Big Brothers Big Sisters Okotoks (BBBS) is looking for volunteers interested in making a difference in the life of a child.

Currently the Okotoks chapter has 33 wait listed youth seeking a mentor in either a community or school based program.

Laura Padget, Team Lead for BBBS Satellite Programs, shares they're seeking individuals over the age of 18 for their community program.

"The expectations around that role are: Being a role model, and someone who is able to get involved in the community, do activities, have some fun, spend some time getting to know that young person, developing a relationship and a strong connection with them."

Padget says volunteers typically spend about two to five hours a week with a youth doing activities such as sports, movies, going for ice cream, baking and more.

She shares although there are currently 33 kids on the wait list they'd love to have more volunteers available than that, as there is a thorough process matching youth with volunteers.

"That doesn't necessarily mean we just need 30 volunteers because what we do is match adults with young people based on common interests, life experiences and overall compatibility. It's always good to have a pool of volunteers that we can draw from in order to make sure we have a really good and compatible match."

Pagdet adds volunteering for BBBS doesn't just have benefits for youth, but for the community as a whole.

"It always makes us feel good when we're able to give something back, and I think it really helps people give back to the community. But being a mentor also helping develop young people into good citizens within our own community. One of the things we as volunteers get back when we offer our time is how the young people treat the community as a result as they grow older, and they give back too when they're adults."

If a one year commitment as a mentor doesn't suit an individuals schedule, Pagdet shares there are lots of other volunteer options on committees and event planning positions.

You can find out more about BBBS Okotoks here.

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