Tori Sutton
Staff Reporter

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Stratford and District kicked off its biggest annual fundraiser last Thursday at Mike’s Lanes in Stratford.

The 34th annual Scotiabank Bowl for Kids’ Sake gets underway on Wednesday, March 24 and over 20 events are scheduled to take place before the campaign wraps up on Sunday, May 2.

Bowlers from service clubs and workplaces across the county – including industry, hospitality, financial, emergency services, retail and local schools – will face off at the lanes for bragging rights, both for final scores and the amount each raises on their pledge forms.

This year’s ambassadors are Mark and Cheryl Moore of Tim Hortons. Little ambassadors for the 2010 campaign are Jerry Kapp, 9, and Rowan McDevitt, 9.

“We’re quite proud to be a part of it,” said Mark Moore. “We look forward to a very successful year … I can feel it in my bones.”

For many years, Moore’s employees have been participating in Bowl for Kids’ Sake. Over five years, those employees – about 70 participate each year – have raised over $22,000.

“We’re honoured and I mean that sincerely,” Mark said, of he and his wife being chosen as campaign ambassadors.

This is also the sixth year Scotiabank has been on board as sponsor. Bank staff have raised over $70,000 for the agency.

“I’ve got some funky shoes on and as you can see, I’m dressed for the event,” joked Elaine Genyn, of Scotiabank, gesturing to her skirt and bowling shoes.

“We’re thrilled to be another partner this year and I know we couldn’t do it without your support, and the support of the community and our ambassadors.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters and Bowl for Kids’ Sake is something Genyn said her staff take very seriously, often volunteering with the organization’s mentoring program.

“They come back with great stories and share that with our staff,” she said. “That’s very inspirational.”

This year will mark the 11th time that Festival Theatre employees will participate in Bowl for Kids’ Sake. The theatre employees always make it a fun evening, dressing up in full costume.

Last year’s theme was super heroes and over $10,000 was raised by the group.

Teams are made up of four to six people and new incentive prizes have been added this year, which can be viewed at www.beamentor.ca. More information about Bowl For Kids’ Sake and the mentorship program are also available on the site or by calling 519-271-7133. Participants are encouraged to register their teams early.