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Purple Net Project launches to gain more Big Brothers and Big Sisters

Basketball nets will be hung to represent kids waiting for mentors
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley launches the Purple Net Project this week.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley is launching the Purple Net Project, starting on Thursday, June 1.

Based on a symbolic connection between basketball hoops without nets and kids without positive role models, the campaign raises awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters’ need of volunteers in the Fraser Valley.

In total, 40 nets will be hung across various communities, one net for each child who is waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister.

Those who inquire about volunteering and mention the “Purple Net Project” will have a net hung to recognize the importance of volunteer mentors.

There is currently a two- to three-year wait list in areas such as Abbotsford and Mission for a Big Brother or Big Sister. Most of these kids have been waiting so long that they are at risk of never being able to receive a mentor at all.

The goal of the Purple Net Project is to raise awareness of the need for local mentors.

“I hope potential volunteers will see the purple nets around town and it will spark conversations about the need to support our local youth,” says Cassie Silva, mentoring co-ordinator for the organization.

“I see boys on my wait list shooting basketballs by themselves on the court beside my office and none of the hoops have nets. I look forward to the day when the right Big Brother comes along and the two of them can play basketball together – and maybe even hang a purple net together to help more kids get mentors.”

A net will be hung for the first 40 volunteer inquiries received in June.

Visit purplenetproject.ca for more information.

Anyone who spots a net-less hoop around the Fraser Valley can tag Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley (@BBBSFV) on social media with the hashtag #purplenetproject and #swishinmission.