Hear it from the Volunteers at Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Listowel & District!

This is why Volunteering is so AMAZING:

I didn't even realize Listowel had a Big Brothers and Big Sisters program until I came across an advertisement in the paper.  Immediately I thought that I would like to join. Here I am two years later with a new friend.  My little sister is great.  We love just hanging out or going for ice cream.  Not only does being a Big Sister mean that I am helping someone out and giving back to the community, but it means that I have a great new friendship too.

    I first heard about the Big Brothers Big Sisters In-School Mentoring Program at a church group meeting that I belong to. One of our members gave a presentation about the program and the message she gave seemed to hit the right cord with me. What could be nicer than spending one hour a week with astudent that was in need of a little friendship? 
    Within the next couple of weeksI found myself at the BBBS Office applying to become an In-School Mentor! To become an ISM you must go through an interview process and complete atraining course. It required very little time and once you have been approved into the program the only step left is to be set up with your student mentee. 
    I began working with my mentee in February 2004. Since we had a late start in the school year we spent most of our time together developing our relationship and getting to know each other and our likes and dislikes. I continue to work with my original match but this will be our final year together as Matt isin Grade 8. 
    The ISM program only operates at the elementary school age level. Throughout my two years experience with Matt we have had a few bugs to iron out in our relationship but we now both have the same expectations of our hour together and we have a ton of fun playing games and simply enjoying each other's company. 
    I wouldn't have missed this experience for the world and when Matt graduates and moves on to High School I hope that I have played animportant role in building his self-esteem and self-confidence. And, yes, I will definitely be waiting for another mentee to spend an hour a week with next year!

    I first heard about the In-School Mentoring Program offered through Big Brothers Big Sisters in the "Big’s Buddy". I became curious about it and met with Bob Pilon to hear more about it. It sounded like a fascinating program, and Iwanted to get involved. 
    I am happy to say that I have been successfully matched with a child that I have met with every week since September 2003. It has been an amazing experience so far. I meet with my mentee each week during theschool day. We have done many things together ranging from baking cookies,reading together, and talking, playing sports, to performing plays for each other. 
    The whole point of the program is to spend quality one-on-one time with one child for one hour a week. There have been many benefits for both of us since we met. My mentee has continually asked to continue with our match each year,and feedback from him, his teachers, and his parents has been positive. While we have had our struggles together, particularly in the beginning, we are now great friends and I would not trade this experience for anything. 
    I will continue to meet with my mentee, and I am extremely grateful to BBBS for offering great programs like this. I strongly encourage everyone to look into this unique program. It is a small commitment that can make a huge difference in the life of a child.

     I have enjoyed my journey with Kaitlyn because we have so much fun together, laughing, talking. She has enriched my life by challenging so many of my skills that I had forgot about. 
    She has brought the kid out in me again. As we grow older, sometimes we forget about the most innocent and simple things in life. Kaitlyn has opened my eyes and heart to the joys of life and the love that a young person can have and give. I wanted to be a friend to someone who hasn't always been able to have that companionship and guidance that is needed to succeed in life. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this organization and be a part of someone elses life.

    Helping and developing a relationship with a young girl has been very fulfilling. Not having children of my own, it is a way in which I can share in the life of a young person.  Krista - the young sister has been a very good match as she participates in many activities and allows us to have a variety of experiences. She is always a willing participant. When we are together we laugh and play and experience the simpler pleasures of sharing our lives.

    I never could have imagined how much being a friend to my 'little' has enriched my life and hers. We really are sisters. In the past four years I've seen her grow from and energetic girl into a mature young lady. We're able to confide in each other, share laughs and be ourselves. I'll admit it's sometimes hard to find the time in a busy schedule to make commitments, but at the end of the day, it's worth it! She has impacted my life just as much as I have hers, and for that, I'm grateful.

                My experience with the ISM program was very insightful. I benefited from the program as much as the children did. I learned that you can make a difference in a childs life by just a smile or being someone who is willing to listen. I have decided to continue being a part of the organization because I want to continue to make a difference in childrens lives. I also have learned that work in the social service field can be very tiring not just physically, but emotionally as well.

- Jamie Miller - In School Mentor, Co-op Student  

"When it hurts to look back, and you're scared to look ahead, you can look beside you and your best friend will be there. "

~ Anonymous