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What Is A Mentor?
Think back to when you were a child. Was there someone, other than your parents
- maybe a neighbour, a family friend, an aunt or uncle, a coach - who shared time with you and made you feel special?
When you become a mentor, you can do the same for a child, youth or parent.
It's simple. It's about sharing time: play catch, read a book or watch movies
and make popcorn.
Through our enrolment process, we get to know you so we can find the best
match for you.
Our matches are based on common interests and time considerations.
Our staff will be here to cheer you on and help you out if you need it.
So you're going to have all this fun, but you might be wondering if it's
going to cost you anything. It varies by program, but we encourage free and low-cost activities like going for a walk or bike
ride, or baking cookies. But if there is a cost involved, it should be shared between the volunteer and the family.
Who are our volunteers?
- kind caring people from all walks of life
- people who want to share a little fun with a child
- a big friend to a little person
Mentors are not:
- substitutes for parents or teachers
- providers of basic needs like food & money
Your Role as a Mentor
- Build a special friendship with a young person and have fun together.
- Take the lead on establishing the friendship.
- Talk, listen, support, guide, encourage - believe in them and help them
believe in themselves.
- Keep others informed about what you're doing. In most of our programs, you
communicate directly with the families involved and our staff. In-School Mentors communicate with staff at the school and
at our agency.
- Bigs pick up and return home their Littles, so a vehicle's an asset but
not necessary.
- Keep in touch with your Program Director and ask questions you might have.
We also really like hearing about the fun you've been having.
Our Role
- Be there for you.
- Do our best to match you with a young person who shares your interests and schedule.
- Depending on the program you choose, your Program Director will keep in touch with you through phone calls and visits
according to our follow-up schedule.
- Cheer you on and help you out if you need it!
No matter which program you choose, we'll be here for you!
Benefits of Mentoring
Being a mentor is about having fun. It's about sharing time and exploring
the world together. A mentor provides inspiration, acceptance, challenge, a sympathetic ear and exposure to new ideas and
activities. It's about sharing little moments to create big magic!
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