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August, 2010
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Archives:

August, 2010

July, 2010

June, 2010

May, 2010

April, 2010

March, 2010

My Best Friend I remember the first day I met my best friend, February 28, 1993, it was the best 8th birthday gift anyone could ever ask for, a new big brother. Mark was my second big brother and the second Mark that I had been matched with. I will never forget one of the first things I ever said to him, as he reminded me at my wedding. I told him he had a really nice car, a 1992 Eagle Talon. From that day forward Mark and I have gone through everything together form his wedding to mine this past summer. I feel to this day that if it weren't for him and his family taking me in as basically one of their own, I would have probably been lost to he system. One other person I will never forget is my case-worker Marnie. I think I probably called her more then I should have and she always took the time to talk. With the impact that BBBS has had on my life I hope to be able to help another young boy with his troubles.
LITTLE BROTHERS, BIG IMPACT After moving to Toronto in 1985 I realized that in pursuit of everything else I'd lost a little something of myself. I had thought for years of becoming a Big Brother but was concerned that it would be too time-consuming. I love kids, that wouldn't be a problem. When I was informed it was four hours a week, I figured I could make it work. And I did, for two years. Christopher was a great kid, and his Mom, Nina, was delighted to have me around occasionally. I couldn't carry on beyond two years, and unfortunately I've lost touch with Christopher since. I've done emcee work for years with BB. One of my friends runs the North Durham office, so I've applied to mentor a child in a school in Uxbridge and I'm waiting to be set up. I'm very much looking forward to it.
Our brief story. I am a single parent of four children, two with special needs, one now deceased. We became involved with BBBS when my son was about seven. He had two big brothers and when the matches ended we still remained involved with BBBS. We help out with the yearly Chocolate Fest event and other events such as the fun day in July, Christmas party, and others. I really believe that my son’s involvement with BBBS has really benefited him and also my family with some of the events organized for families. I am hoping to become a mentor this fall and work with a young person in the school system. Please keep up the good work and know that the BBBS organization benefits not only youth, but also families and the community as well.
Complimentary Sisters I have been matched with my Little, Jourdyn, for almost a year now and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Prior to meeting Jourdyn I figured we wouldn't be comfortable together for at least a few months, but our first meeting went really well and I was amazed at how easily we got along. In a number of ways we are alike: we both love spending time with our families, reading, and have a deep love for all animals. The ways that we are different seem to compliment each other. For example, I am a pretty quiet person, but Jourdyn loves to talk, she also knows how to tell a good joke, and I always appreciate a good laugh. Some people even say we look so much alike that we could pass as bio sisters. Jourdyn and I are the perfect match and I am SO glad that I've had and will continue to have this opportunity through BBBS.
Wow! Words will never fully describe my relationship with my match, a seven year old girl 10 minutes from my house. It would be like trying to describe the love you have for a child the second it takes its first breath.It is impossible. I would like to tell you that I was inspired by some thing more exciting than a "7-11" sign, stating beamentor.ca. Can't. I am a 50 something woman that has children leaving the nest. I couldn't believe that I finally get the parenting skills down pat, then they leave and start the life that my husband and I spent the best years of our own lives preparing them to do. But that day, seeing that sign, it was so obvious what I could look into. Our whole, extended family has embraced Alyssa. She just needs some new adventures, her grandparents have the rest completely taken care of. We learn to skate, fine tune riding a bike, eat vegetables and play with kittens. What's not to love?Actually, we are still working on the vegetables. I think that her coming into our lives must be like the feeeling people get when they talk about their grandchildren. Wow!
Me and Michael Michael and I met in April 2009. He is ten years old and has a kind demeanor and a great sense of humor. Our favorite thing to do is race - we race up stairs, down stairs, across the park and just about everywhere else. I'm a little faster because of my longer legs, but just barely! It has been very exciting to see our relationship develop. Each time we hang out it gets a little more familiar and enjoyable. I can't wait to see how his life progresses as he enters his teenage years!
Pam and I I met Pam when I was 5 years old. I was a very shy kid and for the first few times we went out I never really spoke. I was not used to being away from my family, so I was a little uneasy. We went to Burger King. They had a play ground there. I stayed in there for most of our first visit! I thought that maybe she would just get bored and not come back, but she did. Pam has been there for me through everything from moving all over, changing schools, boyfriends, her being pregnant, myself being pregnant, and so much more! When I finally got comfortable with her we would go back to her house, where she lived with her parents. She was still in school then. I learned how to use a computer with her while playing "Mixed up Mother Goose". I love that game and hinted at playing it as often as possible. We also baked a ton of cookies and I always tried new foods with her if she could convince me. I was a very picky eater back then! A few years down the road, after a million moves, I thought that Pam and I had gone our separate ways, but she always surprised me, by finding time and driving however far to see me! She became engaged and I was to be the junior bridesmaid! I was so excited and scared all at the same time. Her wedding was beautiful! She looked just like a princess! During pictures, I remember crying in the corner because I thought that maybe now she would start having no time, she was starting her own family now. But yet again she proved me wrong! She had 2 beautiful children within a few years of being