It's back-to-school time again for little Austin's Big Brother
Monday, September 15, 2008 Winnipeg Free Press
Erin Madden / Volunteers

Despite having finished school decades ago, the back-to-school September routine is an exciting time for James Letwin.

The volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters and lifelong Winnipegger serves as an in-school mentor. For one hour each week during the school year, he spends time with his little brother in the school setting. Together they play games, participate in sports and spend time chatting. This September marks Letwin's fifth school year as a volunteer with the program and his second with Austin, the little brother with whom he is currently matched. Big Brother James Letwin enjoys being a mentor and role model for schoolkids.

"I have great memories about my elementary school, so whenever I walk into the school it takes me back over 35 years," Letwin said. "Now I'm back in elementary school and I see all the drawings and the artwork -- it takes me away from my work during the day and puts me into a different environment for an hour."

Letwin said that one day he would like to become a Big Brother in the organization's traditional matching program, but for now, his career does not allow him to make such a large time commitment. He said the in-school mentoring program is perfect for him until that day comes.

"I take time out during my work day, as a lot of other volunteers do, to commit ourselves to a little child," explained Letwin, 46, a mechanical engineer technologist who lives in Riverbend. "I've got the flexibility because I run my own business, so I can leave my office whenever I want and this way it makes it convenient for me to get down there."

Letwin said he believes in the mentoring program and the profound difference it makes for the little brothers and sisters who participate. For the two children he has mentored during his time with the organization, he has enjoyed serving as a role model and been impressed by changes the children have gone through.

"As opposed to last year, (Austin) is more sociable, he's more talkative now. He was very quiet for the first three months and very seldom would we get into a lot of conversations, but he was definitely interesting to be around. I found that his level of conversation has definitely improved. He's smiling more as well."

Big Brothers Big Sisters needs in-school mentors around the city, particularly in the Elmwood, East Kildonan, West End, Wolseley and Unicity areas. There is also a need for male volunteers for the traditional Big Brothers program as well as for Empowering Justice and Refugee Youth Succeeding and Excelling programs. Aboriginal female mentors are also required for the Empowering Our Little Sisters program.

All new volunteers must complete an interview and mandatory training sessions in addition to undergoing a police record and child-abuse registry check. If you would like more information about volunteer opportunities, please call 988-9200 or visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization online at www.bigwinnipeg.com.