The need for Big Brothers in the Stratford area is greater now than it’s been in the last seven years.

According to Altiera Essensa, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Stratford and District, the organization’s waiting list has reached 25 boys, the highest it has been since November 2004.

The need for Big Brothers is greatest in Stratford and surrounding communities like St. Marys, Milverton and Mitchell.

The boys on the waiting list are between the ages of six and 16 and are waiting to be paired with an adult male who can commit a couple of hours each week.

That time could be spent doing something simple like going fishing, seeing a movie or playing video games.

“It’s really all about having an adult they can call a friend,” says Essensa, who notes while the boys may all have different reasons for joining the program – some have difficulty with their own parents, come from broken homes or have father who is away often on business – they are all looking for the same thing: someone they can trust and look up to as a mentor and role model.

She suggests there are many benefits to kids who get paired with a Big Brother or Big Sister, noting there are studies that show children who have a mentor as a child stay in school, avoid risky behaviour and experience first-hand the importance of helping others in their community.

“Our kids are our future,” she adds, “so if we can make an impact to affect our children ... overall that is going to make a difference for the life of the community.”

The growing waiting list does not stem from a lack of volunteers. In fact, the organization is seeing more volunteer inquiries and men signing up than ever before.

The problem, explains Essensa, is most of the volunteers are choosing to assist with the organization’s school-based mentoring program rather than its community based program where volunteers are needed for weekends and evenings.

Essensa says she worries what the waiting list will look like down the road  if that trend continues and more kids enter the program, which she anticipates will happen as awareness about the organization and the programs it offers continues to grow.

“The need is definitely there and the need will always be there. If we can’t get (our waiting list) under control, what’s going to happen when that number keeps rising and rising?”

Typically the waiting list for boys is around 14-18. It’s been sitting at over 20 for the last four to five months, notes Essensa.

Conversely, the organization’s waiting list for girls is at about nine.

Some of these children may wait for up to two years before being matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister.

The process to become a Big Brother or Big Sister can take anywhere from two to six weeks and includes an orientation session, an application, interview and reference and police checks.

Once approved, the volunteer is then matched with a child based on same interests. Volunteers are asked to commit two to four hours each week to their child for at least one year.

“That way they actually do build a relationship,” Essensa explains.

 If you have ever thought about being a Big Brother or Sister, you can contact the organization at 519-271-7133 or visit its webpage at  www.beamentor.ca.