Lasting Legacy of Friendship
Big Sister Continues to Support Agency After Passing
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and the Southern Tier recently celebrated a thoughtful legacy gift made by long-time Big Sister, Janet McMahon, who recently passed away. Janet made one more gift to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program to honor her lifetime commitment to helping children reach their full potential. With Janet’s gift, six local “Littles” in the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program were chosen to receive a gift card to purchase school supplies with their Big Brother or Big Sister for the new school year.
“A’laysia and I had a wonderful time shopping for school supplies for her first day of first grade. She told me she hasn’t gotten the opportunity to shop for herself so this was a really fun and laid back experience,” said Big Sister Lois. “We are so humbled by Janet’s donation. This was a great opportunity to get closer to my Little, learn more about her, and also appreciate the generosity of someone who knows the program as well.”
Big Sister Janet McMahon was involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Michigan for 10 years and in September 2007, she was matched locally with her Little Sister. Throughout their many years together, they enjoyed great experiences and navigated life’s challenges. In 2016, Janet received the 2nd Annual Thomas Hore and Josephine Santoro Hore Big of the Year Award for the years of unwavering support and guidance she had provided to her Little Sister. Besides volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters, she was also a volunteer at Roswell Park, Habitat for Humanity, WNY Food Bank and Catholic Central Food Pantry.
Janet’s dedication to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program helps empower and inspire Littles to reach their fullest potential. The children in the program work everyday towards achieving their personal goals with the support and guidance of their Big Brother or Big Sister.
