Rimbey Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is in need of mentors for the upcoming school year.
“We are desperately looking for positive role models for our long waiting list of children,” said Haley Klugist, program director at BBBS and Boys and Girls Club of Wolf Creek (BGCWC).
Rimbey BBBS already has about 10 children on their waiting list for this school year and, have already been notified, that mentors they had can’t continue this year, says Klugist.
No new applications for mentoring have been received so far, she says.
Mentors are needed for one hour a week to sit one-on-one with children in schools, or in the community, says Klugist.
“I think a lot of people get scared of the idea of mentoring … but it is only one hour a week.”
Mentors can play boardgames or do crafts with their little brother or sister, bake with them at school, or just sit and listen.
“I think it means the world,” said Klugist.
“Sometimes you don’t know the effect you’re having on a child but it can turn them around one hundred per cent.”
It can really give them something to look forward to in their day, no matter what else may be going on, says Klugist.
Some children may be struggling with friendship or conversation skills, or social anxiety.
“Mentors just need to be there for whatever the need of the child is,” she said.
“[Mentoring] has more of an effect than you’d ever think it does.”
Those wishing to become mentors can fill out an application form, and then they will need to get a criminal record check with a vulnerable sector check.
They will also have an interview with Klugist and undergo some training.
“Anyone can be a mentor but there is a process.”
Anyone 18 and above can apply to be a mentor, but teenagers interested in mentoring can also inquire about teen mentoring programs at their schools.
Klugist is pleased to announce that the BGCWC has expanded its “Wacky Wednesday” after school program to three days a week.
The program, where children play games and do crafts, is now called “After School Program” and runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Students in grades one to six can participate for a $2 per day drop-in fee, which helps cover costs.
Parents will need to register their children, but not for the specific days they will attend the program.