Rudolph's Red Tag Sale - Priceless!

December 3, 2008 | Community News | Archive 2008

Young volunteers from United Way of Winnipeg had fun playing Santa's little helper to kids attending Big Brothers Big Sisters' holiday party and Rudolph's Red Tag Sale on November 29, 2008.

Very merry United Way youth volunteers helped make Big Brothers Big Sisters' annual holiday party a fun and festive occasion.

Held at Elim Chapel, the annual event is an opportunity for clients of Big Brothers Big Sisters - a United Way agency partner - and their families to celebrate the holidays together. It's also a chance for "littles" to purchase inexpensive gifts (ranging from five to 50 cents) for the "bigs" and other special people in their lives.

Recipients of United Way's 2008 Student Community Service award and members of our Youth Relations and Youth Connections Councils were on hand to support the organization's staff and volunteers as part of a Day of Caring.

They helped children select, purchase and wraps gifts, and got creative with kids who chose to make their own. As well, they helped make cards and paint ornaments, and pitched in to prepare and serve lunch. Everyone was engaged in conversation, sharing their stories and making connections.

"Its so important for youth to be directly involved in events like this," said Leigh-Anne Bowles, Youth Relations Program Manager for United Way of Winnipeg. "Kids really look up to them. Their presence is so meaningful."

The day turned out to be a wonderful beginning to the holiday season and the start of many new friendships.

Thank you Big Brothers Big Sisters for organizing this incredible event and inviting United Way's youth volunteers to be part of it. Thank you also to every volunteer who rolled up their sleeves with a smile and made it a memorable day for everyone.

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches young people with adult mentors. United Way of Winnipeg supports mentorship and after-school programs that give children the self-esteem and confidence they need to succeed in school and life.

A message to Winnipeg about United Way's campaign Janury 5, 2012