Cathcart Auto Parts has a Firm Place in Big Brothers’ Hearts
(November 1, 2005)The Big Brothers’ Hall of Fame wouldn’t be proper without the inclusion of Chris Smith , owner of Cathcart Auto Parts.Smith’s generosity constantly leaves Big Brothers’ staff with wide smiles, frequently saying “I can’t believe he’s going to do that for us!”
Smith’s involvement with Big Brothers began in 2004 when he graciously donated a mini chopper to the Big Bro Car show raffle.The chopper, valued at nearly $1000, was a hit with kids and adults alike, resulting in the generation of significant funds for the Big Brothers agency.The first annual Big Bro Car Show also featured an engine blow up event. This feature was made possible through Cathcart Auto’s donation of the car and engine.
2005’s annual car show was yet another example of Smith’s giving.He donated a youth 4x4 Polaris ATV for the raffle and another car for the engine blow up.This year, however, he stepped up his donation even further.The donated car, a 1989 Dodge Spirit, was, to Big Brothers’ delight, adorned with professionally printed and applied logos of car show sponsors and Big Brothers promotional items.
Big Brothers are both lucky and proud to have the support of someone as kind and giving as Chris Smith and Cathcart Auto Parts.The agency recently presented Cathcart Auto Parts with a plaque recognizing their ongoing efforts to help the youth of our community. These photos are of both the car and Smith.


A ‘BIG’ HELP TO THE COMMUNITY
(September 13, 2005) As an agency dependent on the kindness and generosity of the community, Woodstock & District Big Brothers have a lot to be thankful for. One of our strongest supporters, Paul Green of Green Financial Group, is no exception to this.
As a believer in community and youth, Paul continues to help Big Brothers to maintain and expand our mentoring programs. Our programs are founded on a simple, yet powerful premise.When children feel they are valued and cherished by an adult they experience an increase in self-worth.As a result they not only believe in a positive future, they are better equipped to overcome the adversities and challenges that they face in their everyday lives.
Since 2001,Paul has assisted Woodstock & District Big Brothers by sponsoring our annual “Tastings” fundraiser.The event, which takes place the first Friday of each May, is an opportunity for the public to enjoy some of the best food and beverage our local area has to offer. Tastings is not only a great charity event, but an excellent opportunity to enjoy an evening munching and mingling with friends.
Financial help is but one way that Paul contributes to Woodstock Big Brothers.This summer, he took time to join our first ever Big Brothers Day Camp for some fun at the Woodstock Meadows golf course.Campers enjoyed hearing about golf course etiquette and benefited from Paul’s help on the driving range.
There are many ways to become involved with Woodstock & District Big Brothers. We are always ready to welcome new volunteers, sponsors and mentors.For more information please give us a call (519)539-7469, or visit our website www.bigbrotherswoodstock.ca
Local Businesses Help Big Brothers
Send Kids to Camp
Little Brothers Looking Forward to Kids ‘N’ Kops Camp
(August 3, 2005 - Woodstock) Thanks to extraordinary fundraising efforts by two local business owners, Woodstock & District Big Brothers are able to send 10 children to camp. Ryan Oates and Jeff Fraser of Action Transmission, and T.J. McNamara of Crabby Joe’s hosted a car wash that raised an unprecedented amount of money, enough to cover the total expense for the children to attend camp.
The day camp, aptly titled Kids ‘N’ Kops, is a joint venture between OCPS and Woodstock Big Brothers. Running from August 8 -12th, campers get an up-close look at the police profession. The children will experience the process of lock-up, see the OPP boat in Port Stanley and visit with Timber the K-9 unit dog. Additionally, campers will enjoy trips to a water park and splash pad.
September 2005 is Big Brothers Big Sisters Month and our annual recruitment drive. There are over 50 boys on our waiting list. We would welcome volunteers, both male and female, to participate in our programs: Big/Little Brother Matches, Couples for Kids, and In-School Mentoring. As well we are asking everyone to “Share a Little Magic” by logging into www.sharealittlemagic.ca on September 23rd to learn more about the volunteer programs offered by Woodstock and District Big Brothers.