MOUNT FOREST – Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Wellington (BBBSNW) has put out an urgent call for Big Brothers and In-School Mentors.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Wellington has been making a significant difference in the lives of boys and girls who can benefit from a mentor in the north part of Wellington County for many years,” states a Sept. 27 press release from the organization.
“The mentoring experience becomes life changing build on friendship, trust and empowerment.”
Little Brothers and Little Sisters can join the mentoring program as young as six years old and are promoted from the program at 18 years old.
During this time, the agency matches the Little to a Big Brother or Big Sister mentor and they get together approximately once per week for one to three hours, depending on the activity they decide to do.
The agency asks Mentors to volunteer for one year.
“Some continue for longer, as they enjoy the program and their time with their ‘Little’,” officials note.
During their match, the agency supports and monitors the match on an ongoing basis.
“Children and youth in our mentoring programs develop a high self-esteem which contributes to the development of responsible and better-informed decision makers. Some of our ‘Littles’ make a complete circle and become mentors as adults,” the press release states.
Urgent need
The agency is currently in urgent need of Big Brothers as there is a waiting list of boys who can benefit from a Big Brother mentor. Anyone who can spare an hour a week is urged to call 519-323-4273 or email: marianne.christie@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.
The agency is also in urgent need of In-School Mentors. This program matches a mentor to an elementary school student. They get together one hour per week at the school and do activities together “that bring joy to each of them.”
Reading, crafts, board games, are some examples of how the time is spent.
BBBSNW notes the program is excellent for someone who is retired or works part time. Anyone interested is urged to call 519-323-4273 or email: teri.dykeman@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.
The agency is also always welcoming new Big Sister Mentors as referrals have increased over the past few years.
BBBSNW recently acknowledged its long-term service volunteers at its September board meeting and a Mentor Appreciation Evening.
Promoted – During a Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentor Appreciation Evening in September, three Little Sisters were promoted from the organization’s one-to-one community match program after turning 18 years old. From left: Melodie Martin and her Little Sister Paige Priestap, who were matched for six years; Joyce McLean and her Little Sister Jaden Kellett, matched for 10 years; Little Sister Judith Gagnon and Daphne Taylor, matched for five years.
Service award – Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Wellington executive direct Marianne Christie, centre, recently presented Beth Haines, left, with a long-term service award for 18 years and BBBSNW staff member Teri Dykeman with an award for 10 years service.
Twenty-year award – Patricia Sharpe receives an award for 20 years as a Big Sister mentor from Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Wellington executive director Marianne Christie.
