BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As Boston endures one of its snowiest winters yet, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay (BBBSMB) is partnering with Boston Brewin Coffee Company to raise Bostonians’ spirits through 1,000 free cups of joe. Current mentors will be on-hand at Boston Brewin’s City Hall location on Wednesday, March 18 from 7:30-10 a.m. to add a little warmth and share how easy and rewarding it is to add a Little Brother or Sister.
BBBSMB’s “Add a Little” campaign, designed to address the primary need to engage more men in mentoring, shows adults that doing something important can be incredibly simple. With more than 800 youth on its waiting list, BBBSMB wants to let the men and women of Boston know that with just a one-year commitment, a Big Brother or Big Sister can make a huge impact on a child’s life.
“We hope by doing something as simple as handing out a free cup of coffee, Boston residents will learn about the benefits of becoming a mentor and help us toward Mayor Walsh’s goal of 1,000 new mentors in the City of Boston,” said Wendy Foster, Chief Executive Officer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay.
The impact of mentoring has come to the forefront across the country, thanks to recent city and nationwide initiatives to recruit adult mentors and ensure all youth reach their full potential. According to a 2009 study of alumni Littles conducted by Harris Interactive, youth matched with a Big Brother or Sister reported performing better in school (77%), learned right from wrong from their Big (76%), and said having a Big helped them make better choices in life (90%).
“Boston is filled with great organizations, like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay, that change the lives of young people in positive and meaningful ways,” said Mayor Walsh. “I encourage everyone— from teachers, to doctors, to artists, to lawyers, to members of the business and tech communities, and beyond —to join this initiative. Make a difference, take this step with us, and ensure that a young person has a caring adult in their lives."
On March 18, current Big Brothers, including ones who star in the “Add a Little” ad campaign and video, will be on-site to share how adding a Little Brother has changed their life and to talk to those interested in becoming a mentor.
In addition to this event, BBBSMB will also be hosting a social giveaway to reach those who may not be able to attend. Boston residents will have the chance to win a hockey stick, autographed by the entire 2014-15 Boston Bruins roster, simply for interacting with a Tweet from BBBSMB. Details to be released the morning of the event, through the BBBSMB Twitter account.
To learn more about the “Add a Little” campaign or to take the first step to becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, stop by the event or visit AddaLittle.org. Follow the conversation on social media by using #AddaLittle.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay
Big
Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay is an innovative, energetic
organization that is making a real difference in the lives of 2,000
youth annually by providing them with an invested, caring adult mentor.
With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters
of Massachusetts Bay is working to ensure every child has the support
from caring adults that they need for healthy development and success in
life. The organization’s vision is to inspire, engage and transform
communities in Massachusetts Bay by helping youth achieve their full
potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, brighter
futures and stronger communities. For more information about this
worthwhile cause and its important mission, visit www.bbbsmb.org.
