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September is Big Brothers Big Sisters month and September 18^th is BBBS Day. In Lanark County, the local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency will be ‘turning it teal’ to bring awareness to the power of mentoring.

Local communities throughout the County will be adding a touch of teal to their local landmarks during the week of Sept 15 to 21^st in honour of this local agency and it’s important programs. In addition, local levels of government will be doing proclamations naming September to be Big Brothers Big Sisters Month. This awareness campaign is to help amplify our voice in our need for volunteers to help ignite the potential of local children and youth through mentoring.

Mentorship is about connection. It’s about consistency and building healthy relationships that last. Mentorship is about helping each other learn and grow and find magic within ourselves to unlock our full potential. If you are a mentor, the rewards for you are endless. And for your mentee, the benefits are measurable.

There is scientific research to explain both why mentorship works, and how significantly it truly does change lives. When you mentor a young person, you’re providing a stable, healthy, committed relationship with an adult. According to the research, this type of relationship can protect a child from the effects of toxic stress experienced when living with childhood adversities. 

Neuroscience tells us that these nurturing, caring relationships help buffer the impact of adversities on a child’s developing brain. It also tells us that resilient children and youth grow to be happier, healthier adults. When you become a mentor, what you’re really doing is helping a child access their resilience, directly improving their life. 

According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, you’re also helping prevent negative health complications in adulthood such depression, anxiety, violent behaviors and substance problems.

There are almost 50 children and youth in Lanark County waiting to have a mentor in their life. For information about how you can be matched with one of these incredible young people, please reach out to cliff.woods@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca or call 613-283-0570.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County does not receive sustainable ongoing government funding. Fundraisers help cover the cost of trained social service workers that oversee the agency’s mentoring programs.

On Thursday Sept 19^th we will be hosting the annual Purse Event Auction at the Perth Civitan. There are still a small number of tickets left for this event and can be purchased online at https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/371caba6-08eb-46b9-a6fc-aa5d1e6dc02a and more information about the event and some sneak peeks at some of the brand-named purses up for auction can be viewed on Facebook @thepurseevent.