married. Our visits went from being once a week to being every couple of weeks. I was a teenager then and was not always doing what I was supposed to be doing. When I got in trouble it was harder to tell her than anyone in the world. She always thought the best of me. I was afraid to let her down! I thought that me doing bad things was going to stop it all for good, but nope. Nothing could stop Pam. She broke down all of my barriers. Even when I moved in with my Aunt an Uncle. It was made easier because she was my constant! Someone that no matter what happened or where I was she always came through for me and was right by my side. I am now 24 with a child of my own and another one on the way. I have so many plans for myself. I know that I will do them all because of the help that I had from Pam. She helped instill a confidence in me that can not be wavered. I am currently a homemaker. I get to stay at home with my son while he is not at school. I volunteer and I do online courses just for fun! We still see each other when I go home to visit my family! I love Pam like I love anyone in my family. She is a very special person and deserves nothing but the best and all the happiness that life can give!
Wow! Words will never fully describe my relationship with my match, a seven year old girl 10 minutes from my house. It would be like trying to describe the love you have for a child the second it takes its first breath.It is impossible. I would like to tell you that I was inspired by some thing more exciting than a "7-11" sign, stating beamentor.ca. Can't. I am a 50 something woman that has children leaving the nest. I couldn't believe that I finally get the parenting skills down pat, then they leave and start the life that my husband and I spent the best years of our own lives preparing them to do. But that day, seeing that sign, it was so obvious what I could look into. Our whole, extended family has embraced Alyssa. She just needs some new adventures, her grandparents have the rest completely taken care of. We learn to skate, fine tune riding a bike, eat vegetables and play with kittens. What's not to love?Actually, we are still working on the vegetables. I think that her coming into our lives must be like the feeeling people get when they talk about their grandchildren. Wow!
Bruce Springsteen to Madrigals I have been lucky enough to have 2 wonderful matches in my experience with BBBS. One I have lost contact with, our match ended because she moved. The other I still have contact with, consider her one of my dearest friends and she is traveling from Scotland, where she now lives with her family, to celebrate my wedding with me in January! My mum registered my brother and I in the program, I believe in 1991, in the hopes that having another adult around who cared about us and took interest in us would provide some diversity and new experiences in our lives. Who knew that her decision would so drastically influence my life? My matches both seemed to be very good. I certainly enjoyed them! My first match was a Graphic Designer, and she taught me about drawing and art. She took me to my first concert-Bruce Springsteen (I actually thought it would be a Brian Adams concert, I got confused by the names!), introduced me to Sinead O'Connor's music-which didn't stick and to the BareNaked Ladies-which DID stick, and taught me that people are fallible, caring and good relationships are worth fighting for. Unfortunately she had to move, and we lost touch. But I think of her a great deal, and wonder how she is. I believe when we're supposed to, one day we'll meet again. My second match was a university student taking music, working at Blockbuster and participating in various campus choirs (like the UofA Madrigal singers) and taking other extracurricular activities. From her (and my mum) I learned to multitask! I remember watching a movie she'd brought over in our basement at home, visiting, while she did her music homework. I learned to embrace my own love of music and theatre and not let it go. She took my for my first drink when I turned 18 (with my mum's permission!), she karaoked with me and my friends in my 20's, and she welcomed me into her home in Scotland for 2 weeks over Christmas and New Years in 2005 when I was studying in Germany for the year. She also gave me my competitive spirit! I love my "bigs" and I remember my experience fondly-not only with them, but with their families as well. Both of my matches have generous families and taught me a great deal about how families with 2 parents look...in a good way! I know without a doubt that my life would not be the same were it not for their influences. I thank my mum for recognizing we had need and taking action to give my brother and I new experiences with wonderful people through an exceptional organization.
Bugs Bunny With September being Big Brother/ Big Sister month, one of the local newspapers wanted to do an article on a match. My Little and I volunteered, were interviewed and a very well written article about us was put into the local newspaper. About a week later, a strange chain of events occurred! One evening, around suppertime, I received a call from a perfect stranger. I listened to what she had to say, and it blew me away! She told me who she was, and why she was calling. She told me that she worked at a local library and a fellow she knew had read the article about us and was touched! She told me he had left an envelope at the library and when I was in the area, I was to pick it up. It so happened that I had an appointment to have my oil changed the follwing day and I could pick it up then. She said she wouldn't be there the next day, but she would leave it at the front desk. I went in the following day, and on the outside of the envelope, she had left a note to explain it a bit a further. It really doesn't matter what was in the envelope, but my little and I will enjoy it. The note indicated he was impressed when reading the local newspaper about our partnership and he wanted us to have fun in any fashion we decided on whether serious or frivolous. There were no strings attached. He gave us his best wishes in the future and signed it Bugs Bunny! Is it ever nice to know there are people out there who really do want to help without any recognition! We tried to thank him by writing a letter to the editor.
My Big Brother Mike Well it's been 5 years and I loved every minute of them, without my big brother Mike I don't know what I'd be doing now or where I'd be. My big and I go and do tons of things from camping to going to concerts. I'm writing this to mostly say thanks to my big for all he's done.

