J’aime prendre le temps de témoigner de la différence qu’un(e) Grand(e) peut faire dans la vie d’un jeune même s’ils ne réalisent que des activités simples ensemble.  Il est important que quelqu’un prenne le temps de faire cette constatation puisqu’il peut être difficile parfois pour les Grand(es) de le faire par eux-mêmes.   

J’ai récemment eu l’occasion de m’entretenir avec une mère (Sylvie*) qui m'a témoigné des changements qu’elle avait remarqués chez son fils (Joey*) après seulement quatre mois de parrainage par son Grand Frère…

 

 

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:

 

This past year BBBSO celebrated its fourth year of the Go Girls! program. The 2009 - 2010 school year was our most successful year to date, with programs running in 17 schools throughout the Ottawa area. We had over 40 dedicated volunteers that delivered the Go Girls! program to over 200 children.

 

All week the weather forecast called for rain on Sunday, but when Sunday arrived, there was hardly a cloud in the sky for our friendly ball hockey game!

 

Many special friendships are formed through our mentoring programs.  Our Bigs and Littles in our programs all share a common bond.  A friendship that lasts well beyond our required one year. They share a friendship that stands the test of time, with laughter, compassion, fun, and sometimes sadness.

 

Every year we have the opportunity to work with terrific schools and match Big Brothers and Big Sisters with Elementary School Littles. We like to take the opportunity to recognize those terrific School Liaisons, as they help us to serve more children each year.

 

"What do other matches do for fun?"  This is one of the questions I get asked the most by volunteers struggling to find new activity ideas for themselves and their Littles.  In truth, I don't envy these volunteers.  This has to be one of the hardest parts about being a Big.  I'm sure many of us out there can relate to the difficulty of finding new and exciting activities for teens that don't break any rules.  So how do you find these activity ideas?  Well, I am happy to report that I discovered the secret to solving this puzzle one day while talking to a match that has been doing it for eight years.  As it turns out, the answer is right under our noses...

J'adore le mentorat scolaire de Grands Frères Grandes Soeurs d'Ottawa (GFGSO)! Jumelés pour la deuxième année, mon Petit et moi nous entendons très bien: nos rencontres ne sont pas toujours loquaces, mais il y a ces petits moments de grande complicité qui valent la peine de poursuivre la relation.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa (BBBSO) relies on the support of many stakeholders to ensure that children in Ottawa have the opportunity to create special friendships. We are always grateful to the many volunteers who devote their time, energy, compassion and enthusiasm.

In 2008, Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa (BBBSO) created its first Ambassador group. This group made up of Bigs, Littles, parents and other supporters is out in the community sharing stories and increasing awareness all year round. We have had Ambassadors speak at Parliament, during the United Way/City of Ottawa golf tournament, at various companies, during our Board Meetings and more.