Dianne Laporte has been actively involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa (BBBSO) for 30 years. From a Board Member, to being a Big Sister with two Littles and now a blogger, her commitment to BBBSO is evident as you read her story.

"You're wondering........just do what?  Do become a Big Sister or Big Brother, sooner rather than later! 

I'd heard about Big Sisters and for many years thought that one day when the time was right, I'd look into it, but not right then, not at that time - I was just too busy and in too stressful a job to take on yet another responsibility. For about ten years I talked myself out of applying to be a Big Sister.

But a few months after I'd become a Big Sister for the first time, I realized I'd been foolish to wait.  My Little Sister and I were just so well matched that I really looked forward to seeing her every week, and getting involved in her life.  (The Case Manager had done a terrific job of matching our interests and personalities!)  The whole program is based on a child's developing a friendship with an adult. And out of that friendship arises not only a whole lot of fun but also incidentally, and often accidentally, the opportunity to do some mentoring along the way. And out of that friendship arises not only a whole lot of fun but also incidentally, and often accidentally, the opportunity to do some mentoring. And as ours was a cross-cultural match I enjoyed learning a lot about her traditions along the way.

So what about my ‘I was too busy ‘objection?  I soon realized that no matter how busy I was, it was great fun and relaxing to have a weekly reason to spend an afternoon doing any number of things, or just ‘hanging out' with my Little. We were together for over 5 years, from when she was 13 to when she turned 18 (that is the final year of the program).  We did everything: skating, baking, playing board games, doing crafts, meeting each other's friends and families, going to museums, art galleries, movies, miniature and real golfing - you name it, we did it.

I hope you noticed three things in the above.

First, friendship is paramount.  Our match ended six years ago, but we are still friends who keep in touch fairly regularly, even though my Little is now - incredibly - 24, and finishing up university. I couldn't be prouder of her!

Second, I hope you noticed above is that I said ‘my first Little Sister'.  That's right, after a few years break, I was matched again a few months ago. I'm having a great time getting to know my new Little Sister, who is just 10 - and I'm learning a lot about what its like to be a kid growing up in 2009. 

Third, did I mention ‘just do it' often enough yet?"

For more information about volunteering with BBBSO contact our Enrollment Coordinator by email or call 613.247.4776 ext. 315. You can also download an application form from our website. We hope that you will take Dianne's advice and "Just do it!". Being a Big today is easy!