Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Guelph (BBBSG) aims to nurture the Guelph community, starting with its youngest members, offering multiple mentor programs that connect each child to a positive role model in the community.
These programs create a supportive environment that enhances each child’s mental health and well-being to help them reach their full potential.
The one-to-one program is an 18-month minimum program that creates life-long connections between the child and the mentor. This program consists of fun activities in the Guelph community, exploring common interests, and developing core one-to-one relationships.
For children waiting to join the one-to-one program, a Big Bunch program is offered in the meantime. This group-based program provides the same activities as the one-on-one program, twice a month and involves building connections with their peers.
The Big Bunch program provides support to 60 kids per year, with multiple volunteer leaders.
BBBSG also offers a school-based program where the mentor visits their assigned child at school, allowing that structure to be maintained once a week during the school year.
This program runs in about 40 schools in the area, supporting around 400 kids.
“Having an organization like Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Guelph available to the community is crucial as it provides children with a care structure,” said Mike Treadgold, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Guelph.
“This one-on-one relationship can be impactful, as there are many children who do not have that option of care to unlock their full potential,” said Treadgold.
There are about 300 volunteers active at BBBSG, however, the need for volunteers is at a new high to meet the demand of the programs. There is a significant need for male mentors, as there is a twice-as-long wait for boys.
The organization matches volunteers based on similar interests, lived experiences, and requests to ensure compatibility.
“These programs provide each child with the opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, which has a trickle-down effect on their overall development, mental health, community involvement and commitment to education”, said Treadgold.
The community can support the organization in many ways, including donations, volunteering and participating on the board of directors.
BBBSG invites you to join them on May 28th at the BIG Downtown Food Truck Picnic event that is free to the public, with 10 food trucks available at Exhibition Park. This will be a day of culinary excitement and fun in support of the organization.
If you are interested in the event or wish to learn more about supporting the organization, please visit https://guelph.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/.