Big Brothers Big Sisters looking for 10 Big Believers in 30 days. (Facebook/BBBS of Humboldt and Area)

By Angie Rolheiser

BBBS Month

Humboldt Big Brothers Big Sisters looking for Big Believers

Sep 10, 2020 | 1:00 PM

September is Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) month and the Humboldt chapter is launching their Big Believers monthly donor program.

The program is a planned long-term approach to ensure youth continue to have supports now and into the future.

Development Coordinator Jodie Hergott told northeastNOW fundraisers have been put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As a Big Believer, you can work side by side with us to make those long-lasting improvements to the lives of youth in the community,” Hergott said.

Becoming a Big Believer costs as little as $10 a month.

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The agency has been matching young people aged six to 15 with caring volunteers for 40 years in the Humboldt area.

The goal is to find 10 Big Believers in 30 days as well as looking to reduce their waitlist. There are 25 children on the wait list for a big brother or big sister.

“Some of those kids have been on the wait list for three years so we are really working hard to find them a mentor and special friend,” Hergott said.

Most children are experiencing increased anxiety and stress with the COVID-19 pandemic with the Children’s Help Phone seeing a 350 per cent increase in calls over the course of the past six months.

There are less people stepping up to become a mentor as a result of the pandemic as well.

“People are a bit hesitant probably not knowing what the restrictions are but we have moved to a virtual platform so our matches can still meet weekly,” Hergott said.

The benefits of the BBBS program are plentiful but as an example Hergott said youth have seen improvements in listening better at home, concentration, and social skills.

As a Big Brother or Big Sister, volunteers are expected to be good listeners and just be there for the youth.

“Matches are made based on common interests and time is spent talking about those interests and the youths are able to ask advice from a friend or adult that has life experience,” Hergott said.

BBBS agencies across Canada will be recognizing September as BBBS month and all the ways volunteer mentors support 40,000 Canadian youth annually.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser