Embarassment of Riches for Mentoring Charity

Big Brothers Big Sisters press release

EMBARASSMENT OF RICHES FOR MENTORING CHARITY

Big Brothers Big Sisters overwhelmed with mentor volunteers

27 September 2010. Christchurch. Christchurch mentoring organisation Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is being overwhelmed with volunteer interest, says Manager Matthew Button.

"In the last 3 months we've had 2-3 people approach us every week about mentoring.

"Given mentoring is a one hour commitment a week for at least a year, that shows the incredible generosity of spirit amongst Cantabrians."

Mr Button said the profile of mentoring was growing, as people were beginning to understand how much impact positive adult role models can have on students.

The constraint on BBBS accepting volunteers was securing sufficient funding to extend the programme, "We have plenty of schools interested but we have to be prudent about expanding without sufficient funding streams in place."

The organisation is working with a number of organisations to secure those.

ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS CHRISTCHURCH

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches adult mentors - all of whom are volunteers - with a suitable child (typically aged between 8-13 years), who they meet with for one hour each week. Part of a national and international network, Big Brothers Big Sisters currently supports over 80 mentoring relationships at across the city in schools and in the community.

Funding locally is provided by Christchurch City Council, Wayne Francis Trust, Canterbury Community Trust, Lottery Grants, COGS, Child Health Services, The Blogg Charitable Trust.

ENDS

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