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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2014-08-20, Page 7Wednesday, August 20, 2014 • Huron Expositor 7 Becoming a Big Brother or Big Sisters can help provide a positive model Dave Flaherty QMI Agency For many local children, there is often a void of a strong role model in their life. A way to help fill that void is to become a Big Brother or Big Sister. Big Brother Big Sisters of North Huron currently has 27 volunteers who serve as a positive experi- ence in the lives of local youths. Elaine Osborne, case manager and executive director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Huron, said she would love to see that number back up to about 40 volun- teers, which was their numbers before the tor- nado of 2011. Osborne said since then their waiting list has become a little bit larger. "We currently have a waiting list of 17," Osborne said. "Life has changed for many people. Along with a decrease in the number of volunteers, we have had an increase in the demand for services." Becoming a Big Brother or Big Sisters can be ful- filling for people from all backgrounds and walks of life, Osborne said. Kelsey Johnston has been a Big Sister for about a year. She said she wanted to get involved with the com- munity and that being involved with the organi- zation "sounded like a lot of fun." "I've been a little sister before but never a big sis- ter," she noted. The experience has exceeded her expecta- tions, Johnston said. Upon her meeting her "little", Emily, she found they had a lot in common. They take part in activi- ties such as baking, going to the movies and mini - golfing just to name a few. Johnston said as much as she feels she is a good influence on her "Little", that effect goes both ways. "She has such a great imagination, it's just a lot of fun," Johnston said. Twelve -year-old Megan Ducharme has been matched with her Big Sis- ter Kristen for five years. Looking back, Ducha- rme very happy to have "an older person to talk to." "I've never had a sister," she said. Osborne recalled Duch- arme's anticipation for their first meeting vividly. "The day she met Kris- ten, she was dressed up so nice and had her nose pressed to the window because she was so excited," Osborne recalled. The two take part in activities such as playing board games, bowling, trips to the beach, baking and fishing. But more importantly, Ducharme said her Big Sister is someone she can "always talk to about my feelings." Ducharme's mother Melissa Diehl said the expe- rience has turned her daughter into a whole new Many benefits to membership with Huron County Museum Claire Carter Special to the Expositor Are you looking to add some culture to your sum- mer? Do you love a good bargain? The Huron County Museum has revamped its membership program, and has the per- fect solution for you. Your membership now allows you unlimited free regular admission to Grey Roots Museum and Archives in Owen Sound, Waterloo Region Museum and the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre in Southampton. Each of these museums feature great permanent and temporary exhibits. Featured summer exhibits include Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss (Grey Roots), Street Style, Museum Mysteries (both Waterloo Region Museum), and Be the Dinosaur (Bruce County Museum). Watch for another great museum to be added in the fall. As always, members enjoy unlimited access to the Huron County Museum, Historic Gaol and Marine Museum, as well as special perks like invitations to exhibit openings, discounts on children's camps, 10 per cent off gift shop pur- chases, and free admis- sion to the popular sum- mer program, Behind the Bars. If a family of four (two adults and two children) were to visit all included museums and attend Behind the Bars just once, the cost would be $119. A family membership saves $69 before register- ing for any programming! The membership also pays for itself after a visit- ing the museum and Gaol, and attending Behind the Bars. The cost of membership is $25 for an individual and $50 for a family per year. Memberships are also given to volunteers who contribute more than 20 hours of service to the Huron County Museum. To request more infor- mation, or to become a member of the Huron County Museum today, contact Claire at 519-524- 2686, ext. 209, or by email (ccarter@huroncounty. ca). person. "For a long time, she had a lot of social issues and I was growing really concerned about it," Diehl said. "Every since she met Kristen, I've seen a huge improvement in her self esteem. She is a lot happier." "I'm so glad Big Brothers Big Sisters are here for the young children. I think it is great for them to have a chance to have someone to lookup to:' Diehl noted while moth- ers and fathers have their part in child's develop- ment, it's good to have another positive role model in their lives. As mentioned above, Osborne said they are always looking for more such role models to fill their "Big" ranks. In addition to the tradi- tional one-on-one pro- grams, they also have the "Buddy Program" which allows kids on the waiting list to be able to partici- pate in services, which she said is very important because sometimes it can be hard on them. Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Huron is also the local intake agency for Canadian Tire Jumpstart, a program which assists children and their families with the costs associated with sports and physical activity programming including registration, cost and transportation. Osborne said they have processed more than 120 applications in the past year. "We are really proud of that...it's been very suc- cessful for the past 18 months," she said. Once someone makes the commitment to becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, there is quite a stringent screening pro- cess that ensures that chil- dren remain safe at all times. After that, the agency will find the best match between its clients and volunteers. "We look at how we can find the best match to address the youth's needs," Osborne said. Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Huron covers Goderich, Clinton, Bay- field, Auburn, Dungan- non, Blyth, Wingham, Lucknow, Gorrie, Brussels and surrounding areas in the northern portion of Huron County. Johnston noted that it is very flexible and not a huge commitment on one's times. She said she meets with her "Little" about every couple of weeks. Osborne, who has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Huron for 23 years, said the most rewarding thing is seeing youth who grow up with a positive role then becom- ing adults who contribute to the community themselves. Anyone interested in volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters can contact Osborne at 519- 524-4361 or e-mail bbb- snh@bellnet.ca. For more information, visit bbbsnh.tripod.com. www.seaforthhuronexpositorcom (§)SEAFORTH OPTIMISTS 2014 TRAVEL THE WORLD & CASH LOTTERY AUGUST WINNERS Bus Trip to New York Jason Gemmel! $100 CONSOLATION • Tom Workman • Brian & Janet Keys COM HO G SOON • BRAND NEW TOWN HARVEST Featuring everything Agriculture and our Rural Roots. Advertisers To be a part of this upcoming special feature, contact your local Sun Media Sales Representative. Booking Deadline • 2p.m. August 27.