OAC RSC Program

Be a Big Brother or Big Sister Information Meeting Wednesday 7:30pm _—

February 8, 1995 Basilica Rec Centre

Myth

Being a “Big” requires a lot of time and is a huge commitment.

FACT

Our volunteers generally spend a few hours a week with their : “Littles”, aire 34 course on their schedule. “Bigs” see the 45

time spent with the “Littles” as relaxing, fun and an 1 Opportiny

to participate in activities they both enjoy.

MYTH “Bigs” are young, single, athletic types. _

- FACT

People who volunteer to be “Bigs” do not have to be gifted athletes, community leaders or any other type of person. Our ‘ volunteers are just everyday people, from a variety of a and of all different ages.

MYTH

To be a good Big Brother or Big Sister you have to spend a et of i‘ —, 4

money going on super outings.

FACT

Not so! We encourage our volunteers to spend as little money as possible. “Outings” can be incorporated into your own lifestyle. Baking, fishing, walking, just talking... the list is endless. The focus of the program is friendship and Byidanee:

MYTH

The volunteer Screening Process is lengthy and intimidating.

FACT

In addition to an information session, a caseworker will need to meet with you in order to get to know you better. References and police checks are also obtained. The process takes approximately four weeks, and is painless!

MYTH Many of the childrens in the program are “Problem Kids”

FACT

Little Brothers and Little Sisters are children from single-parent families. Like any other group of children, some may be having problems, but most just want an adult ines:

MYTH Big Brothers and Big Sisters of P.E.I. has enon volunteers.

FACT Although we have many successful matches, we always fied more i. volunteers. The popularity of our program means that we have many children waiting to be matched. There are presently about 100 kids waiting to be matched, mostly boys.