FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

When a new initiative is created the hope and plan is to find a partner that is a perfect match to come on board.  This is a major piece of the puzzle and just three days ago the Kaitlyn Bates Initiative has found that piece!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northumberland is a most important organization helping children including those who may be “at risk” in developing self-esteem. The organization’s spokesperson, Nancy Richardson, Event & Volunteer Development says: “We at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northumberland are thrilled and grateful to partner with the Kaitlyn Bates Initiative on their Rise Up Power Initiative. The Rise Up Power Initiative directly aligns with our goals of helping potentially “at Risk” children and youth explore and build their self-esteem. This Initiative will provide and enriching experience and opportunity that these children would not have access to otherwise.”

Doug Bates, Founder of the Kaitlyn Bates Initiative responds, “I am so thrilled that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northumberland were so readily on board with our Power Board Initiative.  This partnership is going to ensure a positive and lasting impact on children from our local community.  It is inspiring to recognize that we have a common set of goals and objectives.” He explains he started the Foundation in his daughter’s name. “After losing her, the grief I felt drove me to form this initiative in her honour. Our mission is to create and support things that promote self esteem in young people.”

On Friday, September 22, 2017 at the Best Western Hotel & Convention Centre in Cobourg, Ontario a very special event will take place, in the name of The Kaitlyn Bates Initiative.

During the day, the Kaitlyn Bates Initiative will be holding a workshop for a number of young  children (ages 7-11 years old) structured around Parachute Club’s most well-known and best loved song, “Rise Up” and the Power in the lyrics. The song has maybe never been as relevant for the young. These days they face tremendous hurdles in the form of bullying and the resulting low self-esteem. The children will work to identify their special “powers”. These sessions will be followed by all the attending children creating their own “power boards”. (All art supplies will be supplied, free of charge). They will then be asked to present and explain their vision to the assembled children. Their day will conclude with them working together to create a group power board. This session will be conducted without the presence of parents and teachers.

The Kaitlyn Bates Initiative and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northumberland are very pleased to offer this life-changing project for selected children in the community. They are especially grateful for the support of these organizations and businesses: