It was September, 2000, and I decided to check my e-mail. I opened the email……..there was one from Cory in Moose Jaw, all it said was …….“Grandpa died today…..Cory”.

Cory had been a little brother of mine.We were first matched in 1980 when I moved to

Moose Jaw to take my first job.This match was very special for me.We went to California together, on his first camping trip…..water sliding to Medicine Hat and horse back riding at my family’s farm.We grew very close and even though the match officially dissolved in 1987 we stayed in close contact and stayed close friends over the years.

When he married he asked me to be part of his wedding party and when the family went for the wedding portraits, I joined the rest of the wedding party for a drink at the local lounge while we waited for the reception to start. Shortly after arriving at the lounge, Cory’s older brother arrived and said “Cory wants you at the pictures and he sent me over to get you.”I said “the portraits are only for family”.Cory said to tell you “your family, you’re my brother.”

The years have gone by and now our contact is only once or twice a year when I happen to be going through Moose Jaw where he now lives with his wife, his 6 year old daughter, and his 4 year old son. Cory and I share the same birth date so of course we always talk on that day.

Then today, I received this e-mail. I knew that his Grandfather was very special to Cory and that he was like his father to him. He lived next door and Cory, while growing up, would always go and have breakfast with his Grandfather. I knew he was going to miss him very much.I found out when the funeral was and drove to Moose Jaw for it. I did not call Cory to say I was coming, I just went.

When I arrived at the funeral, the family was behind a privacy screen so I could not see them. After the service we all went to the cemetery for the internment. It was after this, as he was leaving the cemetery that he saw me. He walked over, put his head on my shoulder and began to sob for several minutes. After this, his whole family came over and gave me hugs. It was a special moment that was formed over many years.

We all then went for a luncheon at the local Legion Hall. During the luncheon, Cory made sure I was taken care of, and that I sat with him and his family. Near the end of the luncheon Cory told me that his Grandfather had a holiday tradition. All holiday meals were at his home and when each person arrived, they had to have a straight up shot of scotch whiskey. It was tradition, and all had to partake when they arrived. He told me that he, his brothers and his two cousins were all going to the closed bar upstairs in the Legion. They were going for one last private shot of Scotch to say good bye to Grandpa. Cory asked me to come, saying I would like all my brothers there.

I joined Big Brothers and Big Sisters hoping that I could help a young boy and maybe make his life better.How wrong I was………he made my life better.  Barry, Big Brother--Barry continues to volunteer as a Big Brother.  He and his Little Brother, Andrew, celebrated their 6 year match anniversary on July 15th, 2007.

"I’ve learned how important I can be to a child and it’s kind of shocking!  But it feels so good - the school tells me how Ashley’s practically bouncing with excitement waiting for me.  Believe me, it’s wonderful for my self esteem too.  I have total support from my workplace, which is great.  I’m apt to give everything I’ve got to my job but this gives me time for something that means a lot to me, something that provides balance in my life.”  Lorena, In-School Mentor

“Ashley has a lot of energy and it takes a lot of energy to keep up with her and sometimes that’s hard when I’m juggling three jobs.  Since her Big Sister Lorena came along she’s calmer and she’s allowed me to get closer to her.  Our relationship’s gotten much stronger.”  Michelle, Parent

“If you haven’t been a Little Brother it’s really hard to explain adequately how one person can have such a huge impact on your life.  I had my Big Brother for 3 years before he moved away - I like to think he’d be pleased that I’ve just been accepted to Med School.  Now, as an adult, I have a really busy schedule, but I received such a benefit from my Big Brother that it’s important for me to be a volunteer.  The In-School Mentoring Program is perfect for me.  My Mentee is so much like I was - too much energy, short attention span. I really understand his frustration.  We try to do things that are a bit different.  Last week we made nanaimo bars which made him very popular with his teachers.  We get closer every day - it’s an amazing experience.”  Chad, In-School Mentor & former Little Brother

“Steven took to Craig & Linda (Big Couple) right away...which is unusual for him.  Steven has never had a man in his life.  Craig and he share a lot of interests and since they’ve been matched Steven is trying new things with them.  Steven’s self confidence has grown too.  What might seem like a small benefit to most but is a huge benefit for me is seeing the happy faces my kids have after being out with their Bigs.”  Bev, Parent

“When I received you as a Big Sister I realized how lucky I was but I never told you.  You helped me through the worst days of my life and shared the good days with me.  You are my best friend and that will never leave my heart.”  Little Sister, Angela in what she describes as a “long overdue thank you”, 11 years after being matched  with her Big Sister, Annette

“I am writing to thank you and everyone else for getting me a Big Brother, Mark.  We have lots of fun together. We have gone fishing, I’ve seen some airplanes with him, we went to the park and the beach.  Mark even came to my spring concert. I was Papa Bear.”  Little Brother, David

“Big Brothers Big Sisters gave me the learning experience of a lifetime.  They invited me to a conference in Ottawa concerning youth at risk.  This gave me the opportunity to learn something about myself that I didn’t really know.  It brought up my self-confidence and self-esteem and desire to succeed.  I was impressed by some of the programs other people were talking about.  I think programs should enhance young people’s self-esteem, giving them responsibility and trusting them to make their own judgements.  It’s like Big Brothers Big Sisters - it’s better to prevent problems than to fix them later.”
Angela, former Little Sister, delegate to Youth Partnership, Youth at Risk (1999)

“My father died when I was about 8 years old.  I knew I missed something special.  I’m retired now and have some time so I think it’s my responsibility to be a decent role model to a child.  It costs nothing but a bit of time - and it’s lots of fun!”
Alston, In-School Mentor

“Dear Big Brothers Big Sisters,
I really love my Big Sister, she is just what I always wanted in a friend that I could call my own.  She means the world to me.  I want to “Thank You” for giving me such a wonderful Big Sister.”  Little Sister, Angela

“I feel really special because my Big Brother and Big Sister accept me into their home.  Yes, that makes me feel really special.”  Luke, Little Brother matched to a Big Couple