Dennis Larocque, partner of the local masonry business with his father Brian Larocque, approached the agency after learning that local schools didn’t have the same ability to run music programs as they did when he was in school. “I found that really disappointing,” says Larocque, “ I know what an impact music had on my life, and I knew this love of music was something I could pass on to other kids.”

After contacting the Big Brothers Big Sisters office for LanarkCounty, a partnership was quickly formed. The agency has been working to create new mentoring programs, and agreed that adding music to a mentoring program would be a popular idea. Jennifer Miller, Executive Director for the agency confirmed that the new program is a direction the agency is excited about. “Dennis worked closely with our Program Manager to develop an outline of a mentoring program that would be based around music – a small group of children will be matched with an adult volunteer and the program will supply guitars for the group to use. Some children will never have picked up a guitar before, and the instrument will be the connecting factor to build a bond between the adult and child.”

It’s not an idea that is unique to LanarkCounty. In Stratford, the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency offers a number of skills based mentoring programs, most focusing on arts based programs considering the town’s vast array of theatre and art groups.

Mr. Larocque has been the driving force behind the launch of this program, and hosted a fundraising dinner on Saturday night to raise funds to purchase the guitars needed for the program to get started. The dinner, held at the Fall River Pub and Grill, was sold out within two weeks of spreading the word, and local musicians donated their time to make a fun filled night that over 50 guests enjoyed. $1500.00 was raised to purchase the instruments.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is now working to screen the mentors for the start up project, and would be glad to receive applications from others interested in getting involved. “It will be as successful as the community wants it to be,” states Larocque, “We need more mentors who love music and want to share that love with children. Funding is also needed for guitars.”

Front Line Music out of Perth has been a key partner in the project, providing guitars at a reduced rate and assisting with service of instruments and much advice.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County does not receive any long term or sustainable government funding, and welcomes donations from the community to keep their programs going. Tax receipts are available, and funds can be directed to certain programs or activities. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for a variety of events hosted by the agency throughout the year.

Mentoring programs offered by the agency help children in LanarkCounty find a supportive and caring adult volunteer. Mentoring is about the power of friendship, and children in the program see real life changing results.