“Thirty-seventh anniversary aims to answer thirty seven wishes”

Be a part of the BIG picture

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg has some “BIG” plans, but it’s counting on you to be a part of the “BIG” picture.

Every September is Big Brothers Big Sisters Month across Canada. For more than 91 years, the Big Brothers Big Sisters program has made a difference in the lives of children – providing a friend, a caring adult, where one is needed.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is all about thinking “BIG.” Its goal over the next five years is to triple its volunteers. That’s 600 “Bigs” … and you can be one!

“It’s fun. It’s simple … just be a friend. When is the last time you went down the slide at the park or played a board game?” says Michelle Harrison, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg.

“But it’s also much more. We believe in the life-changing impact one adult can have on a child,” Harrison says.

“These relationships can provide the stability and support that’s crucial to a child’s healthy development.”

Research shows that children involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters:

• Show greater self-reliance
• Are less likely to lose their temper when they get angry
• Are less often sad, fearful, angry, frustrated and anxious
• Have more favourable attitudes toward school, skip half as many days and have better overall academic performance
• Are 46 per cent less likely to initiate alcohol and drug use
• Are 80 per cent less likely to rely on social assistance should they come from that background

“You just have to listen to the kids themselves,” Harrison says.

“My mentor makes school easier, better and happier for me. I want to be here more.” – Grade 5 girl

“I’ve learned how to have more fun and I’m more happier now.” – Grade 5 boy

“Now I play with things, like sports. I used to only watch TV.” – Grade 3 boy

“At the beginning of the year, I was sort of a bully, and at the end of the year, I am not.” – Grade 7 boy