Could You be a Big Buddy?

Pamela Hanon, a retiree from Aldergrove, British Columbia, had wanted to work with underprivileged children for years; however, there never seemed to be an opportunity. When she looked into training programs, they all seemed to require too much time and money to suit her busy life.

Then, about four years ago, she spotted an ad in the local newspaper asking for volunteers to join the Big Buddy mentoring program. It didn’t cost anything to sign up, and the time requirements were minimal. Pamela knew she had finally found her niche.

Big Buddies are similar to the programs Big Brothers and Big Sisters, but instead of spending several hours a week with their “little buddy,” Big Buddies only meet with their partners for one hour per week in the child’s school. During this time, they do crafts, play games, enjoy a meal together or just talk.

The program is specifically designed for people who work or have limited time for volunteer activities. Although one hour a week may not sound as if it would make much difference in the life of a child, Pamela’s experience proves otherwise.

Pamela has worked with three children over the past four years, each of them in grades two to four. The first girl she was partnered with came from a dysfunctional family, according to Pamela, and she was rather shy and quiet. But as they continued to meet over the ensuing two years, the girl began to open up and confide in Pamela about her life. Their relationship developed to the point where, even now, two years later, the girl will still stop Pamela on the street when she sees her just to talk.

“It gives me a good feeling to know that she still remembers and enjoyed her time with me,” Pamela says. “Some children live horrendous lives. If an hour a week can make a difference, then it’s worthwhile.”

Learning about what children today are going through is one of the main ways Pamela has benefited from the program. It has taught her to be patient with children and to not push them to open up. She says you never know what’s going on in their lives.

Being a Big Buddy has also enhanced Pamela’s relationship with her own grandchildren. Prior to joining the program, Pamela wasn’t one for doing crafts. But crafts were something her first little buddy enjoyed, so she decided to educate herself in this area. Now when she visits with her own grandchildren, one of the first things they ask her is if she’s brought some crafts along.

Although being a Big Buddy takes more than one hour a week (when you consider the preparation time), Pamela highly recommends it to anyone who has a small amount of time to devote to volunteer activities.

She says seniors are especially suited to this type of work. “If your grandchildren are miles away or all grown up, this is a wonderful opportunity to get back in touch with children again.”

You can become a Big Buddy on your own initiative!

Reprinted with permission from Retirement With a Purpose

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