The well-known charity celebrated “Big Brothers Big Sisters Month” in September, and is putting out the call for Langley residents to get involved!

“Oh, I’ve always known about Big Brothers Big Sisters. But I don’t know how it works.” This is the usual response people coming off the street give to the question “how did you learn about Big Brothers Big Sisters?”

The charity is well known and well thought-of by the general public. So why is there always a shortage of volunteers compared to children in need? “The biggest challenge we face is in helping people understand that they hold the power to making a difference in a child’s life in their own hands,” says Mary Reeves, Executive Director. “Volunteers who get involved at Big Brothers Big Sisters are from all walks of life, all economic and educational backgrounds, all cultures, and all age-ranges. What brings them to our office is a desire to give some of their time and attention to a child who needs a friend, and we take it from there.”

“The most important thing I would love everyone to understand is that they don’t need to change their lives in order to make a difference in a child’s life,” says Rebecca Baker, Manager of Program Services. “Its all about inviting a child to participate in the things you are already doing – the hobbies you love, the activities you do on your evenings or weekends. It may not seem like that big of a deal to us - but for the child, it may be the difference between wandering the streets and getting into trouble, or spending time in safe company where they are accepted and valued for who they are.”

Volunteers have a choice of two programs to get involved with: “traditional” mentoring (the well-known Big Brother or Sister matching), or “in-school” mentoring. In-school mentoring is a great first step for someone who wants to get involved in helping out but wants to get a feel for how it’s going to impact their life or schedule. It’s a minimal time commitment – one hour a week – and since it takes place on school grounds there is no pressure to be creative in planning outings. There is no financial requirement for volunteers.

“Many people hear ‘in-school mentoring’ and assume it means tutoring. What it really means is that you get to play with your Little Brother or Sister on school grounds during school hours,” explains Rebecca. “AND you have the permission of the teachers and the principal. How much more fun does it get?”

The children involved in the program have been identified by teachers and/or parents as being in need of extra attention and support from a caring individual.

Here’s how it works: after you call Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley, staff will arrange an orientation meeting with you in which they will explain their programs and answer any questions you might have. You will receive an application and police record check form to fill out and return. When the application, your personal references, and the police record check have all been received and are acceptable, you will be asked to come in for an in-depth interview with one of the agency’s trained staff. Staff will explore with you your family background and life experiences, with a view of learning what makes you tick. The information from this interview will enable staff to understand your interests and lifestyle, which helps in matching you with a child you will hit it off with.

All volunteers are given Child Safety and Mentoring Training, in which you are equipped with the skills and tools needed to build a strong and supportive relationship with your Little Brother or Sister. A mentoring coordinator works with you on finding a child that you connect with, and provides you with support throughout your relationship with the child.

So what have you got to lose? Call or drop by Big Brothers Big Sisters today. They’ll bring new purpose into your life, and enable you to bring sunshine into the life of a child.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley is financially supported by individuals, business and the greater community, and could use your help to reach more families during these trying economic times. Visit www.bbbslangley.com for more information. They can be reached at 530-5055, and are located at #201, 20538 Fraser Hwy.