My Best Friend

I remember the first day I met my best friend, February 28, 1993, it was the best 8th birthday gift anyone could ever ask for, a new big brother. Mark was my second big brother and the second Mark that I had been matched with. I will never forget one of the first things I ever said to him, as he reminded me at my wedding. I told him he had a really nice car, a 1992 Eagle Talon. From that day forward Mark and I have gone through everything together form his wedding to mine this past summer. I feel to this day that if it weren't for him and his family taking me in as basically one of their own, I would have probably been lost to he system. One other person I will never forget is my case-worker Marnie. I think I probably called her more then I should have and she always took the time to talk. With the impact that BBBS has had on my life I hope to be able to help another young boy with his troubles.

LITTLE BROTHERS, BIG IMPACT

After moving to Toronto in 1985 I realized that in pursuit of everything else I'd lost a little something of myself. I had thought for years of becoming a Big Brother but was concerned that it would be too time-consuming. I love kids, that wouldn't be a problem. When I was informed it was four hours a week, I figured I could make it work. And I did, for two years. Christopher was a great kid, and his Mom, Nina, was delighted to have me around occasionally. I couldn't carry on beyond two years, and unfortunately I've lost touch with Christopher since. I've done emcee work for years with BB. One of my friends runs the North Durham office, so I've applied to mentor a child in a school in Uxbridge and I'm waiting to be set up. I'm very much looking forward to it.

Our brief story.

