Big Sisters of North Grey Bruce and Owen Sound are hosting their most important fundraiser yet.
President Ellan Muir says they’re hoping to raise 16-thousand dollars at this weekend’s 14th annual Tour of Homes.
Muir says they’re facing a funding shortfall this year because the Owen Sound convenience store that sold Nevada tickets for them shut down last April.
Muir says those tickets typically brought in 7 to 8 thousand dollars a year so the loss really affects their bottom line.
She says the 2008 Tour of Homes brought in 11 thousand dollars so she’s raising the bar when it comes to this year’s goal to try and offset some of the Nevada loss.
Muir says the tour is always their biggest fundraiser and the money helps keep the organization going.
The proceeds go towards their operating costs which include a storefront, a case worker, police checks, and outings for the ‘littles’.
Chair of the tour Phyllis Ross says for this year’s tour they’ve got five homes lined up – three in Owen Sound, one in Kilsyth, one in Keady – and they’ve all been decked out for the holidays by local florists.
She says it’s a great opportunity to take your family or your girlfriends and get some fun ideas for your own home.
The tour is on both Saturday and Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM and participants can design their own route and take as much time as they’d like.
The refreshment stop is at Stone Tree Golf and Fitness – where last minute participants can buy tickets.
Tickets are 20 dollars and are also available at many local florists or right at the homes on the tour.
Muir says anyone who wants information on volunteering with Big Sisters or who can help find a new host site for the Nevada sales – call the office at 371-9944.