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March, 2010

My Little Sister I was a Big Sister in Oakville years ago. I keep in touch with my little sister. I was telling Brandi that I was getting my daughter a Big Sister and she told me "That she was all the better by having a Big Sister like me" That brought tears to me eyes when I read it and it choked me up. Also through the agency I met a women named Cathy who was also a Big Sister and to this day we are stilsl friends and she is my 15 year daughter's godmother. We have been through alot together. Not only did I make a friend by having a little sister, I also made a lifetime friend. During my years isn Guelph, I was a volunteer for 2 years on the Bowl For Kids Committee and made a couple close firends there, I still keep in contact with him. Also through my work with Cargill Meat Solution, Guelph, ON, I received an Award for my volunteer work and they received a check for $1,000.00.
Taking Supper Home Every September, my local Big Brothers Big Sisters plays a softball game with the City Police Service and the local provincial police detachments as part of our Big Brothers Big Sister Month celebration. What would a softball game be without hot dogs so we provide a BBQ for everyone to enjoy. I remember one year there was one Little Brother, Tyler (and he was little), and I thought he must have had a hollow leg because he kept coming back for more hot dogs. After about the fifth return trip to the BBQ I jokingly asked him, "Where are you putting all of those hot dogs?". He became a little embarassed and kind of hung his head and looked away. He then mumbled something that I could not understand so I said it was OK and asked him to repeat what he had said. He looked up at me and he innocently said, "I am putting the hot dogs in a bag over there so that I can take them home for my sister's supper." I was totally taken off-guard. Tyler then led me over to his knapsack and pulled out a plastic grocery bag containing the hot dogs and two bags of potato chips. Again he looked up at me and for a moment I didn't know what to say. I could feel myself being overcome by emotion and the pride that I had for this unselfish and giving young man. While trying to remain composed, I told Tyler to grab his knapsack and we headed back to the BBQ. Once at the BBQ I asked him to open up the grocery bag so he slow pulled out the bag a began to reach in to take out the hot dogs. I said, "Hey, Tyler I think we need to fill that bag up with some fresh hot dogs!" Once again, he looked up at me but this time his face lit up with the biggest smile I have ever seen. We filled the bag up with the hot dogs and I then drove him home. We chatted all the way home and when we arrived at his house, he grabbed the bag and raced to the door. I followed him to the door just in time to see him dishing out the loot to his sisters (one older and one younger). For the last time that night, he turned his head around and looked up at me and said, "Thanks for everything!" That was all that was said. On this night, it was the Little who led by example and was the positive role model. This was an experience that I will never forget.
Six years later There is so much to say about this match. From the moment we met, there was an instant bond. Now six years later, shes as close as any family member to me. Her name is Brooke and she has taught me more about life, than anything i've ever done. Her life was anything but easy, and yet, through it all, she's remained a happy go lucky kid. I am so proud of the women she is turning out to be, and I can't wait to see her future. Being a Big Sister has been one of the best things i've ever done in my life and I wish more people out there would take the challenge and make a difference in the life of a child. When I started Big Sisters I was asked why I wanted to be a Big Sister, and I answered " I want to make a positive difference in a child's life" Well, about 3 months ago, just before mine & Brooke's six year match anniversary, she sent me an email that said "Name a person thats made a difference in your life" and my name, Bevin, was the answer. I knew then that everything I had done for her, all the time I had spent with her, really was worth it!
Ment 2b:) I alway's wanted to be a big but could never commit the time needed...I was prego in 2006 and thought it would be a perfect time now that i would be more grounded. I met Kim and new we would be friends for ever regardless of the program in place or not. she is so great and now almost 3 years later can't imagine my world without her..I know we help them but in so many way's they help us 2>> what a great program!!
How lucky I was I was matched with my Big Brother Jack at a very young age,around 7 I believe. Jack would take me bowling, ride horses and ATV's on his brothers farm, take me to air shows,monthly shopping trips to the Pop Shop, took me to hockey and baseball and on and on. Jack was always there when I needed him. I was very shy and he helped me come out of my shell. I spent at least one day per week with Jack, usually a Friday or Saturday - during baseball and hockey season he spent more time with me as he drove me to the games and practises. I remember telling everyone he was my actual dad as the Big Brother organization was relatively new and I was a bit embarrassed to tell people I didn't have a dad. Not only that, there were ads on TV promoting Big Brothers and Sisters but that embarrassed me as well. It really gave me the feeling of being a lonely, fatherless kid that needed charity. It was especially uncomfortable around my freinds when the ad would run on TV. I have learned since then, it was my insecurities that led me to feeling this way. In my teens I started to see Jack less and less as I was spending all my time with my friends. I'm sure Jack realised this was normal but I still regret to this day not staying as close as we once were. We did however re-connect in my 30's and we saw each other 2-3 times per year until the day he died. I miss Jack dearly. I still stay in contact with his wife Jean on occassion. Jack changed the way I looked at life....he set an example for me and showed me what a few hours a week will do for a child. He showed me what a loving relationship is all about. Jack was a very giving person. His life was devoted to his family and to volunteering. He is a man I look up to and mimick in my everyday life. I now have two boys ages 10 & 12 and a very caring wife. They are the meaning of my life. How lucky am I to have had someone caring enough to come into my life at a very early age and open my eyes to endless possibilities? I intend on becoming a Big Brother when my kids are a bit older, so I too, can make a difference in the life of a child. I know first hand it doesn't take very much, as far as time or money, to make an impact on someone's life.
