Photo: Big Brothers Big Sisters Grande Prairie & Area Facebook page.

By Shane Clausing

big brothers big sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters Grande Prairie seeking mentors

Oct 25, 2021 | 6:00 AM

Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Grande Prairie says it is looking for mentors in the community to help have a positive impact on the lives of youth.

Executive Director Corrine Patterson says there are many youths, especially boys, who are looking for mentors.

“Right now, our waitlist is almost up to 40 youth. Those are 40 youth that aren’t getting those connections they really need right now, and this is when they would need them the most. The majority of the kids on that waitlist are boys. We have real trouble finding male mentors in this area.”

Becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister doesn’t require a lengthy time commitment. Patterson says all they’re asking for is for a mentor to spend a few hours a week with a youth.

“We do ask for 4-8 hours a month that you would donate to spend with your little brother or little sister. That (time spent) can be as simple as including them in a family dinner, a bike ride you go on, a hockey game, just kind of include them in the things you do in your daily life.”

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Patterson tells EverythingGP most of the activities available to youth and their mentor are completely free.

“We try to support them as much as possible when they do outings or activities outside of their home,” she said.

In the past, Big Brothers Big Sisters have gotten free Storm tickets, movie passes, and other activities, so the mentor doesn’t have to pay out of pocket.

They also unveiled a new multi-purpose facility in Grande Prairie.

“We’ve developed a 7,000 square foot facility with just about all you could want in a drop-in centre. It has games, a theatre room, arcade games, pool tables and all kinds of stuff. That space is available for big brothers to bring their littles to and spend their time where it doesn’t cost them any money.”

You can become a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters by visiting their website. You can also learn more about their events and other things happening within the facility.