When you meet Const. Blair King, it's hard to imagine him without his confidence and ease - tactical gear and guns aside.
The Barrie Police officer with the Tactical Support Team became a Little Brother when he was seven years old.
His mom was a single parent who worked full-time and the male influence of his Big Brother Stewart was life-changing.
"I had never had a male role model in my life up to that point. I was surprisingly the shyest person in the world back then. I wouldn't even talk on the phone I was so shy," explains King. "Stewart brought me completely out of my shell and gave me confidence. I probably wouldn't be doing the job I am today without that confidence at that young age."
King has the distinction of being the first Little Brother to become a Big Brother in Barrie.
He never forgot how it felt to be included in Stewart's family and the life-lessons learned about how to act as a man and a father.
The accomplished cop, who was recently honoured for rescuing a suicidal teen, still keeps in touch with his Big Brother who is now in his 70's.
"I just felt that looking back at what Stewart had done for me, I wanted to do for somebody else that was in a similar position to me," King said. "A lot of people think they don't have enough time to help the organization or to volunteer because they have families of their own but actually it's easier to integrate your Little in with your family and do things that you would normally do. They just want to be a part of something."
The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barrie and District's Bowl for Kids Sake 2016 kicked off this week at Bowlerama Barrie and King will be there tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. in the police, fire and paramedics challenge.
Now a father of three boys of his own, King joined the organization's Board of Directors nearly three years ago, and wanted to be part of yet another way of giving back.
King, Chris Ivany of Barrie Fire and Juiia Young-Williams from Simcoe County Paramedics started the challenge last year.
The prize is the trophy with a gold bowling pin that King had made, bragging rights and more.
"The way the challenge works is, it's not about the bowling at all because we're all horrible at it," laughs King. "It's more about how much money is raised. The team that raises the most funds is the champion each year."
People can still register to participate and a minimum of $30 in pledges is required for each person, which includes the bowling and the spot prizes in support of children's services at Big Brothers Big Sisters.
"We've got 60 Littles waiting right now for a match and it's fantastic to get funds donated to the organization," said King. "However what we really need are volunteers. Money is always a great help but it's the time you can spend with a Little that makes the difference."
To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters or to sponsor a team or make a donation visit www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/barrie.