I got involved with Big Sisters during my Undergraduate degree in university. I needed a greater variety in my volunteer experience and wanted to build a relationship with someone that would last. I heard about BS on the radio and thought, FINALLY I am over 19, I could do this! So I went to the info session & orientation session & got a little right away! She was awesome and we really got along. even got to go to BS camp! Then she moved away quite suddenly. I still keep in contact with her, but I had a couple weeks until I was paired with a new little. Very different from my previous one, but we've been together for just over 3 years now! I've loved it so much, I've watched her grow from being very shy into a beautiful young woman. (Not that I am very old just yet)!. The transition has been tough to high school for her and we are working together to make life easier for her, I think we've become even closer. I've noticed she tells me a lot more about whats going on in her life whereas we used to only scratch the surface. I used to feel good about myself when I went home/she went home but now I am just like "that was so fun!". We are becoming better friends whereas before I think the gap between kid/adult was difficult. She's the best, and I know with confidence in herself she will be a lovely woman!
New Big I'm new to the program this year and have been finding it very challenging yet rewarding so far. We are still in the beginning stages and my little values her privacy so I won't add much more now.
Wow! I remember the moment...that little boy, so in awe of something I had seen so many times. We took him to see a movie, not realizing it was his first time in a theater. "Wow", he said, as he saw the seats, the screen and the people. Or the day we took him shopping in Halifax. He was amazed at the escalator. Imagine....an escalator! We saw things through his eyes and realized how amazing the little things in life can be. The day I served him jello for dessert, thinking that would be a kids friendly menu item and he had never seen it and quite honestly, it scared him as it jiggled in the bowl....I still laugh when I think about it. I had the privilege of being both a Board Member and staff at the agency, but no experience could top being a Big Sister. That little boy is all grown up and drops in frequently to visit my two children and I. I love to see him and I marvel at how he has grown. Just the other day I was sorting pictures and came across one of him as a little boy at the kitchen table. Now he towers over me! I loved being his Big Sister and willingly share the experience of BBBS with those I meet.
Voluteer I just volunteer, raise funds when asked. Nothing special, but I do think its a great foundation.
Life changing experience! It is an amazing experience to be a big sister through this program. Its challenging at times but it is most definitely rewarding. Just seeing the impact we big sisters have in such a precious life has made me want to be a better person. She reminds me of myself when I was younger, and that allows me to reflect on what I felt at that age and what I would have wanted in a big sister. I then re-focus my attention on her and in times of chaos and doubt of the match, I remember how as a child my need to have someone by my side who would never give up on me was so significant. I take that into consideration and continue to strive forward and build this relationship with my little sister. With life being so busy 7 days a week, its nice to spend a couple of hours focusing on someone else just once a week :)
Little creates BIG impact I believe it was in June of this year, when I was first introduced to my "Little" Maggie. I was nervous at first, unsure of what to expect. Little did I know, I was in for a Big surprise. During my interview process, I was presented with a variety of options for matches. Unsure if I would be able to "choose" the match, I instantly knew which Little I felt I would connect with the most. I had this odd but exciting feeling in my stomach telling me that Maggie was the one that I would connect the best with. Going through university has its up's and down's and at the time I felt I was in a "rut" so to speak, and needed a change in my life, or to be a change in someone else's life. I decided to join the BBBS PEI program just for fun, with no hidden agenda in mind. And I am so glad that I did. Maggie has and probably will never have any idea of the large impact she has made on my life, and on me. She is such a laid back, young free spirit that made me open my eyes to new adventures and made me see the beauty in everyday occurences. The moment I knew Maggie had created such an impact on my life (other than the initial meeting and get togethers) was when Maggie had the idea to go rock climbing at the local amusement park. I had never done such a thing before, and to me.. climbing 200 feet in the air and looking down to pavement wasn't my cup of tea. I decided to do it anyway, for Maggie and ultimately for myself, to try new things, to let myself go! It was when I was 200 feet in the air, looking down at Maggie- all smiles, myself being so nervous and scared was when I realized how much she had opened my eyes. Maggie has taught me not only to live each day to the fullest but to take risks, and to try new things, because you only live once. She has been an angel in disguise, and has truthfully changed my life for the better. I am so thrilled that I have had the luck to be matched with such a delightful child and gotten to know her and her family. I hope that I have created even half the impact she has on my life. I am so thankful to be involved in such a worthy and rewarding program.
Giving Back I came from a broken home growing up and I had a special woman in my life who would spend time with me just "hanging out". She allowed me to forget about any problems I had but was also there to listen if I needed to talk. She is the one person in my childhood who stands out not only as a role model, but as a positive happy influence in my life. As an adult now, I am at a place in my life where I feel as though I can be "that woman" to someone else who needs it. I'm giving back in a way that I hope will benefit my little throughout her adult life.
What a difference Where to begin... Let me say I have many fond memories of my big sister as well as functions held by the organization. I was granted the opportunity to go to the first tim hortons camp in perry sound and that was probably the best memory I have from my youth. But looking back now, i see that my big sister made a huge impact in my life at a time when I needed it most. I grew up with a single mother and had a brother and sister. When i was matched with my big sister, she and her husband opened my eyes to so many things I had never experienced before. Also, it was all the little things that mattered like having weekend stays at her house and just hanging out with them and being taken out of the situation I was living in. Poverty was probably my biggest problem as a child but my big sister and her husband showed me that the whole world did not live in poverty and if you work hard and make the right choices in life that anything is possible. I did not grow up to be the premier of Canada or anything but I do live a comfortable lifestyle with my husband and 4 kids. When I got to be a teenager, I went through the things that most kids do and my friends became very important to me. I began seeing my big sister less and less and I remember she was having marital issues around the same time and we just lost connection. However, now as an adult I often wonder what ever happened to her. I wonder where she is now and often wonder if she thinks about how my life turned out and if she had any impact on me. I would love to rekindle with her, even if it is just an occasional email. But I do want her to know how much of a difference she made on my outlook on life and how much I appreciate all the time she volunteered to give me !!

