My name is Michelle Riley and I would like to introduce myself as the new executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Quesnel (BBBSQ). I am looking forward to working with many community partners and families in our area. Please feel free to drop by our office at 368 Vaughan Street to find out the many programs we offer or how you can become involved with our agency. Office hours are Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., and Friday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
BBBSQ is busy planning their annual Golf for Kids’ Sake on Sunday, Sept. 7 at Richbar Golf and Gardens. Shot gun start is at 1 p.m. Hole sponsors to date are PMT and Nortech Forestry. Seven more hole sponsors are needed, give Joanie a call, 250-992-7257 for information. A big thank you to North Cariboo Community Futures for being our Presenting Sponsor. If you would like to participate call Joanie to sign up. A tax deductible receipt will be issued on the day of the tournament. A delicious BBQ will follow the golfing. If you are unable to play, you can still pledge or send a tax-deductible donation.
There are many children in our community waiting for a mentor. The funds raised from this event help us sustain our mentoring programs in the community and schools. The Teen In-School Mentoring Program afforded psychology and peer counselling students from Correlieu senior secondary the opportunity to be mentors to children in elementary schools during the 2013-14 school year. There were 112 teen mentors who underwent a vigorous process that included the application, orientation, key messages child safety training, interview, assessment and reference checks. These mentors were matched with students at Ecole Baker and Voyageur elementary schools. The volunteer hours worked by these mentors totaled 1,283.5. If these were paid hours at the current 10.25/hour minimum wage this would work out to $13,155.88.
This program is offered at no cost to the teen mentors or elementary students. Training, screening, transportation, on-site supervision and assessment are all provided. Mentors use the knowledge from their respective classes to anonymously record, observe and assess the mentee’s social interactions and general age/stage development. Mentors accumulate volunteer and career preparation hours for graduation. The impact on mentors and mentees is positive and rewarding.
BBBSQ is looking for business or corporate sponsorship for the Teen In-School Mentoring Program. If your business is interested or would like more information please give Michelle a call, 250-992-7257.
A big thank you to Staples for the “Stock the Lockers” campaign. We are now taking names for school supplies. Please call our office to put your name on the list.
Thank you to all our volunteers for your dedication in serving the children of Quesnel.
Michelle Riley is executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Quesnel.
