Volunteers urgently needed for Big Brothers Big Sisters

Red Deer and District Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is in urgent need for volunteers.

Currently there are over 90 children in Red Deer and District in need of a mentor through BBBS. Across the country there are over 4,000 young Canadians waiting to be matched with a caring mentor.

Male volunteers are especially needed, though mentors from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds are happily welcomed. In just one hour of time during a week, volunteers can make an immense impact in the life of a youth involved with BBBS.

“My mentee seems to have a stronger opinion on what he wants to do with his life. He seems to recognize that his choices today have an impact in the future. He doesn’t always make the best choices, but he still seems to recognize the consequences,” said one Red Deer mentor.

The relationships forged between the youth and mentors through the BBBS program are extremely positive. They provide a two-way, back and forth bond that can positively impact brain development and help instill the youth with skills needed to deal with adversities and stress they face in their day-to-day lives.

Plate cap removal

Taxi drivers protest proposed Vehicle for Hire bylaw changes in Red Deer

5h ago

are you convinced?

Roughly 300 Red Deerians attend first byelction forum for new city councillor

7h ago

Two Of Them

Red Deer road closures

12h ago

“It may be a youth in your neighbourhood or one across town who may be facing challenges that if only someone took the time to listen and encourage them, they may be motivated and confident enough to tackle them,” said Jacquie Boyd, Executive Director of Youth HQ.

“The investment of time is minimal but the payback is huge. The rewards can be significant for the youth mentee, the adult mentor, and our community.”

Statistics show that youth who have previously taken part as a mentee through BBBS programming are 17 per cent more likely be gainfully employed as adults. On top of this, they earn 13 per cent more on average in those jobs, resulting in $315,000 in increased earnings in the duration of their careers.

One other noticeable benefit to youth involvement in BBBS is the stronger built social networks and the mentees report being happier and more confident.

As of September 1, BBBS has launched an official campaign to draw attention to the high need for volunteers with the organization.

This newly launched national recruitment campaign is based on the slogan “Imagine who they will become because of you.” This slogan encapsulates the impact of BBBS’ programming by showing some of the current mentor-mentee relationships across the country.

The campaign gives potential volunteers and donors a quick glance at the community change that can come about as a result of their involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Both time and donations are valuable commodities to BBBS as an organization.

More information on the new campaign, or how to become a volunteer, can be found at www.imagineBBBS.ca