Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Catharines-Thorold & District

Our Beginnings

In 1903, a Cincinnati businessman, Irin F. Westheimer, offered his friendship to a boy whom he found searching for food in an alley trash can. Mr. Westheimer enlisted the aid of his community and together they began the first Big Brother Program - caring adults offering one to one guidance, support and friendship to fatherless boys.

Big Brothers was founded in St. Catharines on May 18, 1937. On May 27, 1983 Big Sisters was incorporated and launched in St. Catharines. The Agency's name was changed to Big Brothers Big Sisters St. Catharines - Thorold & District to reflect this change.

How We Are Funded

Big Brothers Big Sisters St. Catharines - Thorold and District is a member of the United Way, and we receive 20% of our operating budget from them.

The remaining 80% comes from fund-raising events and private donations.

We are a Registered Charity (charity # can be provided upon request) and able to issue official tax receipts.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Today

More than seventy years later, Big Brothers Big Sisters is still providing caring adult support to children in need. The concept of a "one to one" relationship is still at the heart of our Big Brothers Big Sisters St. Catharines-Thorold & District.

Demand from the community to meet the broader needs of the children and their families from single parent homes has created a diverse situation.

Today we offer many services including counselling, support services, group work, and couples matching at no charge to the public.


	Our History