Big Brothers Big Sisters Kicks Off its 100 Men in 100 Days Campaign

Big Brothers Big Sisters, serving Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Highlands, Hardee, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry, and Collier counties, launches its “100 Men in 100 Days” campaign to encourage men to become Big Brothers and volunteer with the organization. The recruitment campaign comes at a good time, as 123 boys are waiting to be matched with a positive male role model.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is incredible potential. The organization makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers ("Bigs") and children ("Littles"), ages 6 through 21 in communities across their footprint. They develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.

Mentoring is one of the most rewarding, enjoyable, and simple things a volunteer can do. For as little as one hour a week, volunteers can add joy to a child's life, ultimately contributing significantly to his or her potential. It Takes Little To Be Big!

Big Brother Desmond Lindsay has been mentoring Zane for two years. He has seen firsthand the impact a positive role model has on a child’s life.

“Being a big to Zane has been an absolute joy," said Lindsay. "I was initially nervous about having such a young Little, but over the past two years, Zane and I have become inseparable. From asking silly questions to always being excited about something, no matter how small, being Zane's Big Brother has shown me the tremendous impact joining the Big Brothers Big Sisters program can have on a child's life… just by being present.”

Research shows that having the positive influence of a “Big” makes a real difference in a child's life. According to independent studies, “Littles” experience improvements in academic performance, behavior, and relationships at home and elsewhere.

To learn more, or to become a Big and contribute greatly to a child’s potential, please call (855) 501-BIGS (2447), or visit www.bbbssun.org.

For 55 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has been matching youth in meaningful, enduring, professionally supported mentoring relationships with adult volunteers who defend their potential and help them achieve their biggest possible futures. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has served over 1,500 youth across a 10-county footprint this past year. Learn how to get involved at www.bbbssun.org