They say that life begins at Forty. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hanover & District, we certainly hope so! 2012 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Agency serving children throughout Grey & Bruce. The anniversary year will include celebrating many milestones. One of the first the Agency hope to achieve is recruiting 40 new volunteers.
On Wednesday, February 1, 2012, the Agency launches its 40-40-40 Campaign– a volunteer recruitment campaign that challenges the public to start something with the Agency as we work to recruit 40 Volunteers in 40 Days to mark their 40th Anniversary. “The need for volunteers is increasing,” says Executive Director Chantal La Duke: “The awareness and demand for our programs has increased dramatically in the past 18 months; our wait list which historically had twenty to twenty four names now holds the names of over one hundred waiting children. More than half the wait list filled with children from just two communities - over twenty children in Walkerton and over thirty children in Saugeen Shores are waiting patiently for mentors."
Volunteers are critically needed to support youth through one to one matches in traditional Big BrothersBig Sisters programs and in In School Mentoring Programs. In School Mentoring matches a volunteer with a child at school for friendship based programs for one hour per week. Group programming (Go Girls - Game On) also continues to grow as a way to ensure mentoring relationships are available to children who are waiting the two or more years for a Big Brother or Big Sister. Group programs offer the opportunity for two to five adults to mentor groups of eight to twenty boys, girls or co-ed groups.
"It takes just one hour a week to change a child's life," says La Duke. "In School Mentoring is an opportunity to go back and help bring a child forward." Volunteers spend their lunch hour playing sports or board games, colouring or doing crafts to make a huge differnce for a child. Children in mentoring programs show increased self-esteem, higher grades, increased attendance and are more likely to graduate.
Those interested in volunteering shouls call the Agency at 519-364-1444 or click here for information on how to volunteer.
Can't volunteer but still want to make a real difference if the life of a child? You can donate here.