My Little Sister

I was a Big Sister in Oakville years ago. I keep in touch with my little sister. I was telling Brandi that I was getting my daughter a Big Sister and she told me "That she was all the better by having a Big Sister like me" That brought tears to me eyes when I read it and it choked me up. Also through the agency I met a women named Cathy who was also a Big Sister and to this day we are stilsl friends and she is my 15 year daughter's godmother. We have been through alot together. Not only did I make a friend by having a little sister, I also made a lifetime friend. During my years isn Guelph, I was a volunteer for 2 years on the Bowl For Kids Committee and made a couple close firends there, I still keep in contact with him. Also through my work with Cargill Meat Solution, Guelph, ON, I received an Award for my volunteer work and they received a check for $1,000.00.

Taking Supper Home

Every September, my local Big Brothers Big Sisters plays a softball game with the City Police Service and the local provincial police detachments as part of our Big Brothers Big Sister Month celebration. What would a softball game be without hot dogs so we provide a BBQ for everyone to enjoy. I remember one year there was one Little Brother, Tyler (and he was little), and I thought he must have had a hollow leg because he kept coming back for more hot dogs. After about the fifth return trip to the BBQ I jokingly asked him, "Where are you putting all of those hot dogs?". He became a little embarassed and kind of hung his head and looked away. He then mumbled something that I could not understand so I said it was OK and asked him to repeat what he had said. He looked up at me and he innocently said, "I am putting the hot dogs in a bag over there so that I can take them home for my sister's supper." I was totally taken off-guard. Tyler then led me over to his knapsack and pulled out a plastic grocery bag containing the hot dogs and two bags of potato chips. Again he looked up at me and for a moment I didn't know what to say. I could feel myself being overcome by emotion and the pride that I had for this unselfish and giving young man. While trying to remain composed, I told Tyler to grab his knapsack and we headed back to the BBQ. Once at the BBQ I asked him to open up the grocery bag so he slow pulled out the bag a began to reach in to take out the hot dogs. I said, "Hey, Tyler I think we need to fill that bag up with some fresh hot dogs!" Once again, he looked up at me but this time his face lit up with the biggest smile I have ever seen. We filled the bag up with the hot dogs and I then drove him home. We chatted all the way home and when we arrived at his house, he grabbed the bag and raced to the door. I followed him to the door just in time to see him dishing out the loot to his sisters (one older and one younger). For the last time that night, he turned his head around and looked up at me and said, "Thanks for everything!" That was all that was said. On this night, it was the Little who led by example and was the positive role model. This was an experience that I will never forget.

