Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Simcoe - Information about being a "BIG"

Information and Common misconceptions about Bigs and Littles:

Who can volunteer?

A caring individual who is a minimum age of 19. There is no maximum age limit! Seniors make great Mentors!
You don't have to be Superman, Superwoman, rich, young, well-educated or anything else you may fear you have to measure up to. We are looking for people who want to make a diference in the lives of children. Do you? Then volunteer to be a mentor!

How old are the Littles?
Littles must be between the ages of six and sixteen.

What is the basic commitment of a Big ?
Being a Big Brother or Sister does not take a lot of time. Bigs spend an average of two to four hours per week with their Littles and commit for a minimum of one year.

Will an applicant be matched to a child from any part of the city?

We try to match a Big to a Little who lives close by. We also match volunteers with Littles who have similar interests and personalities.

Are Bigs Brothers to help with family issues?

A Bigs responsibility is to spend time with his/her Little, and is discouraged from getting involved in family dynamics. Our support and guidance ensures that clear boundaries are maintained.

Is there a cost involved in being a Big ?

Being a Big does not take a lot of money. We encourage volunteers to choose activities that are no-cost or low cost. We help out by offering a "priviledge Card" Program for free or low-cost activities and outings.

The program is meant to spend quality time together. It’s not always necessary to do exciting activities or to spend money.

Does the agency stay involved once the match is started?

We provide on-going support and monitoring. Our caseworkers are available to deal with any questions or concerns you have. MAtch monitoring occurs on a regular basis. We also provide agency sponsored activities so that Bigs and Littles can meet each other.

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		Information and Common misconceptions about Bigs and Littles: Who can volunteer? A caring individual who is a minimum age of 19. There is no maximum age limit! Seniors make great Mentors! You don't have to be Superman, Superwoman, rich, young, well-educated or anything else you may fear you have to measure up to. We are looking for people who want to make a diference in the lives of children. Do you? Then volunteer to be a mentor! How old are the Littles? Littles must be between the ages of six and sixteen. What is the basic commitment of a Big ? Being a Big Brother or Sister does not take a lot of time. Bigs spend an average of two to four hours per week with their Littles and commit for a minimum of one year. Will an applicant be matched to a child from any part of the city? We try to match a Big to a Little who lives close by. We also match volunteers with Littles who have similar interests and personalities. Are Bigs Brothers to help with family issues? A Bigs responsibility is to spend time with his/her Little, and is discouraged from getting involved in family dynamics. Our support and guidance ensures that clear boundaries are maintained. Is there a cost involved in being a Big ? Being a Big does not take a lot of money. We encourage volunteers to choose activities that are no-cost or low cost. We help out by offering a "priviledge Card" Program for free or low-cost activities and outings. The program is meant to spend quality time together. It’s not always necessary to do exciting activities or to spend money. Does the agency stay involved once the match is started? We provide on-going support and monitoring. Our caseworkers are available to deal with any questions or concerns you have. MAtch monitoring occurs on a regular basis. We also provide agency sponsored activities so that Bigs and Littles can meet each other.