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Home My WebLink AboutThe Times Advocate, 2005-09-21, Page 15Page 15 9/20/05 10:10 AM Page 1 Wednesday, September 21, 2005 Exeter Times—Advocate 15 Help us make a BIG difference in a young person's life Friendships between children and positive adult role models are truly magical. For the mentors, they're an incredibly rewarding opportunity to make a profound difference in the life of a child. For the child, it's a fun -filled way to gain self-confidence and self-esteem. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES TO FIT YOUR TIME AND INTERESTS! CAN YOU HELP? If you have always wondered what it would be like to share some laughs and be a mentor to someone who looks up to you, now is the time to find out how you can help. Currently we have 32 children waiting with great hopes to be matched with a friend like you! THE PURPOSE OF BIG BROTHERS & SISTERS The purpose of Big Brothers & Sisters of South Huron is to provide a safe forum where children in need can form meaningful, positive relationships with caring adults, in order to foster their personal develop- ment. As a member agency of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (BBBSC), and Huron United Way, we assist our volunteers in building friendships, which provides guidance and encouragement to the children they sup- port. The magic happens as these volunteers share their time and interests with a child. FUNDING Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Huron receives no government funding to support the work we do within our communities. We rely on the support and donations of our commu- nities to continue to serve children at risk. We grateful- ly acknowledge the financial support of Huron United Way. BIG/LITTLE MENTORING Each mentoring match is carefully monitored with on-going support and training to ensure the success of each match The main focus of the match is friendship IN -SCHOOL MENTORING CO-OP Volunteer opportunities are supported through high school co-op and adult education placements. This program involves all the components of the traditional In -School Mentoring Program, as well as on-going training for the work placement R' experience of the volunteers. IN -SCHOOL MENTORING (ISM) The In -School Mentoring Program is a collabora- tive community project to promote the social, mental and educational well-being of 'at risk' children. The goal is to establish a one-to-one relationship to improve self-esteem and school interest for 'at risk' children. The Mentors are matched with a child to meet for 1 hour per week within the school setting for the duration of the school year. Mentors are often supported by their employer, receiving time from work to be involved in this program. BIG BUNCH/WAITING LIST PROGRAM This program was introduced to provide service to our waiting list children. The program runs every three weeks and provides the children with the opportunity to interact with other children on our waiting list. Children are encouraged to develop friendships, increase their social skills, and gain positive adult role models. The group has a supervision ratio of at least one group Big to every four children. KIDS 'N' KOPS PROGRAM The Kids 'N Kops program provides the children of our agency with the opportunity to interact with our area police force in a positive fashion. Through recre- ational, social, and education events, this program pro- vides the opportunity for positive peer interaction, increased self-awareness, increased self-esteem, and positive socialization skills with peers and adults. This one week mini academy combines information about all aspects of policing with recreational or educational activities in which the police interact with children in relaxed atmosphere. THANK YOU Thank you to all our wonderful and generous volunteers and sponsors. We are extreme- ly grateful for your time, commitment and financial sup- port. Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Huron relies solely on the community for financial support. Your financial donation entitles you to a charitable receipt and the satisfaction of helping our organization to grow. OUTCOMES OF MENTORING FOR CHILDREN Traditional Big Brothers Big Sister Programs Mentored children had more favourable attitudes toward school and better overall academic perfor- mance than non-mentored children. They also skipped half as many days of school. Mentored children were 46% less likely to initiate alcohol and other drug use. IN -SCHOOL MENTORING PROGRAMS 58% achieved higher grades in social studies, languages and math 60% improved relationships with adults 56% improved relationships with peers 64% developed higher levels of self-confidence 62% were more likely to trust their teachers 77% of teachers, parents and volunteers involved in the program reported increases in students' self-confidence. To increase our awareness, MasterCard has committed to donating $75,000 if we can generate 25,000 hits to the website www.sharealittlemagic.ca! What a great way to encourage all of our families, friends, neighbours, and colleagues to visit the site and consider becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister. It is one of the most important and fun things they could ever imagine doing. Making a positive difference in the life of a child has never been this easy. You can do it virtually from wherever you are right now. On September 23, just click on www.sharealittlemagic.ca, and let your mouse move you to mentorship. Friendships between children and positive adult role models are truly magical. For the mentors, they're an incredibly rewarding opportunity to make a profound difference in the life of a child. For the child, it's a fun -filled way to gain self-confidence and self-esteem. On September 23, experience the magic just by clicking on www.sharealittlemagic.ca. The Businesses listed below are very proud to sponsor Big Brothers Big Sisters COLDWC�LL ' BANI(CR All Points -Festival City Realty Pat O'Rourke res. 237-3762 M.J. Chanyi res. 235-1077 Dwayne Tinney Debra Pfaff res. 235-3889 res. 235-4189 For Real Estate Anywhere in Huron & Perth Counties "WE HAVE ALL POINTS COV- ERED" M Independently Owned and Operated Member Broker of Caldwell Banker Affiliates of Canada Exeter (519) 235-1449 407 Main Street, P.O. Box 2401, Exeter, ON NOM 1 S7 www.coldwellbankerfc.com Crib EQUIPMENT 38 MAIN ST. Tel: 519-236-4934 ZURICH, ONTARIO Fax: 519-236-7330 Email: cgfarm@hay.net R Townf bountry_ _ • BOWLING LANES • •� Parties • Leagues • Open Bowling CALL FOR HOURS OR RESERVATIONS Barb & Larry Robinson 38120 Zurich-Hensall Rd., Zurich, Ont. TEL: (519) 236-4923 Fax: (519) 236-4258 !Y! ELECTRIC LTD. PLUMBING HEATING & ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS 137 THAMES ROAD EAST EXETER, ONTARIO NOM 1S3 TEL: (519) 235-1516 FAX: (519) 235-0507 ESTABLISHED IN 1978 143 Thames Road E. Exeter 235-2867 Fax: 235-2497 FERGUSON APIARIE S (519) 236-4979 Hwy. #84 between Hensall & Zurich Open Thurs. to Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bill & Rosemary Ferguson KR Keller Roofing & Sheet Metal inc. 800 -770 -ROOF 235-3643 CHEVROLET PONTIAC n1-IIc suTcx c " ZUl�er�e 9nieosd4 Veyiet" 640 Main St. S., Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S1 Optimum USED VEHICLES rl (519) 235-0363 1-800-265-3476 Fax: (519) 235-1685 CHEVROLET GMC PONTIAC -BUICK