Light The Spark,make a difference

Robin Krafft, Post Contributor

September is Big Brothers Big Sisters month, and there’s still time to support Oxford County's Spark Campaign.

In Tillsonburg, 114 youths are currently served in Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs, but 27 kids are waiting to be matched in a one-to-one relationship with someone willing to be the spark that helps them realize their potential.

Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County, Kristen Ralph said that "the focus is on signing up or sharing the information with friends who you think might be a good mentor." If you’d like to be a mentor but don’t have a lot of time, they also need volunteers for in-school, after school and evening programs. You can find out more online or by calling BBBS Tillsonburg at 519-842-9008, ext 229.

There are a variety of volunteer commitment levels, from 10 weeks to a year. BIGS 101, a one-hour information session, is offered monthly (in person and virtually) so that you can learn more about the organization, ask questions, and decide if it's something you want to do.

There are leadership opportunities for high school students in the Team Literacy mentoring program, but all other volunteers must be over the age of 18. There is no age limit, and grandparents are encouraged to volunteer.

"Some of the children in our programs don't have grandparents," Ralph said, "so they would be very welcome."

All volunteers are given extensive training and support in order to start off their mentoring match on a positive note. "You're never alone," Ralph said, explaining that a professional case worker with social work experience and credentials will provide constant support and guidance.

"We're all working toward the same goals;" she said, "to make kids more resilient, to foster self-esteem, promote a love of learning, build relationships, support them in making responsible decisions, encourage constructive use of time, and help them with self-management and learning skills."

Ralph added that "sometimes people think too hard about it, wondering how they can change a child's life, but really it's just the little moments that make a big difference."

Was there someone in your life that made that difference? Ralph said that an important part of the campaign is encouraging people to "think about the person who was a mentor to you; where would your life be if you didn't have that person? It could be a coach, teacher, or parent, anyone who changed the trajectory of your life and helped you realize your potential."

If you're not able to volunteer, you can make a donation in honour of that person. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County receives no ongoing government funding. Money raised from the community goes directly into supporting their programs. Every dollar donated in Tillsonburg stays in Tillsonburg. There's also an online 50/50 raffle, ending Sept. 30th, which will support programs throughout Oxford County.

Help spread the word! Business owners can download the "Paint the Town Teal" campaign kit from the BBBSOC website. Add a “spark wall” in your place of business and start conversations about who sparked your journey. Ralph pointed out the impact of quality time spent with a child or young person, and how it can change their trajectory.

"It's about thanking that person," she said, "not necessarily big brothers or big sisters, but just generally how important these people are."