Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Prince Albert is encouraging you to put a little bit of money towards helping youth become healthy adults.
The non-profit organization is launching its 30 Big Believers in 30 Days campaign on Sept. 18, National Big Brothers Big Sisters Day. As the campaign’s name implies, it will take place for 30 days until Oct. 17.
Development Coordinator Natasha Thomson said the goal is to get 30 people involved through the Big Believers Monthly Donor Program.
“That will allow us to continue offering these free mentoring services for young people. We also hope it can engage some people that maybe they want to support us, but they don’t feel like would be able to become a mentor or a volunteer,” she said.
Thomson said donors can give as little as $10 a month through the program. Having that continued support allows the organization to plan long-term.
For over 45 years, BBBS has been matching youth between six and 18 years old facing adversity with mentors. The pairs meet once a week for one to two hours.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced matches to meet only virtually from March to June, but most are now meeting in-person.
“Things have been very challenging this year with the pandemic and we felt it was time to let people know about this program,” said Thomson.
“We have seen a huge increase in stress and anxiety in the homes, so our mentors have provided a real important support towards mental health and well-being and just helping people know that things will be okay.”
Back-to-school is also a critical time to focus on a child’s health and well-being, she said. Especially now, since students are having to follow new protocols such as wearing masks and physical distancing.
She explained that developmental relationships have five parts: expressing care, challenging growth, providing support, sharing power and expanding possibilities. Mentors provide all of these things, leaving a huge impact on young people as they grow up.
These developmental relationships help them build resilience and social awareness and prepare them for employment.
Big Believers who give only $10 per month fund a match their first visit. Increase that to $25 a month, and BBBS can find, train and match a volunteer with a child.
Fifty dollars a month is enough to provide a child with regular check-ins with their mentoring coordinator, and $125 a month will fund a match for a whole year.
Big Believers will also get a tax credit at the year for making charitable donations. You can sign up at bigbelievers.ca.
Lake Country Co-op’s Fuel Good Day on Tuesday, Sept. 15 also benefits BBBS of Prince Albert. When you fill up at any gas bar locations in the city, 10 cents per litre will be donated.
Filling your tank in other communities, too, will support local charities—La Ronge and Air Ronge funds will go La Ronge & Area KidSport, Choiceland will go to Torch River Riders Inc, Shellbrook will go to the Kinsmen Club and Nipawin will go to Handiworks.
