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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-09-16, Page 15Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, September 16, 2009 - Page 15 Big Brothers, Big Sisters spreading the word this September Gerard Creces signal -star staff Building friendships, giv- ing guidance and providing encouragement for kids who need it - September is Big Brothers, Big Sisters month and in Huron Coun- ty, the organization is tak- ing time to reflect on their many accomplishments, and the positive changes that can come from taking the time for those who need it. Such is the case with Dean and his Big Brother, Dwayne. Dwayne first took on the role of Big Brother about five years ago, beginning with the in -school mentor- ing program. Dean was first paired up with Dwayne while in Grade 4, and their relation- ship has continued into high school. The one-hour visits were about getting to know each other and Dwayne said each week, the two would learn a little more about the other. The two found common ground in sports, as both Dean and Dwayne were big fans of all things athletic. "We liked the same things," Dean said. "Like hockey." "Not the same teams though," interjected Dwayne. "He's a leaf fan. I'm a Canadiens fan:' During their sessions, it's not uncommon to find them playing an impromp- - to game of road hockey or catch, and Dwayne said their mutual enjoyment of sports helped foster their relationship. The two behave like old buddies do; telling jokes, talking sports and just get- ting things off their chests. Dwayne said one thing he hears a lot about Dean is how he has really gained confidence and has taken a more positive world out- look. "He has gained a lot of self-confidence," he said. "But his mother has seen a big change in his attitude toward life. His confidence has skyrocketed- especially since high school." Still soft-spoken, Dean does admit to gaining some confidence since he and Dwayne began their visits. "I'm not really shy as 44 Photo by Gerard Creces Dean and Big Brother Dwayne have been together for the past five years. Matched up through South Huron Big Brothers, Big Sisters' in -school mentoring program, they have been hanging out ever since. "It's an organization I've come to believe in," Dwayne said. "Otherwise, I wouldn't be president." much," Dean said. As time passed and the two saw each other regular- ly, the Big and Little moni- kers didn't matter so much as the brothers did. "We've become friends," Dwayne said. "When we're done a session, it's kind of disappointing." Dwayne said he got in- volved as a way of meeting people and as a way to help out kids in need. A fam- ily man himself, he said he was blessed enough to be able to give back. "I've been pretty lucky with my own kids," he said. "To be of help to someone who may be struggling... it's too bad you couldn't be a Big Brother to three or four kids if you had time." Though the time set out for Big Brothers is two hours per week, Dwayne said that is rarely the case. Quite often he and Dean will be out for the entire day. What they do, he said, is secondary to just spend- ing time together. "Whatever is happening that day is what's going on," he said. "With us, it is supposed to be a couple hours a week, but when we're together it's usually four, five, six hours." Dwayne is also the presi- dent of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of South Huron, and he said there is very little ri- gidity to the sessions. Basi- cally, it boils down to what- ever time you can spare, whenever you can spare it. "It doesn't have to be a planned event," he said. "Whatever you're doing, it's just to have some com- pany. "They just want to be in- cluded." Dwayne and Dean have increased their involvement with BBBS to more than just a Big -Little match. The two take part in the Big Bunch program - a month- ly outing that has Bigs and Littles spending time with kids still on the waiting list. Dwayne said the perfect scenario for BBBS would be to have a Big for every Little, however there are many more children than there are adults in the pro- gram. . "I just want to make sure there are Bigs for all," he said. To that end, Dwayne said he encourages anyone who has ever thought about be- coming a Big Brother or Sister to do so. The experi- ence is well worth it. "It's rewarding, so why not try it?" he said. "It's helping someone at some time in their life when they need it." Potential Bigs and Lit- tles' are asked a series of questions about their inter- ests and hobbies, he added, and the agency takes care to pair up those with similar preferences. The organization does come up with planned events as well, he said, so there is always something for Bigs and Littles to do together. Again, Dwayne said, it doesn't matter what you do together so much as you do something. A few hours here and there can make a lifetime of difference for a Little in need. Anyone looking for more information on becoming a Big Brother or Sister can contact BBBS of North Huron at 519-524-4361 or South Huron BBBS at 226- 268-3871. ••• ZQ••• Goderich Community ••r•. Credit t nion P.O Box 66 39 St. David St. Goderich, ON. N7A 3Y5 519-524-8366 www.gccu.on.ea To all members of Goderich Community Credit Union Limited NOMINATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS QUALIFICATIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1 A member of the Goderich Community Credit Union who is 18 years of age by October 16th, 2009. 2. A Canadian citizen. 3. A member who is regarded in good standing on the records of the Goderich Community Credit Union. 4. Qualifies under the Credit Union and Caisses Populaires Act and Regulations, and the By-laws of the Goderich Community Credit Union. 5. Complies with risk management policies of the Goderich Community Credit Union. 6. Will review and become familiar with the current By-laws of the Goderich Community Credit Union. 7. Will participate in training programs. Nomination forms are available at the Credit Union office. Nominations close Friday, October 16th, 2009 and must be delivered to the Credit Union office, Attention: Sandy Wilson, CEO. There will be no nominations from the floor at the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 @ 7:00 P.M, Saltford Valley Hall, R.R.#4, Goderich, ON. For further information about a Board of Director position or nominating procedures, please contact Sandy Wilson, CEO or Lawrence Lassaline, Chairman (519-524-6503). 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