One local business is starting something BIG by serving some tasty treats!

Members from the Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area team headed over to Cafe Sentral today for a tasty treat!

But, it was more than just having Bubble tea!

Cafe Sentral located at 117 Dundas Street is donating all profits made from May 21st, 2012 - May 27th, 2012 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area (BBBSOLA).

For BBBSOLA, this can translate to more mentors and volunteers!

"Opportunities like this for Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area are important in two ways. First, the generation of much needed funds to assist in the continuation and expansion of our mentoring programs," said Samantha Kohn, Community Resource and Development Manager at Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area. "The second is awareness. Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area is currently facing our highest ever need and we are always looking for enthusiastic community members to become Big Brothers and Big Sisters."

What does this mean to Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area?

This will help BBBSOLA achieve the goal of matching all young people in need with a mentor! Currently, BBBSOLA maintains an average of 300 or more matches, with a growing list of more than 200 Littles ready and waiting for a mentor. Additionally, BBBSOLA provides school based programs to over 800 young people who in need of a positive influence.

What does this mean for the community?

Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area makes a proactive investment to help young people grow up happy, confident, healthy, and safe. In turn, our young people become resilient contributors and leaders in our community. By developing and overseeing mentoring relationships, BBBSOLA makes a difference in our community and changes the trajectory of the young people’s lives.

Make sure you head over to Cafe Sentral this week and cool down with one of their tasty treats, all while supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area! Cafe Sentral serves bubble tea, waffles, crepes, and smoothies so there’s something for everyone!

With the great weather we are having why not do something fun outside!

No matter what your interests, there is something fun for you and your Little to do on your Match hangouts!

Since we've been having great weather, we wanted to give you some ideas for fun outdoor activities you and your Little can try. And, while your at it, snap a photo of the two of you having fun and email it to: marina.brkljaca@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca with a little blurb about day together. You could be featured in a summer fun blog!

Outdoor Summer Fun Ideas:

Take to the trails!

London has some great bike and walking trails, why not see if you can do them all before the summer is done! Click here for the City of London's Bike & Walk Map.

Grab a board!

Do you and your Little like skateboarding? Well then you better check out some of these skateboarding parks! Maybe you can teach your Little a new trick, or he/she can teach you! Click here for a list of skateboarding parks.

Take to the courts!

Have you ever tried tennis? London has great tennis courts across the city! If you and your Little haven't tried tennis before, why don't you learn it together! Click here for a list of tennis courts in the community.

Cool off!

On those hot summer days, why not hit up one of the many outdoor pools in the community! You can have races to see how many laps you can do! Click here for the City of London's outdoor pool list and schedule.

Batter up!

Our community has some pretty great baseball diamonds! Why not go to the diamond and play catch! Or try hitting a few out of the park! Click here for a list of baseball diamonds in the community.

Chill out!

If you and your Little are looking to have a relaxing day outside, go to the park! You can draw or even have a picnic! For your guide to London's Major Public Parks and Gardens click here.

If your in the county, make sure you check out the parks in your area. For a complete least of county parks and recreation, click here.

And, make sure you check out our sun safety tips!

So, play it smart in the sun!

The hot summer temperatures are here and with that comes a lot of fun outdoor activities for our Matches and BBBSOLA Waitlist families!

But, its important to remember that you have to protect your skin and eyes from potential sun damage.

So, whether you are playing baseball, basketball, going for a hike, or playing at one of our community's great parks or splash pads remember these important safety tips:

SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN: Make sure you are wearing sunscreen with an a SPF of at least 15 that blocks both UVA and UVB rays; even on the cloudy days! If you are outside and active (i.e.: bike riding, running, playing a sport, etc) or at a splash pad or outdoor pool make sure your sunscreen is waterproof and sweat proof with an SPF of at least 30. And, don't don't forget apply your sunscreen every hour and a half. Once, is not enough!

TAKE A BREAK: The sun's rays are the strongest between 11AM and 3PM. So, make sure to take a few breaks from the sun between that time. Cool off indoors or chill in the shade.

COVER UP: Always have a hat with a brim and sunglasses with you! Make sure the sunglasses provide 100% ultraviolet radiation protection.

H20 IT UP: Drink lots of water to stay cool and hydrated!

Matches take BIG to Be Active!

This week Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area held our first Be Active! Match event. Matches with Littles ages 13+ headed over to Harris Park with Korey Carter, BBBSOLA's practicum student and creator of Be Active! For two hours, the Matches played flag football and had a blast!

"This Match event was a lot of fun, I got to see Bigs and Littles competing in a friendly game of flag football. Not only was it a great chance for them to meet other Bigs and Littles, but it was a great opportunity for them to share some laughs, be active, and most of all do something different!" said Korey Carter.

And, the Matches agreed!

"After the game the Bigs commented that they loved it and want more events like it, so that's exactly what I plan to give them!" said Carter.

