Christmas and the new year have flown by for yet another year and many of us decided to make changes in the year ahead described as resolutions! Not I, for I decided not to make any resolutions as I feel I may be setting myself up to fail. You see, I absolutely love good dark chocolate so how could I give that up for the year! The mood swings, the cravings, trying to steal my kids' candy, my poor family ó AAAH!
So I decided on a wish instead! It is not about money and exotic holidays, big cars and expensive clothes ó it goes way bigger than that. It is about my work with children and youth; yes my job!
I work for an organization that delivers many different mentoring programs, school-based and in the community. Fact: Mentoring can provide life-changing experiences for so many children. Mentoring can make a difference ó children know that someone cares, it improves confidence and self-esteem, can improve attendance in school, promotes resiliency, laughter, friendship, enjoyment and many others things!
So, what is my wish? Well, it is to challenge the communities of Olds and Sundre.
I would like to throw down the gauntlet and challenge both communities to help me in recruiting 50 volunteer mentors from each community by the end of the year for one hour a week in school.
How hard can it be!
If I can match 100 mentors, I will personally give $100 to Big Brothers Big Sisters ó $1 per match, and nine businesses will also match that amount for a total of $1,000. I will award the community with the most volunteers with the prestigious title of "Making a difference and paying it forward award." To make it happen, I need people to give an hour of their time per week! So are you ready for the challenge? Then contact me at Big Brothers Big Sisters in Olds at 403-478-0039 or in Sundre at 587-796-1023 for more information.
Sharron Matthewman
Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring coordinator
Olds and Sundre
