2025 May-Whig Campaign
Whig alum returns to help with annual campaign supporting BGC South East
The Kingston Whig-Standard’s Annual May campaign marks its 25th year supporting BGC South East, helping provide camp and program subsidies for local children and youth. Led by longtime champions like Jack Chiang and Harold Parsons, the campaign has raised over $1 million to date, benefiting more than 6,000 kids annually. This year’s goal is $150,000 to subsidize 600 children’s camp experiences, focusing on food, education, and inclusion. Community members are encouraged to donate, become monthly supporters, or recruit new donors, helping build a healthier, more equitable future for Kingston’s young people.
2024 May-Whig Campaign
BGC-Whig Campaign seeks monthly donations to provide year-round subsidies for 1,000 children
Kasandra, guardian to three young siblings, shares how BGC South East has been a lifeline after the children’s loss of their mother, providing them stability, belonging, and personal growth. This year, the BGC–Whig Standard campaign aims to raise $125,000 to fund subsidies, helping over 500 local kids access after-school, summer, and mentoring programs. With specialized mental health and inclusion training, BGC staff help children like Michael, Liam, and Annika set goals, build confidence, and thrive. Community donations ensure Kingston’s kids get the support they need to heal, learn, and grow.
Boys and Girls Club programs allow kids to discover the joy of reading
Brandon, father of Cedric (7) and Angus (5), praises BGC South East not only for its beloved after-school and camp programs but also for its life-changing Reading Clinic. Cedric, once struggling with reading, gained confidence and academic enthusiasm through the clinic’s intensive, evidence-based approach. This year, the BGC–Whig Standard May campaign aims to raise funds to provide 500 local kids access to enriching summer education camps in STEM and literacy. A $250 donation gives a child one full week of high-quality programming.
Big Brothers Big Sisters offers community connection and purpose to local post-secondary students
Claire Susnick-Foxen, a 23-year-old Queen’s University student, has been a dedicated Big Sister mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of KFL&A for two years, supporting two young girls, Chloe and Aria, through school and site-based programs. Claire shares how mentoring has deepened her understanding of the challenges youth face while offering her a meaningful break from university stress.
New fitness centre at BGC West End expands healthy opportunities for local youth
Thirteen-year-old Camila, a longtime participant in BGC South East programs, finds strength, friendship, and a sense of belonging through the club’s youth and fitness programs, including the expanded Judgment-Free Fitness Zone supported by the Kinsmen Club of Kingston. Camila shares how these programs have boosted her mental well-being and confidence, giving her a safe, welcoming space to grow.
2023 May-Whig Campaign
BGC-Whig campaign calls on community to support summer programs for 500 local children
Single mother Dailis relies on BGC South East to support her three children — Camila, 12, and 9-year-old twins Ivan and Lia — through after-school and summer programs that provide not just care, but emotional, social, and literacy support, especially for Ivan. Thanks to community subsidies, her children access enriching activities they otherwise couldn’t. This year’s BGC–Whig Standard May campaign is raising funds to help over 500 local children access developmental programs, camps, and mentoring through BGC, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Helen Tufts Nursery School.
Glimmers of hope: BGC literacy programs make local impact
Mia, an educator and single mom, turned to BGC South East’s Reading Clinic when her 10-year-old son Leo, who has Down syndrome and learning disabilities, was reading at a kindergarten level in Grade 4. After just four months in the structured literacy program, Leo gained a full year’s progress, transforming from a child who refused to read into one who now reads aloud with joy and confidence every day.
‘It gave us a community’: BGC programs welcome a rise in newcomers
Cynthia and her husband, immigrants from Nigeria, found a vital support system at BGC South East, where their three children — Samuel (15), Chioma (13), and Amarachi (8) — have been members for over five years. With no extended family nearby, the club became their children’s after-school home, offering sports, homework help, cultural learning, and even cooking and knitting classes.
By Leaps and Bounds: BGC programs help kids make developmental strides
Fourteen-year-old Mallorie has been part of BGC South East for over eight years, growing into a confident, ambitious teen despite early challenges with ADHD and autism. What began as a need for after-school care became a life-changing experience: BGC helped Mallorie build friendships, explore interests from sports to geology, and transition smoothly into high school through the free youth program. This summer, she’ll even work at BGC summer camps — her first career experience.
2022 May-Whig Campaign
Activating potential: BGC-Whig campaign to develop thousands of local children
Lorelei, 10, struggled with a significant reading gap, but since attending The Reading Clinic, her progress has been remarkable. Within just four months, her confidence has soared, and she’s now reading signs, writing paragraphs, and excelling in her artistic passions. This transformation, made possible by BGC South East and its financial support, has opened new opportunities for her. Donations to the Kingston Whig-Standard Campaign help fund programs like The Reading Clinic, allowing more children like Lorelei to reach their full potential.
‘I found a community here’: BGC Sports League a lifelong win for youth
Mahmoud, a 22-year-old immigrant, found support and community through BGC South East’s youth programs. Initially joining for soccer, he was encouraged by staff to explore other sports like basketball, gaining confidence and teamwork skills. Now a staff member, Mahmoud mentors younger youth, passing on valuable life lessons. His journey from participant to mentor highlights the significant impact of BGC’s free programs in helping youth overcome challenges and build a supportive community. The program’s success relies on donations and community support.
Kingston’s Kids First provides the right support at the right time
The mentoring provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters has had a profound impact on Bellica, Dominic, and Mackenzie, guiding them through personal challenges and helping them thrive. Dominic has excelled in sports and academics, Bellica has found new passions, and Mackenzie is now pursuing a career in computer programming. The support of mentors like Big Brother Justin and Big Sisters Chelsea and Brittany has been crucial in their growth and success, especially during times of adversity. These programs are part of the collaborative Kingston’s Kids First initiative.
We make our community when we give back’: BGC-Whig Campaign celebrates 22 years of community support
Karen Sutherland has been instrumental in shaping the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston, now BGC South East, with her leadership and dedication over two decades. She helped establish programs like a reading and cooking initiative, and worked to provide nutritious meals for the kids. Her efforts led to the creation of the first club kitchen, providing milk for the children, and she’s always advocated for the importance of community support to continue the club’s programs.
