Matt has been part of the London community for years, working as a welder at General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada for the past two decades. At home, he’s a proud husband to Stephanie and a dog dad to Samwell and Renly. In his spare time, you’ll often find him hiking, camping, mountain biking, or unwinding with yoga.
When Matt decided to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, it came from a simple but powerful belief: the importance of giving back. “I felt I could be a good role model to a Little and was hopeful the experience would see us grow as friends and individuals,” he shares. That hope has become reality in his match with Spencer.
Their friendship is built on creativity, fun, and shared enthusiasm. Spencer especially loves Matt’s willingness to take on his crafting projects — whether it’s Halloween costumes or cosplay props, Matt jumps right in.
One of Matt’s favourite memories with Spencer happened during a visit to the Factory. After loading up their arcade card, the staff surprised them by adding a seemingly unlimited amount of credits. Spencer’s joy was unforgettable. “He went running from game to game, trying to earn as many tickets as he could,” Matt recalls. “At one point, he was playing two machines side by side, pulling both levers at once, with the biggest smile on his face. He earned a lot of tickets that day.”
Moments like these highlight the impact of mentoring. For Matt, the real reward is seeing the difference his presence makes in Spencer’s life. “I see the positive effects my mentoring is having on Spencer,” he says. “That’s what makes this experience so meaningful.”
We’re proud to celebrate Matt and the heart he brings to mentorship. His story is a reminder of the joy and growth that comes from simply showing up, supporting, and believing in a young person.