For Immediate Release
October 04, 2008

Contact:
Mitchell Clyde Thomas, Communications Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine
(207) 773-5437
Philip H. Serghini, Senior Manager, Public Affairs & Government Relations, Wal-Mart
(212) 533-2186
E-mail: info@somebigs.org
Web Site: http://www.somebigs.org

PORTLAND, Maine – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine has been awarded a $10,000 grant by the Wal-Mart Foundation to support the expansion of mentoring programs serving children throughout York County.

“We are so grateful to the Wal-Mart Foundation for this generous gift,” said James Keenan, President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine. “Wal-Mart’s contribution will be put to use right here in Southern Maine, and nearly 90 percent of every dollar raised directly supports our programs. We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of young people by helping them grow up healthy and ready for the future.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine, headquartered in Portland and with an office in Kennebunk, serves more than 650 children throughout the region each year. Since 1995, it has matched caring adult volunteers with children to foster nurturing, one-to-one mentor relationships that truly change lives – for both the children and the adults who are involved.

“Wal-Mart Stores and Sam’s Clubs of Maine are excited to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine and the positive impact the organization is having on the lives of so many children throughout the region,” said David Murray, Market Manager for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

For a Big Brother or Big Sister, few experiences are more fulfilling than helping a child grow, mature and discover the world around them. For a child in need, having a friend and mentor to turn to can be the difference between a life of struggle and one that flourishes.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of young people in York and Cumberland Counties, focusing on prevention, primarily through professionally supported one-to-one relationships with volunteers, enriching their lives and our community. To volunteer, visit www.somebigs.org or call 207-773-KIDS.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine has been recognized for operating more efficiently than the national average, Keenan said.

“Our staff is committed to ensuring that every match is the right match and that all matches are fully supported,” Keenan said. “Among the children in our program, more than six out of 10 have improved relationships with teachers and other adults, improved decision-making ability, and improved academic performance. Even more important, eight out of 10 children in our program have developed higher levels of self-confidence, and kids who feel good about themselves succeed.”

The grant was made possible through the Wal-Mart Foundation’s State Giving Program. Through this program, the Wal-Mart Foundation awards grants at the state and regional levels to support unmet needs in areas of focus such as: Education, Job Skills Training, Environmental Sustainability and Health. For more information, please visit: www.walmartstores.com.

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