors and agency staff are happy to announce the exciting events taking place in the office of Big Brothers and Sisters of Ajax-Pickering, beginning with the appointment of Melanie Stewart as Executive Director.
For over fifteen years, Melanie has been working to improve the lives of young people in the GTA.  Most recently, Melanie was the Executive Director of Serve!, an organization that provides educational programs for “at risk” and marginalized youth.  Melanie oversaw the development of summer programs and the expansion of Serve!’s programs to communities outside Toronto. A student of Ryerson University’s Non-Profit and Voluntary Sector Management program and a member of the Board of Directors of ArtHeart, Melanie, appreciates the importance of volunteers, especially in the lives of children.

“I am thrilled to be a part of such a dynamic organization.  In my short time here, I have already found that what draws people to Big Brothers and Sisters is a great idea and a great foundation – and what keeps them here is witnessing the lasting impact of changing a child’s life.”  Melanie Stewart

We are also delighted to welcome Jasmin Oblitey as our new Recruitment Coordinator.  A registered Social Worker, Jasmin studied at Ryerson University, completing her degree in Social Work (BSW).  In 2000, she crossed the ocean to expand her career in London, England, specialising in Volunteer Recruitment.   Recently returned to Canada, and excited to be using the expertise gained both domestically and internationally, Jasmin’s goal is to increase the number of volunteers with Big Brothers and Sisters of Ajax-Pickering.  She is enthusiastic about sharing the importance of the Big Brothers and Sisters’ programs and volunteers with the community.
Melanie and Jasmin will be kept busy, arriving just in time to enjoy our annual OPG’s Bowl for Kids Sake, taking place this year March 27th through 29th. Bowl for Kids Sake is an invitation to our community supporters to get together with friends, family, and co-workers and have a great time bowling while supporting Big Brothers and Sisters of Ajax-Pickering’s mentoring programs.

Big Brothers and Sisters of Ajax-Pickering is committed to ensuring that every child in Ajax and Pickering who needs a mentor has a mentor. Since 1973 we have been providing positive volunteer adult role models to young people in our communities, initiating opportunities for friendship and personal development. Our Bowl For Kids Sake fundraising event is our major annual fundraiser, supporting programs like Couples for Kids, In-school Mentoring, Go Girls and our original Big Brother and Sister mentoring programs. To learn more about us, and our programs, please visit our website atwww.bigbrothersandsistersofajaxpickering.com.