Big Brothers Big Sisters of Humboldt and Area announced that they received quite the grant last spring.

BBBS received $5,000 from the Saskatchewan CN Community Board for the Embracing Potential Initiative in the spring of 2020.

The Embracing Potential initiative is a project that will allow BBBS of Humboldt and Area to recruit more volunteers and reduce the number of children waiting for a mentor.

The importance of mentoring cannot be overestimated. Research has shown that mentored children become more civically engaged adults; they are 50% more likely to volunteer; 78% less likely to rely on social assistance; 13% more likely to donate to charity; 17% more likely to be employed; and 47% hold senior leadership positions. Youth with a sense of pride, a feeling of purpose, a faculty of belonging and acceptance means a brighter future not only for the youth but also for the local community.

“The CN Community grant will allow our agency to continue to inspire adults in our community to volunteer to be a friend and mentor to a child in need. We all know that a support system is a key to developing and striving for your full potential. Our youth are the future and providing them with a solid foundation will increase their odds for success.” says Jodie Hergott, Development Coordinator for BBBS of Humboldt & Area.

“We are happy to be able to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Humboldt’s Embracing Potential Initiative”, said Brad Wall, Chair of the Saskatchewan CN Community Board. “The CN Community Board knows there are many great role models in the province, and we hope this initiative inspires local adults to step up as a mentor.”

BBBS of Humboldt and Area’s mentoring program provides boys and young men with a role model to talk to and share the experiences of growing up. BBBS program connects mentors and mentees with common interests and supports them with an experienced caseworker. The result is a life-changing experience for both the mentor and the mentee.