John Conway gets to bake cookies and shoot hoops once a week during the school year by volunteering his time as a Big Brother.
"Bob Elite" is a pseudonym chosen by his Grade 6 little buddy, as anonymity of children in the program is ensured.
"I waited for six months [for a big buddy]," said Elite. "You get to have fun and get out of class."
The Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization is a lot more than getting kids out of spelling tests, which is what Elite's classmates were doing while he played a board game with Conway.
"Recipients of these programs are less likely to begin illegal drug use and criminal behaviour, are less likely to skip school, and they realize their potential," said Pat Wenger, club community liaison on the Coast.
The In-School Mentoring Program was added to regular programming by Big Brothers/Big Sisters and is a co-operative effort of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, school districts, local schools and communities.
Wenger started the program in late 2008 at West Sechelt, Sechelt and Gibsons elementary schools. She plans to add Kinnikinnick and Cedar Grove schools this month.
"It's still somewhat in its infancy," Wenger said. "I have great partners and have been fundraising in the community. Referrals [of children] have been the slowest part."
The reasons children qualify for mentorship vary and are not necessarily because they lack a same-sex parent. Parents, teachers and caregivers can nominate a child for mentorship at their school.
"Sixty per cent of the children come from single parent homes and the needs are different. They can be from blended families, foster families, families with many kids in them, or if they're missing a gender of parent," added Wenger.
She said both children who are bullied and bullies are candidates for mentorship, as are children who lack confidence or who exhibit at-risk behaviours.
Conway jumped at the chance when his boss Marilyn Magas offered the opportunity to her staff. He went through an intensive recruitment and training process before being matched with Elite.
"Volunteering fills you up," Conway said between bites of raw cookie dough that he and Elite were going to bake. "To be selfless you have to be selfish. I go home knowing I'm contributing. I am part of a proactive solution. Instead of talking about it, I'm doing it. It keeps me in touch with the age group, with kids, because I hang out with them."
Wenger said she has a great relationship with Sunshine Coast RCMP and several members are now trained as mentors. Mentors spend one hour per week during the school year with a child with whom they share common interests. All activities take place at the school and supplies are provided.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters is a not-for-profit agency. Wenger is looking for individuals or businesses for the adopt a school program. She said it costs about $5,000 to run the program in one school for the year.
Thus far, M. Magas and Associates, the three IGAs, Lions Club of Sechelt, Gibsons Building Supplies, Rotary Club of the Sunshine Coast and Sunshine Coast Community Foundation have donated money in support of the in-school mentorship program.
"If you even have just that one person in your court, it can mean all the difference. It made a difference in who I turned out to be" Wenger said.
To refer a child or to apply to volunteer, contact Wenger at 604-741-5651 or see www.bigbrothersvancouver.com where volunteer links are provided.
