NAME: TIM CROSS
for BBBS.
Who I mentor: Currently I mentor Jordan. He is 12 years of age and we have been matched for nearly six years. This is my third match. In the past I have mentored two other young people, Tim and Shea.
I was inspired by: My father once belonged to a group that visited people in hospitals. He would take them magazines and books to read, comfort them and talk to them. I think this established a sense of community involvement with me and inspired me to contribute to others and the community.
It helps if you can: Have a good sense of humour and are willing to have lots of fun. It helps if you enjoy participating in a variety of activities that young people like to do.
Things we do together: Bike riding, fishing, canoeing, walking the dog on the beach, hiking, cooking, playing board games, swimming, barbecues at Rabbit Island, helping with BBBS fundraising, hydrosliding, minigolf, rollerskating and attending community events.
Best experience / best thing about it: One of the best experiences has been salmon fishing at Anatoki Salmon Farm with other mentors and their young friends. We fished for salmon, smoked them, had a BBQ and the mentees won prizes for the biggest fish caught.
Another experience that was fantastic to be a part of was to help make the glass sculpture for the BBQ area at Tahunanui. My mentor and I designed the patterns, cut the glass and fired the glass in a kiln. We then glued the fired glass shapes onto the the BBQ surround.
One of the best things about mentoring are the fun activities you get to participate in while developing a very positive friendship with your young friend.
Best tip: Be yourself and enjoy all the experiences that being a mentor has to offer. You do not need to spend a lot of money as some of the best experiences and activities for young people are about enjoying just normal everyday things. The best thing you can give to your young friend is your time.
Heart-warming moment: My first match turned 21 a few years ago and he invited my partner and myself to his party and I felt privileged that he asked me to speak at this special occasion.
This is for you if: This is for you if you like to make a positive change in a young person’s life. This is for you if you would like to share the every day experiences with a young friend. This is for you if you would like to be part of a fulfilling and rewarding volunteer activity that not only helps your young mentee become a better person but also helps the mentor in many ways become a better person.
Become a mentor today - 03 545 9864 or www.bigbrothersbigsistersnelson.org.nz.