Looking for a meaningful relationship?

10,000 children are waiting for YOU
to become their Big Brother or Big Sister

TORONTO, September 1, 2004 

“With over 10,000 young Canadians on the waiting list eagerly looking for friendships with adult mentors, there’s no time like the present to get involved”, said Trish Barbato, National Board Chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada as she unveiled “ShareALittleMagic.ca” , a newly designed website and recruiting effort. The goal is to make it as easy as possible to volunteer and learn more about the positive impact mentoring can have on Canadian children and to recruit up to 10,000 volunteers by September 30 th , the end of Big Brothers Big Sisters Month across Canada.

“Finding a meaningful friendship is not as tough as you might imagine and more rewarding than you ever thought possible. The first step to becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister is just a mouse click away. For the mentors, it’s an enjoyable and meaningful opportunity to make a profound difference in the life of a child. For the child, it’s a chance to make a new friend and spend a little time with an adult who can open a whole new world of experiences.

“The relationships that develop are truly magical and are a great way for a child to gain selfconfidence and self-esteem and get advice on some of the tough challenges they need to deal with,” Barbato said.

170 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies in over 300 communities nation-wide are participating in this one-month campaign to ensure that every child in Canada who needs a mentor has a mentor.

“It is the single biggest recruitment campaign ever undertaken by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, and special events will be held right across the country to encourage volunteers to become mentors. Our aim is to have 10,000 visits to our website www.sharealittlemagic.ca on September 30th - one for each child currently on our waiting list,” added Bruce MacDonald, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada is the leading youth mentoring organization in Canada. It is committed to serving children and youth across the country by providing them with quality one-to-one relationships with volunteer mentors.

For more information or to organize an interview, media can contact:
Gabrielle Pauzé
Communications MECA
(514) 288-8500 ext. 236
meca.ca