Uko Akpanuko
Daily Herald
Big Brothers Big Sisters announced the launch of a new campaign tagged Big-G campaign on Friday.
This campaign is a community-wide initiative aimed at inspiring seniors aged 55 and above to step into the rewarding role of volunteer mentors. The campaign highlights the unique opportunity for older adults to share their life experiences and wisdom with the local child or youth, fostering intergenerational connections that enrich both mentors and mentees.
“Bringing older people and younger people together for intergenerational learning benefits them both socially and emotionally,” said Natasha Thomson, Development Coordinator of Big Brothers Big Sisters Prince Albert.
Even if they meet just one hour a week, Thomson said, seniors can make a lasting impact by building relationships that create positive change in the community.
“Many older adults and seniors are looking for ways to stay active, connect with others, and give back,” Thomson said in the media release. “Not every child has grandparents available and this program helps fill an important gap by building intergenerational friendships. The Big-G campaign celebrates the power of life experience and encourages seniors to show up as they are to make meaningful, unexpected connections.”
The Big-G campaign emphasizes flexibility, support, and impact. The group is looking forward to having at least 10 big brothers and big sisters join the Big G campaign.
The campaign is aimed at providing guidance from the older generation for the younger generation by playing the crucial role of building a stronger community and empowering the youth through at least one hour of impactful mentorship
“We know that there are a lot of older adults in the community looking for a way to make a difference. This has worked in other communities, so bringing it here to make it known that you are never too old to be a big brother and big sister” Thomson added.
Through this initiative, which has been going on in some communities before now, Big Brothers Big Sisters hopes to connect generations, creating a legacy of mentorship that benefits everyone involved.
Any member of the Prince Albert community and areas that are interested in joining the movement to become the connection that makes a
difference will be appreciated. This is because life experience isn’t just valuable—it’s a superpower, the release said.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince Albert has been creating life-changing connections between youth and mentors for the past 50 years. The group empowers young people to build confidence, develop skills, and reach their full potential. They also provide opportunities to make a difference and build a stronger community one friendship at a time.
The group is willing to accommodate people who applies and train them on how best to fit into the campaign.
Seniors who are interested are encouraged to learn more and sign up by contacting Mentoring Coordinator, Rayanne Buller, at r.buller@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca or by calling at 306 922 1299 (ext. 231).