Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lloydminster is changing lives one child at a time.
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The non-profit organization pairs children facing adversity with mentors who share their interests, offering time, stability and a listening ear.
For executive director Jacqueline Weed, the proof is in the pudding.
“Having that one extra person often helps them become successful members of the community,” said Weed, noting mentorships can grow into lasting connections.
“Over the years, they grew together, to the point where a big brother was in the little brother’s wedding and is now a surrogate grandparent to the little brother’s child,” said Weed, referencing a local success story.
“We’ve also had littles become bigs. They come back and give back. They become champions for us.”
activities for kids and mentors In this case the kids are playing foosball in the activities room
Courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lloydminster Facebook
Lloydminster currently has 35 children waiting for a mentor and Weed wants people to know it doesn’t take special skills to volunteer, just time and consistency.
“It’s not about doing anything in particular. It’s about showing up consistently and spending time with them,” she said, adding bigs get as much out of the experience as littles, if not more.
“To know I’ve had that impact is very powerful, but to know their mentors probably had just as big of an impact is amazing,” she said, noting spending time with littles can be as simple as time at the park or a bike ride.
The organization asks for whatever time volunteers can give. The hope, however, is a minimum of two to four outings each month.
Weed also explained every child in the program is different.
“Maybe they’ve had a family member die or leave, moved across the country or have five siblings and not enough one-on-one time with adults,” she said. “They just need somebody to count on.”
For those on the fence about volunteering, Weed had a simple message.
“It’s so easy to do.”
The organization’s next big event is their Big Brothers Big Sisters month barbecue to be held at their office on Sept. 18 from 11 a.m to 2 p.m.
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