Volunteer Appreciation: Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin by Peri Hayes Matt Fenerty, Marketing and Fund Development Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin, introduces: “BBBS is a non-profit organization that supports children and youth by creating mentoring relationships with caring adult volunteers. Our mission is to support young people facing challenges — such as difficult living situations, mental health risks, or social barriers — by building confidence, resilience, and skills that help them reach their full potential.” This involvement is described as follows: “Volunteering with BBBS typically means becoming a mentor and committing to building a positive, consistent relationship with a young person.” Depending on the program, this can entail spending time with a ‘mentee’ on a regular basis, enjoying creative and outdoor activities together, as well as being a supportive role model and trusted adult in the child’s life -- and being dedicated to the program for a period of time, often one year for community mentoring. For the safety and success of these pairings, volunteers are screened and trained before being matched with a child. Moreover, matches are based on personality and shared inter- ests. As Matt offers, “Our staff ensures that all of our volunteers receive ongoing support throughout their time as a volunteer.” “However,” Matt proceeds, “Not all volunteers are mentors. If the commitment of being a mentor isn’t something within the realm of possibility, many of our volunteers make a huge difference by helping out at our events and fundraisers, or sitting on our Board.” Asked what their volunteer service means, Matt thoughtfully responds, “The volunteers at BBBS play such a significant
role in our community’s past, present, and future. Facilitating a friendship between a young person and a caring adult — that they can trust and lean on as they move through life — is something so invaluable for building confidence, connections, and preparing them for the future.” As Matt proudly reports, “Many of our volunteers remain connected with BBBS for years, even decades, and some relationships come full circle in a really meaningful way. It’s not uncommon for someone who once participated in the program as a ‘Little’ to later return as a ‘Big’, choosing to mentor a young person just like they were once supported themselves.” “Our volunteers are more than just mentors,” Matt declares, “They also greatly contribute to our many events and fundraisers, as well as sit on our Board of Directors. We have more than 60 active volunteers.” Those with inquiries are encouraged to phone 519-633-3830, explore their bbbselgin.org website, or visit their 146 Centre Street office.
Your Time Your Heart Our Strength
Thank you to our Amazing Volunteers You bring so much joy into our home!
350 Burwell Road, St. Thomas 519-631-1030
Volunteer generosity supports and strengthens care for patients and families across our community. Thank you for everything you do.
The Board Members of Christmas Care would like to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to our volunteers, our corporate donors, our individual donors, Ardent Industries (Steelway Building Systems), the City of St. Thomas, Elgin Centre, local Emergency Services, area schools, area places of worship, area service clubs, and our individual and anonymous donors. A special shout-out to all the local groups which provided donations of their services. Our community is most appreciative.
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Hometown St. Thomas • April 2026 • Page 63
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