Our Kids Count is celebrating another year of "real help, right here, right now" — and our 2024/2025 Annual Report is officially here! From new leadership milestones to record-breaking fundraising events, here's a look back at the year that was.
Big Moves for Our Core Programs
- Big Brothers Big Sisters officially became its own entity, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ontario — still part of the OKC family, now positioned to reach even more youth across the region.
- Our Licensed Home Child Care program grew to 7 licensed homes (5 in Thunder Bay, 2 in Longlac), with new provider incentives including grocery, phone/internet, and cleaning support. Two more homes are set to open by August.
- The Building Block Capital Campaign launched, with plans for a new training facility, 26 additional licensed child care spaces, a community food hub, and an outdoor play space beside our McKenzie Street location.
By the Numbers
- 1,418 parents/caregivers and 990 children aged 0–6 took part in our core Westfort programs
- 2,494 meals served through Community Kitchens — completely free
- 50,000+ meals provided through our Emergency Food Cupboard, supporting roughly 200 people every week
- 700+ students across 24 schools took part in Roots of Empathy
- 138 mentees supported through Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs
- 600+ community members joined our Annual Christmas Party
Community & Fundraising Highlights
Our Fund Development team had a standout year, raising funds through events like Ribfest ($41,930.53), Winederful ($44,230), the BBBS Golf Tournament ($30,000+), and Thunder City Speedway 50/50 draws ($60,901) — funding that goes directly back into free programming for local families.
Looking Ahead
With the Windsor site continuing to serve its community through Community Kitchen, KICK, Community Dinners, and the Food Cupboard, and exciting developments underway at McKenzie Street, Our Kids Count is building toward an even bigger impact in the years ahead.
Read the full 2024/2025 Annual Report by downloading the file below.
Thank you to our staff, volunteers, board, planning team, donors, and community partners — you make this work possible.
