County residents have the opportunity to change the life of a young person by becoming a weekly mentor.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters (BBBS) is looking to expand its school mentoring program, mPower, in Crossfield, Cochrane and Airdrie, and is in need of adult volunteers to connect with students in grades 5 through 12.
“There is no shortage of kids,” said Tim MacDonald, mentoring coordinator for Airdrie’s BBBS. “We just need more adults to make the commitment. It is not a huge commitment of time, one hour per week can make a big difference in the life of a kid.”
The mentoring program, which has been in the region for several years, caters to a wide variety of students, who volunteer to take part.
Adults visit schools one hour every week during regular school hours and spend time with their little brother. Volunteers are asked to commit to one year.
BBBS provides a number of activities, but participants are encouraged to do something of interest to both, whether that be reading, baking cookies, doing schoolwork together or kicking a ball around.
“It is really activity and friendship based,” said MacDonald, adding that studies have shown mentoring programs make a huge difference in the lives of students.
MacDonald was a big brother for two-and-a-half years and said the experience made a lasting impression, filling him with a sense of accomplishment as he watched his little brother grow in confidence. Although he is no longer a mentor, MacDonald said his little brother has remained a friend.
“Friendship is a two-way relationship,” said MacDonald. “I learned from my mentee, general things about life from his perspective.”
Walter Hall, a retired teacher who taught for 30 years, has been involved in the mPower mentoring program for seven years.
“I love kids,” said Hall, who both volunteers and substitute teaches at Rocky View’s Westbrook School. “I think all kids need a helping hand.”
Over the years, Hall’s time has been rewarded when kids open up to him.
“I feel that every child, especially during the teen years, they need someone they feel comfortable talking to, and nine times out of 10 it’s not a parent,” said Hall. “I just thoroughly enjoy it.”
According to MacDonald, student participants have provided positive feedback.
“They just love the program; they think it is fantastic and we see all sorts of growth,” he said.
Interested volunteers can fill out an online application at www.bbbscalgary.com
Volunteers will be matched with a student after being interviewed and providing a current criminal record check.
