Math has always come easy to Bill.  Maybe that’s because from an early age his mother encouraged him to finish his homework and even work on extra math workbooks.

Today Bill is a successful businessman who enjoys sharing his love of math with a little buddy.  Bill is a Study Mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton.  His buddy is 11-year-old Sam.

Sam hasn’t had the same advantages as Bill.  His mother has a basic education and works long hours.  Before he met Bill, Sam was struggling with math.  The most he could hope for was a D grade. 

Bill and Sam meet once a week at a local library.  The pair sits quietly at a table tucked off to the side which allows Sam to focus on his work.  It also creates an ideal environment for a committed and trusting bond both are determined to continue.

Bill’s commitment to mentoring means so much to Sam.  Bill has become a touchstone to Sam whose mother isn’t able to help him with his school work.  Bill listens, reassures and encourages Sam.  This dedication has resulted in a much more confident boy.

“Probably the first time I noticed I was making a difference,” recalls Bill, “was when Sam got an A on his test.  He said he’d never had an A in his life. I have to admit, that felt good.”

Often men don’t think about the positive influence they have on children, especially if, like Bill, they haven’t yet become a parent.  It is important for boys to grow up knowing a man can be a great role model.  This is where a mentor like Bill can really make a difference.

At 11, Sam is on his way to understanding the importance education plays in his future. “I want Sam to know that learning is the key to success,” adds Bill.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton recently launched a campaign to find 100 Good Men in 2008. The campaign is a result of a long list of Little Brothers in the North Halton area who are waiting for a Big Brother. If you or someone you know would like to find out how a little time can make a big difference, please call (905) 878-8840 or (905) 339-2355 or visit www.bbbshalton.ca

Look for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton monthly feature on MiltonSearch.com

Today, many good boys get caught up in a path they may not have chosen if they had a mentor to help see options, weigh consequences and make positive choices.

Like many Little Brothers, 11-year-old Kevin lives in subsidized housing with a single non-working parent. He is used to going without and each day can be a struggle to fit in around kids who live in better circumstances.

About six months ago, Mike became Kevin’s Big Brother. It didn’t take long before both realized the relationship was helping Kevin discover and develop his individual strengths, talents and gifts.

To illustrate how important it is for a child to have a role model for validation and direction, Mike recently related a story about a trip to a local ice rink he took with Kevin back in February. Although Kevin had never skated before, at 11 he was bold enough to think he’d master the sport as soon as he hit the ice. Little did he know that hitting the ice was more of a reality that skating circles around his Big Brother.

“He held my arm tightly as he moved a few feet and then – splat – he fell on to his butt,” recalls Mike. “His spirits were hurt more than anything else but he managed to get up.”

Mike says it would have been easier to have taken Kevin home and considered the day a right-off. Fortunately he recognized the strong spirit inside his little brother and both agreed to give it another try. After quite a few more attempts, Kevin was able to move around on his own.

“Kevin spent the next couple of hours practicing his skating on his own and trying out his new hockey stick,” notes Mike. “I eventually had to drag him away from the rink!”

While Mike realizes this is just the beginning of Kevin’s “skating career”, he says he’s thrilled the book isn’t yet closed and Kevin has learned a valuable lesson about not giving up.

Mike’s message to other men considering becoming a Big Brother is that the role is easy, figuring out what to do with your little brother is simple, and it’s fun.

“You don’t need to give a lot to have a lot to give,” he adds.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton has launched a campaign to find 100 good men in 2008. If you are interested in finding out how you can make a difference please call (905) 339-2355 or visit www.bbbshalton.ca.

Look for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton monthly feature on MiltonSearch.com

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.”

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.”

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