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Big Brothers Big Sisters Sault Ste. Marie Faces Funding Crisis
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sault Ste. Marie is facing a severe funding shortfall that threatens the position responsible for keeping its youth mentorship programs alive. The organization stresses that the fundraising coordinator is not an optional role but the central link that keeps donor relationships active, secures essential revenue, organizes community events, and ensures mentor-mentee matches receive ongoing support. Without this position, the agency anticipates immediate strain on its ability to maintain programming, recruit mentors, and provide the stable, long-term guidance that local children depend on.
The board explains that while the community has always been generous, much of the funding they receive is restricted and cannot be used to cover operational staffing. This leaves a critical gap that directly affects the organization’s ability to function day-to-day. Losing the fundraising coordinator would create a cascading impact across the entire agency, reducing the number of children who can be matched with mentors, limiting outreach efforts, and weakening partnerships that have taken years to build. The organization describes the situation as urgent and deeply concerning, noting that the loss of this role would compromise the sustainability of services that have supported youth for decades.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is making a direct appeal for donations, partnerships, and community involvement to protect this essential position. The board emphasizes that unrestricted contributions are especially important right now, as they allow the agency to address immediate operational needs and keep mentorship programs stable. Every contribution, whether financial or collaborative, plays a meaningful role in ensuring that vulnerable youth continue to receive the encouragement, guidance, and positive relationships that help shape their futures. The organization expresses sincere gratitude for past support and urges the community to come together once again to safeguard the programs that make a lasting difference in the lives of local children