Argus Donates $10,000 To Big Brothers Big Sisters

July 24, 2012

The Argus Group  has made a donation of $10,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda [BBBS] in support of the charity reaching more children through its mentoring programme, which has proven successful in keeping children in school and away from anti-social behaviours.

The Argus donations committee proactively chose BBBS to receive funds from its annual giving budget due to the charity’s relevance to the theme of prevention that Argus uses as the primary criterion for selecting its charity partners.

BBBS is dedicated to helping children and youth, primarily from single parent homes, realise their potential by facilitating the development of long-term one-on-one relationships. Through the “Big” spending a minimum of three hours a week with their “Little” for at least a year, personal values such as self-esteem, self-respect and empathy are fostered. Research has shown that youth matched with a “Big Brother” or “Big Sister” are 52 per cent more likely to stay in school, 46 per cent less likely to use drugs and 32 per cent less likely to engage in acts of violence.

Alison Hill, Chief Executive Officer, the Argus Group, says: “In our everyday work, we help our clients to prevent financial and personal misfortune, so naturally we wanted our corporate giving programme to reflect our overarching business objective of prevention. Our donations committee chose BBBS as a beneficiary because its popular mentoring services seek to prevent undesirable anti-social behaviours in children and youth and instead instil in them positive and productive characteristics, as well as a heightened sense of good judgement.”

Patrina O’Connor-Paynter, Fund Development/Marketing Communications Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda, says: “We operate under the notion that it takes a village to raise a child and receiving support like this from Argus reminds us that we are not alone in our mission to help the next generation become better contributors to our community.

“Our services continue to be in high demand, from young men in particular, so we are constantly on the lookout for more volunteers to become a “Big.” Last year we were forced to cut staffing levels as a result of reduced community donations and grant funding so financial donations like this are vital to cover the operational costs of matching those on our waiting list with a suitable mentor as quickly as possible.”

For more information on how to become a “Big” or donate to BBBS, call 232-2802.

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  1. Good stuff ARGUS! Investing in the next generation is key to sustaining our island home.

  2. holllllaarr!!! says:

    I hope Argus has enough money to reinstate insuring bikes!! Also Lets hope no one gets turned away for lack of funds in a life and death situation.. Insurance has become more philanthropic lately rather than a regulated banking institution that actually works for peoples benefit when in need..Contributions are great and most needed however how many situations that became dire could’ve been avoided if people didn’t have to work eextra to pay their insurance… More healthier lives less stress= nationalized health insurance plan..YEAH!!!!