Curling game in rubble, not bedrock
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Their game had not reached bedrock yet. But there were times strategy and shotmaking were both undeniably in rubble.
“That is gold, that is certainly gold,” responded John Byrne, alias Fred Flintstone. “And Sue (Sandham, a.k.a. Betty Rubble) is pretty much a dinosaur.”
“Considering we play once a year, we’ve done quite well,” Sandham responded. “We’ve improved.”
Being quick on one’s mental feet with a verbal retort was as valuable as being on the broom Saturday at the Tillsonburg and District Curling Club, site for the 10th Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ingersoll, Tillsonburg and Area Curl for Kids Sake bonspiel. Twelve teams hit the ice Saturday for semi-competitive six-end games, a number dressing to the cartoon characters theme, including a Despicable Me foursome, a quartet of Care Bears, and an Oxford OPP rink featuring Byrne, Sandham, Catherine Braceland (Wilma) and skip Kevin Clarke (Barney Rubble) from the Flintstones.
The OPP has a close working relationship with Big Brothers Big Sisters, says Sandham, citing an annual fundraising ball game as well as the monthly Cops For Kids initiative.
“We have a great time out there,” Byrne added, noting the day is about fun, rather than score – fortunate considering ice is not the ideal surface for Fred Flintstone’s trademark twinkletoe delivery.
“Fred was a bowler, not a curler,” he pointed out. “And I’m carrying on that tradition of not being a curler.”
“Quite the crowd today,” laughed Resource Development Coordinator Heather Brekelmans. “Both curling and watching.”
Carrying on a positive tradition was an underlying theme to an ongoing effort in which anniversaries and milestones were front and centre. Tillsonburg’s 10th annual Curl for Kids Sake comes one year past the host organization’s centennial celebration, in conjunction with Bowl for Kids Sake’s 30th anniversary and on the cusp of the local organization’s 40th anniversary.
Individual, community and corporate support has been a consistent throughout that history says Brekelmans, citing a number of sponsors for the 10th incarnation of Bowl for Kids Sake, including Scotiabank which returned at the ‘diamond’ level.
Keeping relevant and sensitive to a changing society of the needs of its clients is very much a priority says Brekelmans, noting the upcoming launch of three new initiatives.
“Stay tuned, more to come,” she promised.
Funds raised Saturday will go toward ongoing mentoring programs and services, said Brekelmans, with a big focus on volunteerism and getting involved coinciding with the new programs’ launch.
“That is sort of the goal for us this year.”
New programs tailored to meet contemporary needs are part of the program, but in the same manner as
familiar scenery seemed to pass by Fred Flintstone’s foot-powered vehicle on a regular basis, Big Brothers Big Sisters remains committed to providing mentorship and role models for its ‘littles’, while enhancing their self-esteem and confidence.
Current volunteering opportunities include the traditional big brother or big sister role, a two-hour-per-week commitment; the in-school mentoring program which requires an hour per week during school hours; or the group leader position which is once a month for a couple of hours. Of the three new initiatives, two will require a shorter-term commitment says Brekelmans, who has moved from the in-school mentoring program to ‘big sisterhood.’
“It’s really easy and it’s fun,” she said, admitting some potential ‘bigs’ may be intimidated by the prospect of coming up with appropriate activities on a weekly basis.
Both ‘littles’ and ‘bigs’ are distinct, some tending to be quite active, others more laid back, some making big plans, others following a similar weekly pattern. Don’t overthink the requirements, and don’t be intimidated, says Brekelmans.
Board games, baking, time in the library or gym are typical activies for in-school mentors, while Brekelmans’ husband usually plays video games with his ‘little.’
“It’s the same stuff you would do with any friend,” said Brekelmans, who often took her little sister to the movies, finding the 45 minutes to and from the theatre highly-productive chatting time.
“Any time you can spend a little time talking in between doing something is all that matters.”
Those seeking more information on supporting the organization in any manner are invited to drop by its new location in The Livingston Centre, visit the website www.sharethefun.org, or phone 519-842-9008, extension 229. Those looking to take the experience further will be matched with a caseworker and provided with appropriate training.
“It’s just about spending time with someone who doesn’t get that attention or needs that support,” Brekelmans concluded.