More than fifty Barrie children are on a waiting list for a Big Brother or Big Sister, according to the executive director of the mentoring organization.
On Tuesday, a group of smiling Littles helped raise a flag at city hall to mark September as Big Brother Big Sister month and raise awareness about the need for volunteers.
Downtown Councillor Rose Romita read the city's proclamation just before the flag went up the pole to applause from a small crowd.
Marianne Arbour, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Barrie and District, looked on as several little brothers and sisters, affectionately known as Littles, enjoyed the spotlight of the media event.
Arbour says the mentoring organization recruits Bigs year round but the designated month Sept. is a chance to put out the call.
"The need is great," said Arbour at the annual flag-raising event. "Currently for our Big Brother Big Sister program which is that one-to-one, once a week, take a little boy or little girl out of their home for three to four hours and just have fun - we have over 50 kids on that waiting list right now."
Volunteers are also needed for school-based programs where the Bigs meet up with the same child at school for one hour each week.
"We do ask for a minimum one-year commitment from all of our volunteers to ensure the kids do benefit from that relationship," said Arbour. "Often what we find is that one year just turns into two and three and four and everybody is enjoying it."
The Littles gain self-esteem which has a positive impact on many aspects of their lives.
The Bigs sometimes get the biggest reward.
"Volunteers tell us for most part they feel like they're getting more than giving and having fun. They didn't expect that," said Arbour.
"It's very rewarding when you see that smile every week."
Arbour says people need to realize that they do have the time to give back to the community by being a Big Brother or Big Sister.
Volunteers come from all walks of life and range in age from 18 to near 80.
To learn more about how to become a Big Brother or Big Sister to the more than 50 children visit www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.
