Loyal Partners Scotiabank and LNG Canada Continue their Support Through the COVID-19 Crisis
May usually brings a flurry of activity to the Big Sisters house as we prepare for our annual Spring Lunch.
For the past 23 years, Spring Lunch has served as an opportunity for our community to come together for an afternoon in celebration of mentorship. This year, however, our house sits empty as staff work from home to maintain programs, adapt budgets and find new virtual fundraising tactics to keep our organization running. We are faced with the harsh reality that for the first time in 23 years, our routine has been broken and no Spring Lunch will take place in 2020.
With the unprecedented changes brought on by COVID-19 crisis, we all have had to readjust to our common new normal. Members of our community have lost employment, youth are unable to attend school, organizations are restructuring their business models and try to navigate complicated financial losses…
Despite the obstacles many face, we feel incredibly grateful to our loyal sponsors, Scotiabank and LNG Canada for standing by their commitment and honouring their Spring Lunch Sponsorship, despite the cancellation of the event. Their dedication has relieved some pressure around the Spring Lunch cancellation and participated in our ability to maintain the work we do; igniting the potential of at-risk youth is inspirational.
Scotiabank has been the Presenting Sponsor of Spring Lunch since 2011. Throughout their 19 years of support, they have been witness to many changes in our organization, but none quite like what this crisis has brought to 2020. Their adaptability has been integral in allowing this event to flourish into an essential part of our fundraising efforts. Without their support, our growing numbers of at-risk youth served each year in the lower mainland would not have steadily grown with such ease.
LNG Canada came on board as our Champagne Sponsor at last year’s Spring Lunch in support of our Keynote Speaker, LNG Canada’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Susannah Pierce. Our 2019 Spring Lunch, presented by Scotiabank, was our biggest luncheon to date, both in attendance and funds raised. In addition to their sponsorship, LNG Canada brought, to the 2019 Spring Lunch, a new network of believers in the power of mentorship. The support of LNG Canada and its employees shows their honest commitment to the work Big Sisters accomplishes for youth. We feel immensely grateful for their decision to maintain their 2020 sponsorship of the event as a dedicated supporter of our organization. We are thankful to have gained their loyal support and Susannah’s who continues to play an influential part in the success of Big Sisters’ reach.
We cannot thank these amazing organizations enough for honouring their sponsorship commitment and giving us the ability to continue carrying our mission and vision in the Lower Mainland. With over 50% of our operating budget coming from events, the cancellation of two of our signature events due to the Covid-19 has immensely impacted our fundraising revenue for 2020.
Click above to hear a message from Lesly Tayles, Senior Vice President, BC & Yukon Region Scotiabank, who would have spoken at the 2020 Spring Lunch. Instead, she has taken the time to record a short video message highlighting Scotiabank’s reasons for supporting Big Sisters.
Thank you Scotiabank and LNG Canada for believing in the power of mentorship and supporting our Littles who need our help now more than ever.
To support Big Sisters, please consider gifting an event ticket in lieu by clicking below
