South Shore Big Brothers Big Sisters lays off staff and may close

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of the South Shore in Bridgewater, N.S., may have to close its doors if it can't raise $30,000.

Organizers found out from itsboard of directors last week that, after several years of declining revenue fromcorporate and private donors, the agency would have to close its doors.

"Looking into the new year, we see our finances, they're going to be rough," executive director Vanessa Mossop said Sunday.

The charity helps children with single parentsor those in financial needby pairing them with mentors. The"Big Brothers" or "Big Sisters" spend at least one hour each week with the child.

Each year for more than 30 years, the chapter has had about 50 children who either have mentors or are looking to be matched.

'Heartbreaking' layoffs

The charity began an online crowdfundingand is now planning several fundraisers.

Travel costs for its children and mentors, office supplies, and the office's rent contribute to the charity's expenses.

"A lot of our fundraisers fell beneath our projections. A few of our grants that we all anticipate didn't come through as normal," Mossop said.

She said they've had to lay off staff and there is now only one person paid to work in the office.

Mossopsaid it's "heartbreaking" that they will have to turn children away, and that they've had to lay off staff so close to Christmas, but that they don't have any other choice.

'We need help with this fight'

Big Brothers Big Sisters also offers mentorship programs through schools in the area. Those programs have had to stop temporarily due to the teachers union work-to-rule jobaction unfolding there.

"It's time to let everybody knowthat we need help with this fight," Mossop said.

"We're here to fight for this agency. We're here to fight for these kids. We don't want to go anywhere."

The group said they hope this $30,000 is a one-time askand that the cry to the public was a last resort.

Bigger problem

This isn't the first a Big Brother Big Sisters branch with money trouble to be threatened with closure in Atlantic Canada.

The Monctonchapter found itselfin a $160,000 hole. Thanks to corporate and public donations, it was saved from financial collapse and closure.

"We don't want to go anywhere. This is where our heart is,"Mossop said.

Mossop said the group needs to raise the money in at least two months to beviable again.

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