The Cadre ¢ 24 November 1998

Be a big...You’ll be Glad you did.

By KELSEY MCINTOSH _

Eight years ago I decide to become a Big Brother.

Last year I was asked to be a member of the recruitment committee for the Big Brother/Big Sisters organization.

But today is perhaps the most important day of all. Today is the first day of Big Brother/Big Sister awareness week here on P.E.I., and it may be just the day a waiting ‘Little’ gets matched with a ‘Big.’

Asa Big Brother, my only obligation is to provide a one-to-one relationship with a child from a single parent family. I am not expected to be either a disciplinarian or a councillor. ‘Bigs’ are caring, reliable adults from all walks of life, who are willing to share a few hours a week with a child.

As a Big Brother, I have had the pleasure of watching my ‘Little’ grow up form a grade two student to a sixteen-year-old who will be soon getting his driver’s license. Some of our time is spent watching movies, playing sports, going to the beach, doing a little homework, or going out to eat. Some outings may include small expenditures but ‘Bigs’ are encouraged to keep spending toa minimum.

There are currently over 60 matches here on P.E.I., but most disturbing is that there are over 100 kids waiting for his/her ‘Big.’ Some kids have to wait anywhere from 3 to 5 years to be ‘matched.’ The need for ‘Bigs’ has reached its peak.

Eight years ago! read an article about this same waiting list and it was all the reason I needed to volunteer. My ‘Little’ had been waiting for his ‘Big’ for over two yeats.

Most people assume they are too busy to take on such a big commitment. My eight-year relationship with my ‘Little’ is an exception. Bigs are only expected to commit a minimum o six months to the program, which is in the best interest of the child. I, like most people, have acareer, friends, and other responsibilities, yet I actually look forward to that time where I can do those ‘kid’ things with my ‘Little.’ Sharing a child’ s interests will expand yours, and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have made a contribution to a young person’s life. As many organizations often seek financial help from the community, instead I urge you to donate your time to a child. Be a Big Brother/Big Sister! You’ll both be glad you did.

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