Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lloydminster says they currently have 35 kids on a waiting list to get involved with the organization.
The organization seeks to provides mentorship for kids who by providing a “Big Brother or Sister” who the kids can talk to and share experiences growing up through regular outings. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lloydminster also has an in-school program that provides the same services in a school environment through games and talking. Both programs are in need of volunteers.
Director of service delivery Jacqueline Weed says that a “Big Brother or Sister” can have a tremendous impact on the kids.
“It builds self-esteem, it builds self-confidence, it encourages them to stay in school. It encourages them to look to the future to what the possibilities might be. It’s just endless.”
Weed adds that mentorships through the program don’t have a set amount of time that a volunteer needs to spend with the child, only that weekly contact is made. She says the program doesn’t just have an impact on the kids.
“A lot of people when they join the agency they are just doing it for the kids. Pretty quickly they realize that they’re getting something out of it as well. It gives them something to look forward to, they get to have fun, they get to try things that maybe they haven’t done in years and just knowing that they have someone else in their life as well.
People interested in volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters can contact the organization over the phone or in person by visiting their Lloydminster office in unit 3 at 4301 49th Avenue.