The evening’s theme was “Planting the Seeds” and throughout the evening many were recognized for their efforts to provide mentoring programs to children in all of Lanark County. Special awards were presented to Stephen Cotnam of Almonte for 15 years of volunteer service, and to Debbie Ryder of Perth for 20 years.

Elmsley Lombardy Pastoral Charge (the United Churches in Lombardy and Rideau Ferry) were recognized for their work for the local charity. Members of the churches volunteer at the agency’s thrift store, Jewels Gently Used Clothing, participate and help at events, and provide a Christmas dinner for the children and their families.

Big Sister Nicole Hodges was presented with a special certificate and gift from the family of her “Little Brother”. Nicole, as with all Big Brothers or Big Sisters, spends time each week with her Little Brother, and has been instrumental in his life.

All children and youth need someone to look up to. More than this, they require someone to provide guidance and advice, to give attention and praise - not to mention someone to have fun with! Children and youth can get this support from parents or caregivers, siblings, teachers, coaches - and also from volunteer mentors! The children and youth who come to Big Brothers Big Sisters seek an adult role model to talk to, learn from, and share experiences with.

Regardless of their name, all of the agency programs are about prevention and building resilience. The research indicates that by providing children and youth with positive role models, mentoring programs demonstrate to them that they are valued, and that they possess the strength to overcome the obstacles they will undoubtedly face as they grow older. Mentoring also plays an important role in the future direction a child will decide to take later on in life, paving the way to a future full of possibilities.

Every child or youth in Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs has their own unique story. Some may have grown up with only one parent, some may come from a family stretched for time or other resources, some may lack access to extra curricular activities, and some may have difficulty at school, either socially or academically. Just as every Little Brother and Little Sister has their own story, they all have their reasons why they are welcoming a mentor into their lives.

Evidence has shown that children who have welcomed a volunteer Big Sister or Big Brother into their lives:

Have increased confidence and self-esteem

Have enhanced social skills

Are less likely to use drugs or alcohol

Are less likely to get involved in criminal behaviour

Do better in school, and are less likely to drop out

While the above examples are more obvious ways that mentoring can help children and youth, mentors also have the opportunity to affect the lives of their Little Brother or Little Sister in ways that are more subtle but equally as important. For example, can you imagine being able to:

Share experiences with your Little Sister or Little Brother that they may have never had otherwise

Help them figure out what they may want to do later on in life

Talk to them as they deal with a difficult situation

Be there to support them and lift them up when things don't go well

Help them have fun, and be a kid!

In Lanark County in 2009, over 200 children were involved in the agency’s mentoring programs. This is a 74% increase from 2008. A Growth Award was received from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada recognizing this growth.