I am a single parent of four children, two with special needs, one now deceased. We became involved with BBBS when my son was about seven. He had two big brothers and when the matches ended we still remained involved with BBBS. We help out with the yearly Chocolate Fest event and other events such as the fun day in July, Christmas party, and others. I really believe that my son’s involvement with BBBS has really benefited him and also my family with some of the events organized for families. I am hoping to become a mentor this fall and work with a young person in the school system. Please keep up the good work and know that the BBBS organization benefits not only youth, but also families and the community as well.

Complimentary Sisters

I have been matched with my Little, Jourdyn, for almost a year now and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Prior to meeting Jourdyn I figured we wouldn't be comfortable together for at least a few months, but our first meeting went really well and I was amazed at how easily we got along. In a number of ways we are alike: we both love spending time with our families, reading, and have a deep love for all animals. The ways that we are different seem to compliment each other. For example, I am a pretty quiet person, but Jourdyn loves to talk, she also knows how to tell a good joke, and I always appreciate a good laugh. Some people even say we look so much alike that we could pass as bio sisters. Jourdyn and I are the perfect match and I am SO glad that I've had and will continue to have this opportunity through BBBS.

Wow!

Words will never fully describe my relationship with my match, a seven year old girl 10 minutes from my house. It would be like trying to describe the love you have for a child the second it takes its first breath.It is impossible. I would like to tell you that I was inspired by some thing more exciting than a "7-11" sign, stating beamentor.ca. Can't. I am a 50 something woman that has children leaving the nest. I couldn't believe that I finally get the parenting skills down pat, then they leave and start the life that my husband and I spent the best years of our own lives preparing them to do. But that day, seeing that sign, it was so obvious what I could look into. Our whole, extended family has embraced Alyssa. She just needs some new adventures, her grandparents have the rest completely taken care of. We learn to skate, fine tune riding a bike, eat vegetables and play with kittens. What's not to love?Actually, we are still working on the vegetables. I think that her coming into our lives must be like the feeeling people get when they talk about their grandchildren. Wow!

Me and Michael

Michael and I met in April 2009. He is ten years old and has a kind demeanor and a great sense of humor. Our favorite thing to do is race - we race up stairs, down stairs, across the park and just about everywhere else. I'm a little faster because of my longer legs, but just barely! It has been very exciting to see our relationship develop. Each time we hang out it gets a little more familiar and enjoyable. I can't wait to see how his life progresses as he enters his teenage years!

Pam and I

I met Pam when I was 5 years old. I was a very shy kid and for the first few times we went out I never really spoke. I was not used to being away from my family, so I was a little uneasy. We went to Burger King. They had a play ground there. I stayed in there for most of our first visit! I thought that maybe she would just get bored and not come back, but she did. Pam has been there for me through everything from moving all over, changing schools, boyfriends, her being pregnant, myself being pregnant, and so much more! When I finally got comfortable with her we would go back to her house, where she lived with her parents. She was still in school then. I learned how to use a computer with her while playing "Mixed up Mother Goose". I love that game and hinted at playing it as often as possible. We also baked a ton of cookies and I always tried new foods with her if she could convince me. I was a very picky eater back then! A few years down the road, after a million moves, I thought that Pam and I had gone our separate ways, but she always surprised me, by finding time and driving however far to see me! She became engaged and I was to be the junior bridesmaid! I was so excited and scared all at the same time. Her wedding was beautiful! She looked just like a princess! During pictures, I remember crying in the corner because I thought that maybe now she would start having no time, she was starting her own family now. But yet again she proved me wrong! She had 2 beautiful children within a few years of being married. Our visits went from being once a week to being every couple of weeks. I was a teenager then and was not always doing what I was supposed to be doing. When I got in trouble it was harder to tell her than anyone in the world. She always thought the best of me. I was afraid to let her down! I thought that me doing bad things was going to stop it all for good, but nope. Nothing could stop Pam. She broke down all of my barriers. Even when I moved in with my Aunt an Uncle. It was made easier because she was my constant! Someone that no matter what happened or where I was she always came through for me and was right by my side. I am now 24 with a child of my own and another one on the way. I have so many plans for myself. I know that I will do them all because of the help that I had from Pam. She helped instill a confidence in me that can not be wavered. I am currently a homemaker. I get to stay at home with my son while he is not at school. I volunteer and I do online courses just for fun! We still see each other when I go home to visit my family! I love Pam like I love anyone in my family. She is a very special person and deserves nothing but the best and all the happiness that life can give!

