Earlier this year, we asked you to share your wonderful stories of the impact that Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa has had on your life. Thank you to all who participated. We received a number of submissions from matches, Bigs and Littles as well as this winning entry from Colleen, the mother of Little Brother Devin. Here is her perspective:

My name is Colleen Dunn, and my husband passed away at the age of 42 from ALS. My children were young- my daughter was 8 and my son was 5. We had focused all our energy on helping to give comfort and help to my husband as he lived with ALS for 4 years, when he passed away, my mother and I knew that we could raise the children... but, also knew that we lacked a male influence in our lives.

My son Devin received the gift of a Big Brother in December 2008 when we met Ben Duesling... and he comes to see Devin every week!!!!

Ben is a young man who is very busy with his own life. He graduated college, is attending Carleton taking more courses, has a family and girlfriend of his own. He volunteers with Ottawa Police Services, has a part time job... but he finds time to spend with my son. Devin is sometimes a little shy... Ben allowed Devin to come out of his shell at his own time. He let Devin choose what games they played and how often they played them. As they become more comfortable with each other they explored other activities; fishing, hiking, golfing, snow boarding, just hanging out together, and the guys talk.

It's 'GUY TALK' that's so important; I think that sometimes you just need to talk to someone like you. That to me is what Big Brothers Big Sisters is all about. We are very thankful to have been given this gift.