Big Brothers Big Sisters looking for help

More than 20 Hat children on waiting list for a mentor

Medicine Hat’s chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters says it is always looking for more mentors.

“We’re always in need — really, it’s Canada-wide,” said local Big Brothers Big Sisters executive director Holly Stadnicki. “We’re always welcoming new volunteers to the organization and encourage people to reach out if they are interested.”

There’s currently 16 kids locally on the Big Brothers Big Sisters waiting for a traditional mentor and another six or seven waiting for an in-school mentor.

“There’s really not a lot of commitment to be a big brother or big sister,” said Stadnicki. “It’s a couple of hours every week, if that, and it’s a fun time to hang out with your Little.”

Mike Lemeshuk has been a mentor with the organization for four years and says his time spent as a Big has been valuable.

“I’m a strong believer in the one-on-one mentoring relationship,” he said. “The relationship really adds a source of stability and friendship for children that would benefit from having that in their lives.

“It’s helpful for the mentor as well — the four years have been great for me.”

Lemeshuk says he and his Little do a lot of outdoor activities during their weekly hangouts.

“I try and give him a lot of say in what we do — I think it should be a two-way street,” he said. “We do a lot of skiing and snowboarding in the winter, we play frisbee golf — it’s nice to get outside and doing things.

“Watching a kid grow into a young adult has been fun and rewarding for me and it’s great to hangout when we can.”

Taylor Wong has been a mentor for less than a year but says volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters was a great life choice.

“I think there’s a lot to be gained from both sides,” said Wong. “It’s been great to build a relationship with my Little.”

Wong says she would encourage anyone interested to take the leap, make the call and get involved.

“I’d say to just do it,” she said. “It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made because I benefit from it, too.

“It doesn’t cost a lot of time out of the week and things are always easy to set up. It doesn’t take away from you time during the week at all and it’s a lot of fun.”

For more information go to — www.medicinehat.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Above: Mike Lemeshuk and his Little, Aidon, stand for a picture after playing frisbee golf.Left: Mentor Taylor Wong and her Little, Kya, take a picture together after baking some cupcakes. Wong has been with Big Brothers Big Sisters for roughly eight months and says joining as been one of the best decisions she’s made.