Steering kids in the right path
FRANCIS RACINE franci.racine@eap.on.ca
Big Brother of the year; it’s an honor Patrick Hyugen didn’t expect to receive. “I attended Big Brothers Big Sisters Volunteer night,” he explained. “That’s where I received the award.” But Hyugen asserted that he volunteers his time with the agency in the hopes of help- ing local children, not receive awards. “I do it for them,” he said. “It’s beyond rewarding for me and my wife.” The duo has formed a team that has dedi- cated nearly 20 years of combined volunteer time to the organisation. “My wife and I have what we call a group,” mentioned Hyugen. But what is Big Brothers Big Sisters? The organization, which is present within several cities, pairs up children, both girls and boys, with adult mentors. Here in Cornwall, they assist children from primarily lone parent families in Cornwall and S.D.&G., to achieve their full potential through mentoring programs with caring, responsible adult volunteers. InHyugen’s case, some of his little broth- ers were without a father figure. “I just try to steer them into the right path,” he added. His experience within the world of Big Brothers Big Sisters beganwhen he was attending col- lege. “One day, they had a representative of the agency come to one of our class and talk to us about the importance of volunteering,” he recalled. “I was hooked.” Patrick has therefore been a part of the organization since 2006. In addition, he is now part of the agency’s board. The first boy he was tasked with was only 11 years of age when he first met Hyugen. “It’s a very worthwhile cause,” he claimed. In the hopes of helpingmore boys, Hyugen de- cided to adopt more than one little brother. At the same time, his wife jumped on board and became a full fledge volunteer like her husband. Therefore, the duo had, at one time, three boys and one girl under their supervision. “It truly was and still is fun,” he declared. “But it’s a very big commitment.”
The volunteer outlined how, when the children are younger, it’s relatively easy to occupy them. “We brought them to a water- park, to themovies and to other fun places,” he admitted. “But as they get older, it’s harder to keep them interested.” He stresses that the children’s social lives
take off andmost of them start their first job. One of his previous little brother, who is now 21 years of age, has stepped up and is acting as a rolemodel for his younger broth- ers. “I don’t think he will join Big Brothers Big Sisters, but he definitely helps out,” Hyugen affirmed. “He gives a lot of advice to the younger children. He keeps them out of
trouble.” So what does the future have in store for the dedicated volunteer? “I’m certainly going to keep helping out Big Brothers Big Sisters,” he affirmed. “This is an organisation that gives a lot back to local kids.”
Bernard Charlebois, conférencier invité Le centre d’entreprise, la Chambre de commerce de Cornwall ainsi que la Corporation du futur communautaire de Cornwall et des Comtés unis organisent leur rencontre mensuelle pour le mois de novembre. En effet, Breakfast Connection, aura lieu le 16 novembre 2016 au Ramada Inn de Cornwall. Pour l’occasion, Bernard Charlebois sera le conférencier invité. M. Charlebois compte 25 ans d’expérience en tant qu’entrepreneur en technologie et en communications. C’est un professeur du collège qui est fasciné par l’utilisation efficace de la technologie pour les entreprises. Il parlera du comportement des consommateurs et de la nécessité de comprendre le comportement des consommateurs, afin de commercialiser efficacement les entreprises. L’événement débutera à 7 h 15. – Francis Racine
Fire chief appointed to board of national association Cornwall fire chief Pierre Voisine has been appointed to serve on the board of directors of the Canadian association of fire chiefs. Chief Voisine was appointed the board’s director-at-large and treasurer during a recent meeting of the CAFC in Ottawa. “It’s a huge honour to have been chosen by my peers to serve on the board,” said Voisine. “I look forward to helping with important fire safety issues nationally, which will ultimately benefit Cornwall.” Founded in 1909, the CAFC connects Canada’s provincial, territorial and allied associations and external partners for the advancement of public and firefighter safety. “Issues such as mental health for first responders, fire safe cigarettes and federal regulations on the movement of products by rail are but a few examples of the impact CAFC has had in Canada,” Voisine added. – Francis Racine
Le Journal, Cornwall
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Le mercredi 23 novembre 2016
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