- by Abbey Blokland

Calls from children's helplines have increased by 350%. The Big Brothers Big Sisters organization are trying to help decrease this large number by giving youth a sense of support and stability from mentors.

On Friday, September 18th, at 10 am, three board members, Lloyd Mohr, Glenn Breadner, and Stephanie Conrod raised their flag at City Hall to bring public awareness for the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.

Stephanie Conrod has been a big sister for a year now, mentoring a little sister,  and joining the board in April. She loves making a difference and inspiring kids.

They raised their flag on the day where two separate charities, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, came together as one organization. The flag will fly until September 30th as they celebrate their month.

The Big Brother Big Sister organization uses the power of three method to match volunteers to mentees to help improve their mental health and wellbeing and help with educational engagement and employment readiness. The Mentors also strive to improve social emotional confidence in family and peer relationships.

During unexpected times, in quarantine, mentors and mentees reached out by using online platforms. They get together twice a month, having scheduled zoom meetings, and phone calls.

As the virus became more controlled, they started getting together outside. Some activities they have done are nature walks, bike rides, painting outside, etc.

“Together, we expand the possibilities and ignite potential,” according to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada’s Facebook page.

Since the merge happened of the Big Brother and Big Sister of Canada organizations in 2001, 98% of mentored youth believe they make good life choices, 63% of mentored kids do post-secondary education, and girls have reported being 3 times less likely to have social anxiety.

This Organization impacts kids tremendously by building routines in their life and seeking out their potential.

Saturday, September 19th, the local Big Brother and Big Sister organization is hosting a fundraiser at the Scenic City Golf Course called, “golf for kids’ sake.” This event is a great way to spend time with family, friends, co-workers which will bring you closer together.

You can visit this charity on their website, or Facebook page. Donations help the youth and keep  this organization alive.