Local Arby’s giving Valley residents a chance to help match a child with a mentor

Arby’s restaurants are giving Valley residents an easy way to help the children in their community. From June 15 through July 26, 2009, customers who visit Arby’s restaurants may donate $1 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona to help the organization match a child with an adult mentor.

“While people think of Big Brothers Big Sisters as a volunteer organization, it’s also a non-profit charity that depends on donations to make more matches,” said Greg Hawkins, Sr. Vice President of Community Partnerships, Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. “Funding is used for recruiting, careful matching, background checks, screening and maintaining ongoing professional support for the volunteers, youth and their families – the key to ensuring long-term positive outcomes that change lives and communities.”

Arby’s customers who come into local Arby’s restaurants from June 15 through July 26, 2009, may donate a dollar and sign a “Help Us Help Kids” pin-up to hang on the walls of the restaurant. Customers who donate will receive a coupon redeemable for $1 off select Arby’s menu items during their next purchase. The donated money will support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, a youth-mentoring agency which helps children realize their full potential by matching them with adult mentors who help them succeed in life. Last year, Arby’s raised over $2 million nationwide through its pin-up campaign.

“There’s a growing demand for structured successful youth mentoring, particularly in this economy when families are struggling,” Brian Hassett, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona said. “Independent research shows children matched with Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors are more likely to succeed in school, behave nonviolently, avoid drug and alcohol abuse and other negative influences.”

“We’ve always believed in the power of giving back to the communities that we serve,” Hawkins said. “Mentoring makes a powerful difference and I’m proud to be part of an effort that gives the entire community an opportunity to contribute.”