More than 200 shoes from New Balance and Planet Shoes provided to children in the BBBSMB program

July 2014 — More than 200 children from the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay were provided with shoes from New Balance and Planet Shoes, two local footwear companies at the organization’s 5th annual family picnic in Jamaica Plain.

With more than 1,800 youth served in the Massachusetts Bay area, BBBSMB is committed to matching children with adult role models to ensure their healthy development and success in life. It’s the second time that BBBSMB has received donation from Boston-based New Balance and Planet Shoes.

“We are so grateful to New Balance and Planet Shoes for their generous support of our Littles and the agency,” said Nora Leary, Vice President of Program Services. “Their support not only let our children have new shoes for back to school but will help us reach more companies and colleges to recruit much needed volunteers.”

“The program gives me a chance to give back. It’s always good to have a little mark on someone’s life.” Alberti talked about his experience of being a Big for three years.

“Planet Shoes is honored to partner with New Balance to make a donation of this scale to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay,” Phil Meynard, president of Planet Shoes said in a statement. “Their service to the Boston community is invaluable and we’re incredibly happy to support another local organization.”

“Through our global New Balance SparkStart initiative, New Balance is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles for children in our local communities,” said Megan Bloch, charitable programs manager for New Balance. “We are proud that as part of our New Balance Community Connection volunteer program, our associates can actively embody our core value of giving back by volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay.”

According to BBBSMB, more than 800 boys are still waiting to have a Big Brother and they are in need of more male mentors in Boston area to step up and volunteer.

For more pictures from the event visit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay’s Facebook Page here >>

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay is at 75 Federal Street, 8th floor Boston and is open for volunteering requests from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Information, (617)-543-9090 and bbbsmb.org
Contact the writer: Alexandra Hodgman, AHodgman@bbbsmb.org