Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph Campaign Aims to Recruit 50 New Mentors
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph (BBBSG) will be spending the next seven weeks trying to recruit new mentors.
As of Monday, they are launching a recruitment campaign called 50 MENTors in 50 days.
In a press release, the campaign aims to encourage “male identifying” individuals to join the campaign and help mentor a young man in Guelph.
“What we generally find is that young boys in the community who need a mentor tend to wait about twice as long as young girls,” said Michael Treadgold, executive director of the BBBSG.
“We are therefore looking to increase the total base of our volunteer organization by bringing in new trained and trusted adult volunteers to serve as mentors to children in the community.”
The BBBSG and other organizations that rely on volunteers continue to face the challenges posed by the pandemic.
“We have 107 young men on our waiting list,” said Case Manager Andrea Azevado.
“You have to wait 18 to 24 months to get a Big Brother because of the lack of available male volunteers. »
Treadgold adds that they are on a downward trend and want to close the gaps as quickly as possible.
“We try to be creative, look for opportunities to get involved in the community and make sure they reach different corners of Guelph. »
The campaign will include social media, radio, Spotify, signs on bus shelters and at the University of Guelph, as well as coasters and coffee pouches at many local businesses. It is funded in part by the federal government’s Community Services Recovery Fund.
BBBSG is looking for men capable of devoting a few hours a week to mentoring a young man, whatever his origin.
“We welcome people of all experiences, diversities, cultures and ethnicities,” Treadgold said.
“What we are looking for is someone who is dependable, consistent and has a pa*sion for giving back and supporting the well-being of the child in the community. »
THE 50 MENTors in 50 days the campaign runs from September 11 to October 30. For more information, you can check their website.
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