Big Brothers Big Sisters: being a ‘Big’ makes a big difference in the life of a ‘Little’

“Coming out of it I have matches that have been matched four-plus years at this time and it’s just a friendship,” she says. “They enjoy working on cars together they have all of that connection piece.

“We’ve had Bigs that attend graduations. We have bigs that get the first phone call after their Little has been married now and is having kids of their own and they’re the ones getting the phone call. So it’s not something that just goes away. They develop this whole family and friendship part.”

She says more Bigs are always needed and the time commitment is flexible. It can range from one hour a week for in-school time to a few hours a couple of times a month for the more traditional Big-Little connection and friendship.

Matches are based on the interests of the Big, whether that’s going to sporting events, hanging out at the library or going bowling or whatever else they think will be fun and make a connection.

Holden says the biggest impact for Littles is having someone who consistently shows up for them.

“They get so happy when someone asks them how their day was. They pop by and wave at them when they’re swimming they get to introduce them to their friends their Big Brother,” she says. “They just light up knowing that they have somebody all the time consistently there for them. Not because they have to be, they’re not paid to be. They strictly want to just hang out with this Little and have so much fun with them.”

Holden says if becoming a Big isn’t for you there are other volunteer options.

If you can’t make the meeting on Monday you can call the office at 403-527-6640 with any questions. You can also find more information on the Big Brothers Big Sisters Medicine Hat Facebook page.

by Chris Brown

Big Brothers Big Sisters: being a ‘Big’ makes a big difference in the life of a ‘Little’

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