Project Ignite

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington’s Project Ignite has officially launched—an initiative funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation aimed at providing youths and families with programmed activities designed to build essential life skills and promote community engagement.  

 

These activities offer youth vital experiential learning opportunities in areas like job readiness, food security, mental health, and environmental engagement while fostering healthy, active lifestyles. The project supports youth in developing stronger social, emotional, and leadership skills—empowering them to build connections, explore career paths, and actively contribute to their community. All these programs are free of charge and don’t require any previous experience.  

 

Programs Included: 

 

Paddle On! Canoeing Sessions – Through Elora Paddle Company, take a calm, 45-minute paddle on the Grand River and paddle up close to the limestone cliffs where you can spot fossils of over a million years old. Canoes and life jackets will be provided. 

 

Adventures in Art Making – Join Stephanie Lines-Toohill from Sparrow’s Nest Makerspace in exploring painting, drawing, and creative projects inspired by nature and the seasons in the bright Sparrow’s Nest Makerspace at the Elora Centre for the Arts.
 

ExpressU Creative Expression and Wellness – This program with Mandalia House is all about making art your way. Each session gives you the chance to try out different materials and techniques, like painting, sculpture, mixed media, journaling, and abstract mark-making.    

 

Crafty Kitchen – These hands-on cooking sessions in partnership with Mandalia House are all about flavour, fun, and creativity. Each week introduces a new recipe to explore, giving you the chance to learn new skills, try fresh ingredients, and discover your own style in the kitchen!    

 

Ukulele Workshops – Learn how to hold and tune a ukulele, play basic chords, and learn a few simple songs at Adrian Jones Music School. No music experience is needed! Each session will include easy instruction, group activities, and lots of chances to play and have fun. 

 

Got A Bike Need A Bike – In collaboration with Green Lanes, each participant will have a one-hour time slot to get your bike(s) on a bike stand. The Green Lanes ReBike Team will be on hand to take you through a basic bike tune-up. Please note that spots are limited! 

 

To ensure equitable access, we are also providing free transportation through the company Red Car Service, enabling all families to participate fully.  

 

We are hoping that with this expansion, BBBSCW will create 25 new mentor-mentee matches each year—helping to significantly reduce the current 2.5-year waitlist for youth seeking mentors. In addition, the organization will launch a targeted volunteer recruitment initiative, focusing on increasing the number of male mentors through regular group activities aligned with community interests.