Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey, Bruce and West Simcoe Receives $36,000 from the James Goreski Private Foundation to Support Outdoor Wellness Programming
Owen Sound, ON – January 12, 2026 — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey, Bruce and West Simcoe (BBBSGBWS) is proud to announce the renewal of its partnership with the James Goreski Private Foundation, receiving over $36,000 in funding to support the agency’s Outdoor Wellness Program in 2026.
This marks the fourth year the Foundation has invested in the program, bringing its total contribution to over $100,000! The sustained support reflects a shared commitment to improving the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of children and youth across locally.
The Outdoor Wellness Program is a year-round, land-based initiative providing monthly opportunities for young people to connect with nature, build healthy coping skills, strengthen relationships, and develop confidence. Programming is hosted at the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre (OEC) in Wiarton, which offers access to forest, trail, wetland, and outdoor learning environments ideal for experiential programming. The partnership with the OEC, alongside M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre and Keystone Child, Youth & Family Services, enables a wide variety of nature-based learning experiences including canoeing, snowshoeing, seasonal art projects, orienteering, and foraging.
“This funding ensures that hundreds of local children and youth—many of whom face multiple barriers—have access to meaningful outdoor experiences that promote wellness, belonging, and resilience,” says Beth Aubrey, Executive Director of BBBSGBWS. “We are deeply grateful for the James Goreski Private Foundation’s continued belief in this program and in the young people we serve.”
With this renewed investment, BBBSGBWS will provide more than 400 children and youth with equitable access to the program by covering transportation, meals, facilitation, and equipment—removing financial and geographic barriers that often limit participation in outdoor recreation.
The mission of the James Goreski Private Foundation is to improve the lives of Grey and Bruce County residents by supporting organizations assisting those experiencing health-related challenges. The Outdoor Wellness Program directly aligns with this mission by addressing mental health, reducing isolation, encouraging physical activity, and fostering developmental relationships through experiential learning in nature.
“We are honoured to partner with organizations that prioritize the health and well-being of our communities,” says the James Goreski Private Foundation. “The Outdoor Wellness Program has consistently demonstrated meaningful outcomes for youth in Grey and Bruce, and we are proud to continue supporting its growth.”
BBBSGBWS extends sincere appreciation to the Foundation, the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre, and its community partners for supporting youth wellness in the region.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey Bruce and West Simcoe:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey, Bruce and West Simcoe provides one-to-one and group mentorship programs that foster growth, encourage belonging, and build community. Serving a rural region of more than 11,000 square kilometres, the agency supports children and youth ages 6–18, many of whom face significant adversity. Through developmental relationships and upstream supports, BBBSGBWS helps young people unlock their potential and thrive.
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Emma Fryday
Mentorship & Community Engagement Lead
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey, Bruce and West Simcoe
519-376-4449
