Big Brothers Big Sisters’ 2019 Big Book Sale (Image: BBBS Facebook page)
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saint John’s pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic has created new opportunities for future programming.
Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saint John, Laurie Collins says they didn’t cut any programs; instead, they altered formats to become virtual.
At the group’s programs and public events, like the annual BIG Book Sale, masks and sanitizer will continue to be used to encourage safety, while Big and Littles can follow provincial guidelines and meet maskless.
“We had a lot of in-school matches that were meeting virtually and some of our Bigs and Littles also met virtually for a little while, and then they were able to meet in person with the strict guidelines in place for transportation,” said Collins.
During the pandemic, Big Brothers Big Sisters Saint John implemented a new partnership with the Prince Charles and St. John the Baptist schools, the PALS Program and JDI to create a hybrid mentoring program of virtual and in-person communication.
“We’re excited to see that grow in the fall,” she said, adding the program will remain as a hybrid model. “That was an opportunity that came out of the pandemic, so we always try to be optimistic.”
Another new program creating more virtual opportunities is Big G Mentoring, where seniors are matched with young people.
“It’s a great virtual option for folks and going forward, it would be also a great option because seniors sometimes aren’t very mobile,” she said. “So if we were able to get them set up on the device they could easily log in and have the role of a mentor, and a substitute grandparent in some cases.”
Those interested in learning more can contact Big Brothers Big Sisters Saint John.
