Call goes out for Big Brothers, Sisters

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Winnipeg Free Press, Monday December 8, 2008
Reproduced with permission.
Photo: Phil Hossack/Winnipeg Free Press

One of Winnipeg's best-known agencies is looking for older siblings to spend time with younger brothers and sisters -- matching DNA not required.

Big Sister Shannon Lutter (left) and Ashley Murdoch show off their scrapbook.

"We're always in need of volunteers. We always have children coming in the door who are in need of a Big," said Andrea Gantzel, director of development and community relations at BBBS Winnipeg.

She's eager to add to the entire family, which includes 180 Big Sisters, 118 Big Brothers and 308 Little Brothers and Sisters (some siblings share a Big Brother or Sister).

Shannon Lutter decided to become a Big Sister three years ago. She was immediately matched up with Ashley Murdoch, now a 12-year-old, Grade 7 student at Salisbury Morse Place School. They go regularly to movies, concerts or the zoo. In the summer they'll have picnics in the park or go for walks. Lutter also helps out with homework when needed or provides advice on the mysterious and often frustrating creatures known as "boys."

"I don't have a little sister and she doesn't have a big sister," Lutter said. "We're a perfect match."

The sisters have also been singled out by BBBS for the scrapbook they've compiled, complete with ticket stubs, pictures and personal notes about their time together.

"I see Shannon as an older sister. She'll be there for me if I have troubles," Ashley said, adding she's also picking up pointers on how to be a role model for her own little sister, Trinity, who is five years old.

Would-be Big Brothers and Big Sisters have a multi-pronged application to go through before they're matched up with a younger sibling. There's an interview, four or five reference checks, a police reference, a child abuse registry check and participation in an orientation safety and mentor training programs.

The process takes about six weeks and helps BBBS determine which candidates are truly committed to becoming "Big."

There's also a process involved in becoming a Little Brother or Sister. (Most applicants come from single-parent homes -- there are some exceptions -- and they have to be between the ages of seven and 15.) After an interview with the parent and child and an orientation program, the child is put on a waiting list. Once matched up with a Big Brother or Big Sister, the relationship continues until the child is 18.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters have been in Winnipeg for 39 years. United Way has provided core funding since the two organizations merged in 1997. This year, the financial contribution was $259,900.

The United Way's annual campaign has raised $16.3 million thus far, more than 90 per cent of its goal of $17.8 million.

Chairman Bob Silver said his team is redoubling its efforts in the home stretch to bring in the final $1.5 million.

Gantzel said most people who have had positive mentors in their formative years know the difference they can make in the lives of a youngster.

"These children need that positive friendship, guidance and support. The reward (for the Big Brothers and Sisters) is they get to learn about themselves, give back to the community and have fun. It allows them to be a kid once a week," she said, adding BBBS also operates in Morden/Winkler, Brandon and Portage la Prairie.

Gantzel said the agency's mission is to provide mentors for friendship, guidance and support.

"Our research shows these kids are less likely to abuse alcohol and drugs, they're more likely to finish high school and they're less likely to become involved in gangs. It gives them a person they can talk to, an outlet, a friend."