When Paul was about nine years old, he was matched with his mentor Bob through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel. Together they went to Maple Leafs and Raptors games, did box car racing, hung out at the golf course, played catch and more. They were formally matched for about 5 years, but the friendship continues to this day.
Paul recalls the impact of having a mentor. “I think it’s cool that we can still maintain contact after all these years and get together whenever we can. Life long friendships.”
“Yeah we don’t get to meet up very often but when we do it’s very easy, it feels like not very long has gone by.” Bob notes. “We catch up on things and meet up on special occasions, birthdays, you know Halloween or Christmas or another holiday and you pick up like there was no time that had passed. We never feel nervous, it never seems like work. We just pick up with a ‘hey, how are you doing? what are you up to now?’”
The act of mentoring, when supported by an organization like Big Brothers Big Sisters, can have a lifelong impact on a young person and their mentor. Donate. Volunteer. Spread the word. You can ignite potential.