The next Be Active! Match event will be held on May 29th for Matches with Littles ages 9-12 years old. They will get to share in some laughs and Be Active! in a game of soccer baseball! For more information and how to sign up, go to: http://www.bbbsola.org/memories/

Good choice! Because there is a ton of fun happening!

With the long weekend here, we've compiled a list of fun! There is something in here for everyone!

Tree Trunk Tour

For more info: http://www.londontourism.ca/treetrunktour/

What: Are you a fan of art and nature? Then don't miss out on The Tree Trunk Tour! Two carvers (Robbin Wenzoski and Neil Cox) have created sculptures that, instead of being confined to an art gallery, are right out on public streets.

When: May 18^th, 2012

May Long Weekend at Storybook Gardens

What: Storybook Gardens has a weekend full of fun activities! The splash pad and Ferris Wheel are scheduled to open May 18th! For the full activity schedule go to: http://tinyurl.com/7ldqjkc

When: May 18th-21st, 2012

Where: 1958 Storybook Lane (Storybook Gardens)

London Majors Vs. Brantford Red Sox

For more info: http://www.londonmajors.com/index.php

Check out the match up on May 18th at 7:30PM.

Where: 25 Wilson Ave. (Labatt Park)

London City Soccer Vs. Toronto Croatia

For more info: http://www.londoncity.ca

Check out the match up on May 18th, at 8:30PM.

Where: Western University Canada (TD Waterhouse Stadium)

London Blue Devils Vs. Welland Warloards

For more info: http://www.bluedevilslacrosse.com/

Check out the match up on May 19th, at 7:00PM.

Where: 799 Homeview Rd. (Earl Nichols Arena)

Food Revolution Day - Stand up for real food:

What: Do you love food? This is a great opportunity for Matches and their Littles and Parents/Guardians and their children who love food to meet with people in our community, share information, talents, resources, and discuss the world's food issues. Its a day to connect with our community! Food Revolution Day hopes to inspire and change food habits and promote the mission for better food and education for everyone!

Where: Covent Garden Market

When: May 19th, 10AM-4PM

*All events are FREE! Please register at: www.foodrevolutionday.com

Teddy Bear Tea Party

What: Come down to the London Children’s Museum and look at exhibits! There will also be cookie decorating and juice! The Teddy Bear doctor will perform checkups at 1:00PM. For more information, click here.

When: Monday May 21st, from 10:00AM-3:00PM

Where: London Children's Museum (21 Wharncliffe Road, South, 519-434-5726)

Queen Victoria’s Birthday Celebrations

What: There will 19th century games, historical speeches and a vintage baseball game between the London Tecumsehs and Woodstock Actives!

When: Monday May 21st, at 1:00PM

Where: Fanshawe Pioneer Village (2609 Fanshawe Park Road East, 519-457-1296)

HAVE A SAFE AND FUN LONG WEEKEND! 

May 19th, 2012

What is Food Revolution Day?

Do you love food? This is a great opportunity for Matches and their Littles and Parents/Guardians and their children who love food to meet with people in our community, share information, talents, resources, and discuss the world's food issues. Its a day to connect with our community! Food Revolution Day hopes to inspire and change food habits and promote the mission for better food and education for everyone!

Event details:

Where: Covent Garden Market

When: May 19th, 10AM-4PM

*All events are FREE! Please register at: www.foodrevolutionday.com

Event Agenda:

10AM-12PM

Growing Chefs Children's event in Labatt Room

10:30AM-11:30AM

Nutrition for Parents

12PM-1PM

Melissa Briones - The London Nutritionist + Tour of the Covent Garden Market Vendors

1PM-2PM

Dr. Kresimir Jug 'Life By Design eating plan'

3PM-4PM

Healthy eating on a budget and setting up a healthy kitchen

KidStrong Summit - June 2nd, 2012

Tickets have been provided by the London Lightening for the KidStrong Summit! This will be a great opportunity for Bigs to take their Littles or Parents/Guardians to their child. The Summit is targeted towards young people from grade six to young adult. To learn more about the KidStrong Summit, click here.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area has tickets left! If you'd like to get your tickets before they are gone contact Anne-Marie Rodger by email (anne-marie.rodger@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca) or by phone (519-438-7065 x6200).

Check out this event!

Hooping It Up is an ALL AGES event! It will be a great way to spend a Saturday! Make sure you don't miss this event. It will be held on Saturday May 26th, from 11am-1pm at the YMCA Centre Branch South Gym.

Yes, you read right!

You can take your Little to watch "The Avengers" for Free!