Six years later

There is so much to say about this match. From the moment we met, there was an instant bond. Now six years later, shes as close as any family member to me. Her name is Brooke and she has taught me more about life, than anything i've ever done. Her life was anything but easy, and yet, through it all, she's remained a happy go lucky kid. I am so proud of the women she is turning out to be, and I can't wait to see her future. Being a Big Sister has been one of the best things i've ever done in my life and I wish more people out there would take the challenge and make a difference in the life of a child. When I started Big Sisters I was asked why I wanted to be a Big Sister, and I answered " I want to make a positive difference in a child's life" Well, about 3 months ago, just before mine & Brooke's six year match anniversary, she sent me an email that said "Name a person thats made a difference in your life" and my name, Bevin, was the answer. I knew then that everything I had done for her, all the time I had spent with her, really was worth it!

Ment 2b:)

I alway's wanted to be a big but could never commit the time needed...I was prego in 2006 and thought it would be a perfect time now that i would be more grounded. I met Kim and new we would be friends for ever regardless of the program in place or not. she is so great and now almost 3 years later can't imagine my world without her..I know we help them but in so many way's they help us 2>> what a great program!!

How lucky I was

I was matched with my Big Brother Jack at a very young age,around 7 I believe. Jack would take me bowling, ride horses and ATV's on his brothers farm, take me to air shows,monthly shopping trips to the Pop Shop, took me to hockey and baseball and on and on. Jack was always there when I needed him. I was very shy and he helped me come out of my shell. I spent at least one day per week with Jack, usually a Friday or Saturday - during baseball and hockey season he spent more time with me as he drove me to the games and practises. I remember telling everyone he was my actual dad as the Big Brother organization was relatively new and I was a bit embarrassed to tell people I didn't have a dad. Not only that, there were ads on TV promoting Big Brothers and Sisters but that embarrassed me as well. It really gave me the feeling of being a lonely, fatherless kid that needed charity. It was especially uncomfortable around my freinds when the ad would run on TV. I have learned since then, it was my insecurities that led me to feeling this way. In my teens I started to see Jack less and less as I was spending all my time with my friends. I'm sure Jack realised this was normal but I still regret to this day not staying as close as we once were. We did however re-connect in my 30's and we saw each other 2-3 times per year until the day he died. I miss Jack dearly. I still stay in contact with his wife Jean on occassion. Jack changed the way I looked at life....he set an example for me and showed me what a few hours a week will do for a child. He showed me what a loving relationship is all about. Jack was a very giving person. His life was devoted to his family and to volunteering. He is a man I look up to and mimick in my everyday life. I now have two boys ages 10 & 12 and a very caring wife. They are the meaning of my life. How lucky am I to have had someone caring enough to come into my life at a very early age and open my eyes to endless possibilities? I intend on becoming a Big Brother when my kids are a bit older, so I too, can make a difference in the life of a child. I know first hand it doesn't take very much, as far as time or money, to make an impact on someone's life.

I got involved with Big Sisters during my Undergraduate degree in university. I needed a greater variety in my volunteer experience and wanted to build a relationship with someone that would last. I heard about BS on the radio and thought, FINALLY I am over 19, I could do this! So I went to the info session & orientation session & got a little right away! She was awesome and we really got along. even got to go to BS camp! Then she moved away quite suddenly. I still keep in contact with her, but I had a couple weeks until I was paired with a new little. Very different from my previous one, but we've been together for just over 3 years now! I've loved it so much, I've watched her grow from being very shy into a beautiful young woman. (Not that I am very old just yet)!. The transition has been tough to high school for her and we are working together to make life easier for her, I think we've become even closer. I've noticed she tells me a lot more about whats going on in her life whereas we used to only scratch the surface. I used to feel good about myself when I went home/she went home but now I am just like "that was so fun!". We are becoming better friends whereas before I think the gap between kid/adult was difficult. She's the best, and I know with confidence in herself she will be a lovely woman!

New Big

I'm new to the program this year and have been finding it very challenging yet rewarding so far. We are still in the beginning stages and my little values her privacy so I won't add much more now.

Wow!

