Big Brother Big Sister Turns 80

80 Christchurch kids' lives impacted by adult mentors

4 August 2009. Christchurch. - The Christchurch arm of the international organisation Big Brothers Big Sisters is celebrating matching 80 adult volunteers with school children throughout Canterbury.

"We're delighted to reach this milestone, which means the organisation is having a real impact on lots of local young people and their families," says Big Brother Big Sister Christchurch's manager Matthew Button.

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.

"The evidence from thousands of matches worldwide is that these positive relationships can have significant impact on children who are achieving below their potential.

"We have been incredibly lucky with the willingness of local volunteers to make the huge commitment to our programme.

"Funders have also been very supportive, although that is getting more challenging in the current environment."

Mr Button said Big Brothers Big Sisters currently works with Aorangi School, Manning Intermediate, Phillipstown School, Linwood Intermediate, Shirley Intermediate, Casebrook Intermediate, Rowley School and Cobham Intermediate.

"We have some ambitious plans to expand the programme significantly throughout Canterbury," Mr Button said.

ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS CHRISTCHURCH

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Christchurch matches adult mentors with school children typically aged between 8-13. It is part of a national and international Big Brothers Big Sisters network. The organisation supports 80 mentoring relationships at schools throughout Christchurch.

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

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