No matter how busy you are, there's a good chance you could help change a young life - or young lives - in North Bay and the surrounding area. That from Maddi Wiggins, a Caseworker with Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District.
"I believe the biggest misconception about our organization is the time commitment. Although our Traditional program requires a one-year commitment, we also have programs available for those who cannot commit to one year, such as College/University students. 'Big Bunch' is our waitlisted program where one Big Brother/Sister is matched with two to three Littles who are similar in age and location. The match meets as a 'bunch' twice a month for five months and provides our youth with an opportunity to take part in community events in a small group setting," explains Wiggins.
Wiggins also enjoys coordinating the group's after school programs, called "Go Girls!" and "Game On!"
She says the programs are not as gender-specific as you might think. "Traditionally Go Girls! is a female based program and Game On! is a male based program. However, the students can enrol in the program they feel best fits their identity," she says.
Wiggins says works hard at ensuring ad monitoring good matches in both programs. "Our after school programs, Go Girls! and Game On! are mentoring programs for students 11-14. The program focuses on physical activity, balanced eating, and self-esteem. This program is held over a seven week period, within school facilities. "
Of course, if you're after the traditional one-on-one match up the organization is best known for, they can use your help there as well.
"Our Traditional Big Brother/Big Sister matches are those where a volunteer is matched in a one-to-one mentoring relationship with a youth enrolled in our program. The commitment is one year and consists of weekly outings that are 1-4 hours long, explains Wiggins.
She says people might be surprised to know they have a tougher time matching young males, as well as helping you outside of the city limits.
She says that "two of our biggest challenges are gaining volunteers outside of North Bay and recruiting Big Brother volunteers. We have many youth that are located outside of North Bay as we do cover this whole district. This includes Littles who are on the waitlist in Sundridge, Sturgeon Falls, Bonfield, Redbridge, and so-on. We are also in need of (male) Big Brothers for both the Traditional and Big Bunch programs. Our Little Brother waiting list doubles that of the Little Sisters."
If you're interested in helping in any way, Wiggins and her colleagues would love to hear from you, saying "the most rewarding feedback I receive from volunteers is simply seeing how excited their Little Brother or Little Sister is to see them and spend time with them."
If you are interested in helping in any way, a good start would be with their website.
This is one of a series of good news articles about "Helpers" in our community. To suggest a person, volunteer, group or an organization contact Mike Anthony at [email protected]
