This is what it means to be a Big Sister and why I continue to support and donate to BBBS. In 2005, I became a Big Sister. Fond memories of our continued relationship lasted well into the 2020s. Her early troubled life created many challenges we addressed together. Simple activities meant so much to her. I kept many of her notes:
“My Big Sister had the opportunity to change a person’s life (me!), someone to talk to who understood, who inspires me. We saw Hanna’s Suitcase together, concerts at Centennial Hall, Avril Lavigne, picnics, walks in the park, time at Tim’s to talk and catch up. If I did not have a Big Sister, I would not have someone to help me through difficult times.”
As a mentor, time with my former Little was also a gift, a privilege to me. I learned so much about challenges facing young people and better understood how to recognize moments of distress and how to assist them during their life journey.
Her memories and Leo Buscaglia’s words still resonate with me:
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, kind words, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn life around.”
That is why I donate so BBBS can continue to live out its mission: to enable mentoring relationships and to ignite the power and potential of young people.
— Corrie