Volunteer of the Month, Warren Allen Sponsored by Royal Oak by Peri Hayes
Warren Allen has been an incredibly dedicated volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin (BBBS) since 1990. One decade prior, he became a Big Brother and Board Member in his hometown of Kingston, Ontario. Upon moving to the local community, Warren eagerly joined the St. Thomas Board. Warren supports their bingo fundraising, occurring three times each month. During his years of involvement, he has been in a Big Brother position for a boy in Kingston and another in St. Thomas. He has also been a Board Member, Board Vice President, Board President, and is presently part of the ‘Friends of Big Brothers Big Sisters’. Moreover, Warren has experience hosting various BBBS events and even committed to 24 hours atop of scaffolding as a means to raise awareness about their acceptance of volunteers. “Currently, my main support is helping with fundraising through our association with Jackpot Time (bingo) on Edward Street. Jackpot Time helps support us financially, along with over 100 other non-profits and charities.” As Warren reflects, “It was my Kingston radio station manager who told me it was important to give back to the community that supports you and your business.” Warren’s manager specifically recommended BBBS, acknowledging their demand for Board Members and Big Brothers. “So, I did,” Warren beams. “A mentor guiding a young person through their growing years helps the community in a very personal way.” “I always enjoyed the experience of interacting with other friends’ children,” Warren candidly expresses, “but I knew my lifestyle was not suitable for the responsibility of a child full-time. BBBS enabled me to help mentor a young boy as a brother, not a father. My first ‘little brother’, Marty, (then, aged 8), soon turns 50 years old and is living in Alberta. My second ‘little brother’, Adam, is now 42 years old and we have remained close friends to this very day.” BBBS welcomes volunteers for various levels of involvement. Warren encourages, “If you know someone able to spend a
few hours a month with a young person who is between 6 and 18 years of age, check out the BBBS of St. Thomas- Elgin website and connect with Executive Director, Carolyn Johnson, on how to become a Big Brother or Big Sister.” Otherwise, perhaps there are aspiring volunteers keen on meeting once a month with community-minded people as a member of their Board of Directors. “There are also volunteers needed as an extra pair of hands to help a few times a year with fundraising events,” Warren warmly notes. To conclude, Warren thoughtfully offers, “I would like to recognize the people who have helped BBBS of St .Tho- mas-Elgin contribute to the well-being of the community: past Executive Director, Barb Matthews; current Executive Director, Carolyn Johnson; the coordinators who offer guidance to volunteers with our community-based and school-based programs; plus, those supporting special events, marketing, and community engagement. The organization in St. Thomas has been here for over 50 years because of people who want to give back to their community.” Located at 146 Centre Street, kindly phone 519-633-3830 to contact a representative and explore the volunteer opportunities celebrated at Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin.
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Page 4 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2026
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