I remember the moment...that little boy, so in awe of something I had seen so many times. We took him to see a movie, not realizing it was his first time in a theater. "Wow", he said, as he saw the seats, the screen and the people. Or the day we took him shopping in Halifax. He was amazed at the escalator. Imagine....an escalator! We saw things through his eyes and realized how amazing the little things in life can be. The day I served him jello for dessert, thinking that would be a kids friendly menu item and he had never seen it and quite honestly, it scared him as it jiggled in the bowl....I still laugh when I think about it. I had the privilege of being both a Board Member and staff at the agency, but no experience could top being a Big Sister. That little boy is all grown up and drops in frequently to visit my two children and I. I love to see him and I marvel at how he has grown. Just the other day I was sorting pictures and came across one of him as a little boy at the kitchen table. Now he towers over me! I loved being his Big Sister and willingly share the experience of BBBS with those I meet.

Voluteer

I just volunteer, raise funds when asked. Nothing special, but I do think its a great foundation.

Life changing experience!

It is an amazing experience to be a big sister through this program. Its challenging at times but it is most definitely rewarding. Just seeing the impact we big sisters have in such a precious life has made me want to be a better person. She reminds me of myself when I was younger, and that allows me to reflect on what I felt at that age and what I would have wanted in a big sister. I then re-focus my attention on her and in times of chaos and doubt of the match, I remember how as a child my need to have someone by my side who would never give up on me was so significant. I take that into consideration and continue to strive forward and build this relationship with my little sister. With life being so busy 7 days a week, its nice to spend a couple of hours focusing on someone else just once a week :)

Little creates BIG impact

I believe it was in June of this year, when I was first introduced to my "Little" Maggie. I was nervous at first, unsure of what to expect. Little did I know, I was in for a Big surprise. During my interview process, I was presented with a variety of options for matches. Unsure if I would be able to "choose" the match, I instantly knew which Little I felt I would connect with the most. I had this odd but exciting feeling in my stomach telling me that Maggie was the one that I would connect the best with. Going through university has its up's and down's and at the time I felt I was in a "rut" so to speak, and needed a change in my life, or to be a change in someone else's life. I decided to join the BBBS PEI program just for fun, with no hidden agenda in mind. And I am so glad that I did. Maggie has and probably will never have any idea of the large impact she has made on my life, and on me. She is such a laid back, young free spirit that made me open my eyes to new adventures and made me see the beauty in everyday occurences. The moment I knew Maggie had created such an impact on my life (other than the initial meeting and get togethers) was when Maggie had the idea to go rock climbing at the local amusement park. I had never done such a thing before, and to me.. climbing 200 feet in the air and looking down to pavement wasn't my cup of tea. I decided to do it anyway, for Maggie and ultimately for myself, to try new things, to let myself go! It was when I was 200 feet in the air, looking down at Maggie- all smiles, myself being so nervous and scared was when I realized how much she had opened my eyes. Maggie has taught me not only to live each day to the fullest but to take risks, and to try new things, because you only live once. She has been an angel in disguise, and has truthfully changed my life for the better. I am so thrilled that I have had the luck to be matched with such a delightful child and gotten to know her and her family. I hope that I have created even half the impact she has on my life. I am so thankful to be involved in such a worthy and rewarding program.

Giving Back

I came from a broken home growing up and I had a special woman in my life who would spend time with me just "hanging out". She allowed me to forget about any problems I had but was also there to listen if I needed to talk. She is the one person in my childhood who stands out not only as a role model, but as a positive happy influence in my life. As an adult now, I am at a place in my life where I feel as though I can be "that woman" to someone else who needs it. I'm giving back in a way that I hope will benefit my little throughout her adult life.

What a difference

Where to begin... Let me say I have many fond memories of my big sister as well as functions held by the organization. I was granted the opportunity to go to the first tim hortons camp in perry sound and that was probably the best memory I have from my youth. But looking back now, i see that my big sister made a huge impact in my life at a time when I needed it most. I grew up with a single mother and had a brother and sister. When i was matched with my big sister, she and her husband opened my eyes to so many things I had never experienced before. Also, it was all the little things that mattered like having weekend stays at her house and just hanging out with them and being taken out of the situation I was living in. Poverty was probably my biggest problem as a child but my big sister and her husband showed me that the whole world did not live in poverty and if you work hard and make the right choices in life that anything is possible. I did not grow up to be the premier of Canada or anything but I do live a comfortable lifestyle with my husband and 4 kids. When I got to be a teenager, I went through the things that most kids do and my friends became very important to me. I began seeing my big sister less and less and I remember she was having marital issues around the same time and we just lost connection. However, now as an adult I often wonder what ever happened to her. I wonder where she is now and often wonder if she thinks about how my life turned out and if she had any impact on me. I would love to rekindle with her, even if it is just an occasional email. But I do want her to know how much of a difference she made on my outlook on life and how much I appreciate all the time she volunteered to give me !!