In honour of Big Brothers Big Sisters month, BBBSLG staff spoke with volunteer mentor, Harley to see what mentoring means to her.
Harley was asked why being involved in the community and with Big Brothers Big Sisters is important to her. Harley responded, “As a child I was bullied, and I didn’t have very many friends. I’m the oldest of two and would’ve loved having a big sister growing up. Someone who I could look up to and have fun with. Our community is filled with so many amazing children who need that. Who need a friend, a family like figure, a helping hand. Anyone you need them to be really. Helping to shape a child’s future has been the most rewarding experience ever.”
When asked about the mentors in her own life, Harley stated, “My parents have been huge mentors in my life. My mom used to work for Big Brothers Big Sisters before we opened our restaurant. Both my parents are always putting everyone else’s needs before their own. I was taught that if I can lend a helping hand to do so. I see them so many times over donating to different causes, helping family and friends, even strangers out when they are in a time of need. They taught me that when we band together, we are stronger. And sometimes that’s exactly what a child needs – is someone on their team. Thanks to their influence I volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters (have for a few years now) and am often putting others needs before my own. My parents are someone myself and many others can count on and strive to be like them.”
Harley went on to explain her favourite things about being a mentor and being involved with BBBS. “Being a Big is so rewarding. When I first matched with my little, I did the In School Mentoring Program. At the time she was only 7. We had a blast playing in the gym at school. Then post pandemic I decided it was time to continue or match. Now she’s 10 and we are part of the Big Sisters program. Seeing the smile on her face when we hang out and how proud she is of her accomplishments makes me so proud to be a part of this program. She is catching up in school, doing amazing with her reading and writing (the school is noticing) and learning so much about the world. And I get to be a part of that. We often talk about the future and she’s always saying, “I want to be like my big sister.”. We often spend our days together baking, playing outside, making crafts and eating at my family’s restaurant but we have also enjoyed going to the movies and local events.”
Harley was asked, “what would you say to someone that is considering being a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters?”. Harley said, “Just do it. 1 hour a week. That’s all you need. And I’m sure we all have 1 hour that we could give. That one hour makes a HUGE difference in a littles life – Not even just the little but their family as well. There are so many children out there who are ready to bloom waiting for a guiding hand to help them out and not enough volunteers. If I could help even more I would. But that’s why the program needs you. 1 hour. Once a week. You have that time. It’s the most rewarding thing I have done.”