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-B ig ister rais s $4The Canadien Chapion Tuesday, June 13, 2000 -13 Bi g Ssesrie$4500 in fundraising Trail Ride By STACEV MASSEY Special to The Champion Sixty riders Iassoed $4,500 through the Big Sisters Association of North Halton's Trail Ride June 4. The annual fundraising event aaw Little Sisters, Big Sisters and organization volunteers collect pledges and ride a trail on Isorseback at, Thse Ranch on Bumnhamthorpe Road. For collecting thse highest number of pledges, tIse fîrst prize winner, Helen Kirby, won a west- emn saddle donated by Frontier Saddlery. The second-place winner, Sarah Beasachamp, won a mountain bike donated by Spokes 'N' Stopes and thse third-place finisher, Jen Hall, won a weekend at thse Ganaraska Ranch. The event, organized by Big Sisters of North Halton vice-president Rhonda Schop along with six other volunteers, served as a major fundraiser for the organization*. TIse organization receives Isaîf of its funding from tIse United Way of Milton and Halton Hilîs. Thse remaining funds are accumulated through fundraisers like that Trail Ride and thse upcoming woman's triathlon. The organization doesn't receive govemment funding. Last year tIse Trail Ride funds were used 10 send 10 Little Sisiers 10 a week-long summer camp at no cost t0 their parents. Claudia Scobie, executive director and case worker for thse organization, said she hopes this year Big Sisters will be able 10 send just as many Little Sisters if not more. However, funds are aso required 10 organize monthly social events that unite Little Sisters and Big Sisters fmom acrosa north Halton. Julie Dolby, a Milton resident who's in thse proceas of becoming a Big Sister, said the social events provide an opportunity te, get to know the Little Sisters. 'Mse program tries to match up girls with simi- lar interesis, which can be discovered at the social gatherings, she said. Thc Big Sisters Association of Norths Halton includes thse areas of Milton, Campbelîville, Acton and Georgetown. ls interent is in Iselping young girls aged 5 to 18 years. The Little Sisters corne from a variety of back- grounds in which there's an identifying nced for direction and support. "The relationship is based on friendship, guid- ance and support," said Ms Scobie. Thse minimum commitment for a Big Sister is one year. But Ms Scobie said the relationships usually last a lifetime. Currcntly, therc are eight girls in north Halton waiîing to be matched up with a Big Sister and ihe numbers are continually growing. The organization is always looking for volun- teers between the ages of 19 to 60 years to become a Big Sister. For more information or to volunteer, contact Ms Scobie at 854-9953. Photo try GRAHAM PAINE Little Slater Nikki, 7, gels acqulanted with DaIIy the pony while Big Siater Aile Logan looks on durlng the Big Siatera of North Halton Trrali Ride et The Ranch June 4. Thse fundralalng avent Included face painting and a barbecue lunch as weiI as hore and pony rides. You want to know more about: * Finding a job? a Starting a business? " Connectmng Canadians? * Children's services? " Safe boating? e Health and quality care? The Government of Canada is making it easy for you to reach us. One-stop access for information on more than 1,000 services is available at your fingertips. Don't hesitate to contact us at: ________________Canai 2000 Maxima GXE: "Car of the. t'ar Award WInner for Seat New FamlY Car" (mare tiras$25000tt) S2000 Maxima SE: "Car of the Var Award Wnnr for Seat New Sporta 222te P 3.toma liate ni-contoti otrnsmissiotn mmpmwý- systam, anti mora 1:& axe e ale tar deti s .n spes .at aie ancing andi ne sIte.,.W Limitent Ume otter 0.A.C. r;