WHEN: Thursday May 10th, 2012 *doors open at 6:30PM*

The Preferred Club has given BBBSOLA a limited number of free tickets to the show at Empire Theatres on Wellington. So, if you want to take your Little and watch "The Avengers" try and save the world by taking on Loki and his army, contact Anne-Marie Rodger ASAP! Anne-Marie can be reached at 519-438-7065 x6200 or by email at: anne-marie.rodger@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

Movie Details: Raffle tickets will be sold at the event for a variety of prizes to be given out that night! *there is no obligation to purchase

All proceeds raised will go to the Canadian Cancer Society who will have a representative on-hand!

All BBBSOLA tickets have been scooped up! It looks like Matches are BIG fans of The Avengers!

Check out fun events happening in our community!

Free Comic Book Day

What: Comic book stores will be handing out free DC, Marvel and other comics! Perfect event for the comic book enthusiast! Some patrons dress in costume! For more information, click here.

When: Saturday May 5^th

Where: Local shops include:

• Heros: 186 Dundas Street (519-439-4955)
• The Comic Book Collector: 779 Dundas Street (519-433-6004)
• L.A. Mood: 350 Richmond Street (519-432-3987)

* This is a FREE event!

Mayfair Open House at Waldorf

What: There will be dancing, willow crowns, face painting, a cake walk, lunch buffet and BBQ! On top of all of that there will also be a marionette show, pocket lady, live music, outdoor games, and a snake lady!

When:  Sunday May 6th, from 12:00PM-4:00PM

Where: 7 Beaufort Street (519-858-8862)

*This is a FREE event! For more information, click here.

London Blue Devil’s Lacrosse Home Opener vs. St. Catherines

When: Sun May 6th from 7:00PM-9:00PM

Where: Earl Nichols Arena (799 Homeview Road, 519-777-7997)

*Cost: Adults $7, children $4, under 12 FREE. For more information, click here.

London Majors Baseball HOME OPENER vs. Burlington

What: For more information about the game and tickets, click here. 

When: Sunday May 13th, at 1:00PM

Where: Labatt Park (25 Wilson Ave., 519-649-6105)

Food Revolution Day - Stand up for real food:

What: Do you love food? This is a great opportunity for Matches and their Littles and Parents/Guardians and their children who love food to meet with people in our community, share information, talents, resources, and discuss the world's food issues. Its a day to connect with our community! Food Revolution Day hopes to inspire and change food habits and promote the mission for better food and education for everyone!

Where: Covent Garden Market

When: May 19th, 10AM-4PM

*All events are FREE! Please register at: www.foodrevolutionday.com 

Queen Victoria’s Birthday Celebrations

What: There will 19th century games, historical speeches and a vintage baseball game between the London Tecumsehs and Woodstock Actives!

When: Monday May 21st, at 1:00PM

Where: Fanshawe Pioneer Village (2609 Fanshawe Park Road East, 519-457-1296)

*Cost: $7 per person. For more information, click here.  

London Ripper’s Baseball Home Opener vs. Gateway Grizzlies

What: For information, click here.

When: Fri May 25th at 7:00PM

Where: Labatt Park (25 Wilson Avenue, 519-800-3289)

*Cost: Tickets $7-10 per person. 

Forest City London Soccer Home Opener vs. Toronto Lynx

What: For information, click here.

When: Fri May 25th at 7:30PM

Where:  German Canadian Club on Clove Road

*Cost: Adult $12 and Youth $9. 

Hooping It Up Event!

What: Kids, families, teens, and adults can try their luck by tossing basketballs into the net. Kids receive a prize every time! Teens and adults receive a prize for every basket! This all ages event us a great way to spend a Saturday!

When: Saturday May 26, 2012 from 11AM-1PM

Where: YMCA Centre Branch South Gym

*Cost: Donate your spare change and support YMCA's Youth Advisory Council's Strong Kids Fundraiser

Emerald Cup Gymnastics Meet

What: 350 gymnasts ages five and up from all over Ontario and as far as Nunavut OCP from levels 2-9 and Masters perform! For more information, click here.

When: Sat May 26th and Sun May 27th

Where:  Mother Teresa Secondary School (1165 Sunningdale Road West, 519-452-3242) 

*Cost: $10/person

FREE Fishing Day for Big Brothers and Big Sisters!

What: Fishing poles, bait and lunch will be provided! There will also be a prize for the biggest Trout and Bass caught! Please note: the pond is a catch and release pond. This give time for the Trout to grow.

When: Saturday June 16th, 2012

Where:Wellington Street Sportsmen's Club (2290 Slo Pitch Road, Dorcherster Ontario)

**If you would like to attend this great event, contact Anne-Marie Rodger at 519-438-7065 x6200 or by email at: anne-marie.rodger@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

MADD’s Annual Strides for Change Event

What: A non-competitive 5K walk through Springbank Park, followed by a BBQ lunch. 

When: Saturday June 9^th, 2012. Arrival starts at 9:00AM

Where: Springbank Gardens

*For the online registration form, click here.