This article was first published in The Sheaf, the print newspaper of The University of Saskatchewan. It was an article inside Volume 92, Issue 2.
No, it’s not the reality-based television show that everyone seems to be talking about, but rather a reality with which everyone should be involved.
The Big Brothers Association of Saskatoon has declared in a recent press release a “state of emergency,” due to “hundreds of boys and girls waiting for male and female volunteers.”
“There are over 100 Little Brothers waiting for Big Brothers. Some have been waiting for two years,” reads the release. The agency has organized several mentoring recruitment activities as part of its Recruitment Month, taking place throughout September.
Early on in the month, the agency, in conjunction with the Big Sisters of Saskatoon, organized a drive at the Vimy Band Shell near the Bessborough with free hot dogs and entertainment. The goal of the agency this month is to reach at least 50 new volunteers, and is having a battle of the sexes to do so. “Will it be the men of the women who first reach the goal?,” questioned the release.
The most notable of these activities is the “24-Hour Emergency Plea,” being held on Tuesday, September 19th at 7:00 a.m., on the roof of Tim Horton’s on 8th Street. The event will run straight for 24 hours, until 7 a.m., Wednesday, September 20th.
Among the Big Brothers of Saskatoon are ten University of Saskatchewan students, two professors, and three In-School Mentors. Three additional university students who graduated in May were also In-School Mentors. These university members give at least one hour per week to children who are in need of positive role models and friends.
Among the university mentors is Ron Ferguson, a fourth-year commerce student taking a double major in Marketing Finance. Ferguson chose to become a Big Brother because “[I’m] helping someone else out and it’s rewarding, not just for myself but for the Little Brother too… I can be an influence in a young person’s life.” He adds that the 24-hour Plea is “a very good cause… and raises a good awareness [of Big Brother programs].” Ferguson will be attending the plea campaign himself on Tuesday evening.
This local chapter of a nation-wide agency, one of 175, was established in 1971. The organization states in its mission goal the desire to “foster and enhance the emotional, intellectual, and physical growth of youth… through the establishment of quality adult-child relationships.”
Any students or faculty wishing to become a Big Brother (or Sister) for a youth can do so by contacting the Big Brother organization via e-mail: saskbigbro@aol.com. Applicants will undergo an interview, two reference checks, and a no-cost police clearance check. Participants may mentor with one of various types: a traditional one-to-one match, an In-School Mentoring program, a couple match (two-to-one), a “big buddy” program (mentoring in a group setting), or e-mail mentoring.
In addition, the organization is having an information night on Wednesday, September 27th at 7 p.m. at their offices on 106 – 33rd Street East. While listening about various Big Brother programs and having questions answered, interested university members can also enjoy free coffee and donuts.
