It’s Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Month and the organization wants you to know you don’t have to be a superhero to make a difference.
The main component of the month is the “Suit Up” campaign, which is aimed at mentors.
“The whole concept behind that ... is we’re asking men in particular but women as well, to suit up like a superhero,” said Stacey Poss, marketing and recruitment co-ordinator with Humboldt BBBS. “The idea behind that is you don’t have to be a superhero to literally be a hero to a child. It’s just simply about spending time with them.”
As part of the month, there are presentations for St. Peter’s College and the Humboldt Broncos, among other events. In addition, the organization has a national partnership with 7/11, so there will be promotions there throughout the month.
And to thank people involved with BBBS, there is an invitation-only wine and cheese on Sept. 10.
“We get the opportunity to award some of our volunteers, mentors, and kids for a great year, plus it’s our way of saying thank you to the community and some of our supporters,” Poss said.
In addition to the traditional BBBS program (of which there are nine matches with ten “littles” on the waiting list), the organization also co-ordinates in-school mentorship. This is geared towards busy people who still want to make a difference, so they spend their lunch hour with a child within their school.
“If a child is struggling in school ... sometimes kids get lost, and that mentor can really help get that child’s feet underneath him by providing that self confidence, extra one on one time, or encouragement, to brighten their day,” Poss said.
“When a child feels good, they’re going to do good.”
BBBS also has “big bunch” events, which are recreational group events for kids to interact with each other and with adult volunteers. Poss said she knows of lasting relationships that have been formed through big bunch.
She also added that individual mentorship is important, but what she likes about Humboldt is the community support in place for individuals.
“As individuals we can make a difference, but as a community we can make an even bigger impact,” she said.
Right now, the Humboldt BBBS isn’t looking at changing anything about the organization but simply continuing with what they’ve been doing.
“Just continue to create the awareness of the benefits of mentorship,” Poss said. “So not really changing anything but just staying strong and connecting with people and developing those relationships in the community.”