Wow!

Bruce Springsteen to Madrigals

I have been lucky enough to have 2 wonderful matches in my experience with BBBS. One I have lost contact with, our match ended because she moved. The other I still have contact with, consider her one of my dearest friends and she is traveling from Scotland, where she now lives with her family, to celebrate my wedding with me in January! My mum registered my brother and I in the program, I believe in 1991, in the hopes that having another adult around who cared about us and took interest in us would provide some diversity and new experiences in our lives. Who knew that her decision would so drastically influence my life? My matches both seemed to be very good. I certainly enjoyed them! My first match was a Graphic Designer, and she taught me about drawing and art. She took me to my first concert-Bruce Springsteen (I actually thought it would be a Brian Adams concert, I got confused by the names!), introduced me to Sinead O'Connor's music-which didn't stick and to the BareNaked Ladies-which DID stick, and taught me that people are fallible, caring and good relationships are worth fighting for. Unfortunately she had to move, and we lost touch. But I think of her a great deal, and wonder how she is. I believe when we're supposed to, one day we'll meet again. My second match was a university student taking music, working at Blockbuster and participating in various campus choirs (like the UofA Madrigal singers) and taking other extracurricular activities. From her (and my mum) I learned to multitask! I remember watching a movie she'd brought over in our basement at home, visiting, while she did her music homework. I learned to embrace my own love of music and theatre and not let it go. She took my for my first drink when I turned 18 (with my mum's permission!), she karaoked with me and my friends in my 20's, and she welcomed me into her home in Scotland for 2 weeks over Christmas and New Years in 2005 when I was studying in Germany for the year. She also gave me my competitive spirit! I love my "bigs" and I remember my experience fondly-not only with them, but with their families as well. Both of my matches have generous families and taught me a great deal about how families with 2 parents look...in a good way! I know without a doubt that my life would not be the same were it not for their influences. I thank my mum for recognizing we had need and taking action to give my brother and I new experiences with wonderful people through an exceptional organization.

Bugs Bunny

With September being Big Brother/ Big Sister month, one of the local newspapers wanted to do an article on a match. My Little and I volunteered, were interviewed and a very well written article about us was put into the local newspaper. About a week later, a strange chain of events occurred! One evening, around suppertime, I received a call from a perfect stranger. I listened to what she had to say, and it blew me away! She told me who she was, and why she was calling. She told me that she worked at a local library and a fellow she knew had read the article about us and was touched! She told me he had left an envelope at the library and when I was in the area, I was to pick it up. It so happened that I had an appointment to have my oil changed the follwing day and I could pick it up then. She said she wouldn't be there the next day, but she would leave it at the front desk. I went in the following day, and on the outside of the envelope, she had left a note to explain it a bit a further. It really doesn't matter what was in the envelope, but my little and I will enjoy it. The note indicated he was impressed when reading the local newspaper about our partnership and he wanted us to have fun in any fashion we decided on whether serious or frivolous. There were no strings attached. He gave us his best wishes in the future and signed it Bugs Bunny! Is it ever nice to know there are people out there who really do want to help without any recognition! We tried to thank him by writing a letter to the editor.

My Big Brother Mike

Well it's been 5 years and I loved every minute of them, without my big brother Mike I don't know what I'd be doing now or where I'd be. My big and I go and do tons of things from camping to going to concerts. I'm writing this to mostly say thanks to my big for all he's done.