Wanted: More than a few good men
A local agency is looking for more than a few good men
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton is calling on men to consider the value in being a buddy to a local boy. The agency has launched a campaign to find 100 men in 2008 to be matched with a boy aged between five and 14 for as little as one hour a week.
Being a Big Brother can be as simple as kicking a ball around or flying a kite. For example it doesn’t take a lot of time to meet up with a boy in primary school one hour a week to talk about the latest hockey game or to just sit and listen.
In Milton, the agency has partnered with local businessman Mark Burger of Spokes ‘n Slopes to create a campaign poster targeting male volunteers. Burger recently volunteered to be an in-school mentor to a boy who really needs a buddy.
“You don’t have to change your life to change his is the essence of our campaign”, notes North Halton Coordinator of Volunteers Wendy Somerville. “We want to get across the message to men that being a Big Brother is really about just being a pal to a boy.â€
The campaign poster shows Burger fixing a bicycle at his shop with a Little Brother. Fixing bikes, shooting hoops or playing video games can be quite typical activities for Big and Little brothers.
Big Brothers are in particular demand in the Halton area where 70 boys are waiting to be matched. Being a Big Brother can typically mean hanging out for a few hours a week. Three hours can fly by fast when you’re watching movies and eating popcorn, going to a baseball game or grabbing a pizza for lunch.
The United Way-funded agency is calling on everyone to get the word out to all those men who you think can make a difference in the life of a child. They could be your father, brother, cousin or friend. For as little as one hour a week, being a buddy to a boy can change, empower, educate and liberate both child and adult.
“Big Brothers are regular people. Role models come in all shapes and sizes. They are bus drivers, teachers, plumbers and grandfathers,†adds Somerville. “I think ultimately you just have to want to make a positive impact on the life of a child.â€
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton has been serving our community for more than 40 years and continues to be a leader in mentoring children. The United Way funded agency will serve 700 vulnerable children through its mentoring programs this year. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton’s goal is to reach those 2000 children we know need a mentor.
For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and volunteering call (905) 878-8840 or visit www.bbbshalton.ca