Big Brothers Big Sisters pausing intake for mentorship program in central Alberta

A Big Brothers Big Sisters file photo.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Red Deer & District is pausing intake for its mentorship program amid an “overwhelming” number of requests.

The community-based mentoring waitlist currently has more than 100 kids on it, according to the organization.

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For people thinking of volunteering with the organization, this is a good opportunity to do so, according to BBBS.

“Mentors and mentees in the BBBS Program are matched based on interest and personality, rather than a ‘first-come first-serve’ basis,” the organization wrote in a news release.

“This is done to ensure a genuine connection between mentor and mentee that will last.”

Potential mentors are screened and meet with some of the children on the waiting list before being paired up.

Once matched, the pair usually meets once a month to do activities they both agree on, with BBBS asking mentors to volunteer around four-six hours a month.

One mentor spoke in the news release about how rewarding it was being a mentor to a young girl, Hannah.

“At first, Hannah was a bit shy during our initial meetups, but as we spent more time together, her wonderful personality began to shine,” the mentor said.

“Our journey together has been filled with such heartwarming experiences, and I look forward to many more.”

The BBBS organization was founded more than 100 years ago and has been active in the Red Deer area since 1976.

Families and youth involved with, or at risk of involvement with, Child and Family Services who have referrals to BBBS will still be accepted into the program during the temporary pause.