Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton will host its 4th annual Spring Show and Sale on April 27.
Executive Director Kaylen Burgess said the event will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School on Michigan Avenue in Sarnia.
"We have 99 vendors this year," said Burgess. "Honestly, there's a little bit of everything. Our committee works really hard to make sure we have a good variety for all those coming."
Burgess said they've taken community feedback into account this time around.
"They wanted a seating area for food vendors back. So, we brought that back this year. The cafeteria is open. It's actually a café and all of the local food vendors are in there. So, there's honestly everything from pepperettes to sit down meals for our shoppers to enjoy and take home," she said.
Admission is $7 for adults and children 12-years-old and younger are free.
"That money is basically a direct donation back to Big Brothers Big Sisters," Burgess said. "The proceeds go to support the programming that we do here in the community for youth at no charge to the families. Our one-to-one programming, our group programming, the programming in the schools... a little bit goes to each one to ensure that we have the correct amount of funds to run."
Burgess said $40,000 was raised by the event last year and they're hoping to bring in $45,000 this year.
She said anywhere from 50 to 100 kids are regularly on their waitlist, waiting to be matched up.
"As always the Sarnia community and Lambton County really step up and come to support the need when it's there. So, we've had an influx of volunteers lately. We've put out a plea for the county and had a great response. But from Sarnia, all the way to Watford, and Walpole Island, we have a ton of kids waiting for the one-to-one mentors. So, if anyone is interested, certainly reach out to us," Burgess said.
She said it's neat to see children who've been through the program return as mentors.
"It's a pretty cool full-circle thing to see," said Burgess. "To hear about the stories and the impact it's had on that particular youth, to make them come back and want to do that for someone else. So, we definitely do see it. We encourage anyone who has been part of the program as a little [brother/sister], if they're interested, to come back because they know first hand the benefits of being in the program."