Image from U of L

By Connor Gunn

Pronghorns, Big Brothers Big Sisters partner to serve community

Jan 26, 2022 | 1:42 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The University of Lethbridge (U of L) Pronghorns and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lethbridge and District are partnering on a new project to help out members of the community.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lethbridge and District has been serving Lethbridge since 1973 and currently offer a variety of mentoring programs that fit different volunteer schedules and commitments.

To date, 70 Pronghorn student-athletes have gone through the intake process and will be volunteering with Big Brother Big Sisters of Lethbridge and District.

The U of L says this number accounts for nearly half of total Pronghorn student-athletes competing for the University of Lethbridge this year.

Jen Visser, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lethbridge and District Executive Director, says this project will expand their resources to anyone in need.

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“We are extremely excited about the partnership with the Pronghorn Athletics and the University of Lethbridge, which will expand our reach in the community to support children and youth with a positive role model.”

“This partnership is monumental as it will expand our reach by the hundreds and is the largest intake of volunteers that we have seen in our history.”

“Student-athletes have signed up for mentoring programs offered in schools and in our community, these student-athletes will mentor children and youth to support them in realizing their full potential.”

Once the partnership begins, Pronghorn student-athletes will be involved with the community-based, in-school mentoring and the “GameOn!” and “Go Girls programs.”

Programs offered include:

Community-Based Mentoring

Our volunteer Mentors spend approximately 2 to 3 hours per week in a quality outing with a child. The commitment is for a minimum of one year. The child and the volunteer(s) participate in fun activities together. The volunteer’s primary focus is on the child and the building of a one-to-one friendship.

In-School Mentoring

Our In-School Mentoring program matches a volunteer with a child in Grades 1-8. In-School Mentors are neither tutors nor classroom aides, and the visits focus around non-school related activities. The volunteer Mentor and the student meet in the child’s school for one hour a week, for the duration of the school year, and spend time doing activities they both enjoy such as crafts, sports, and board games.

GameOn!

Is an all-boys group mentoring program providing boys and young men with information and support to make informed choices about a range of healthy lifestyle practices. Through non-traditional physical activities complimented with healthy eating, support, participants are engaged in life skills, communication and emotional health discussions designed to engage participants in the pursuit of life long healthy lifestyles.

Go Girls

Is an all-girls group mentoring program that incorporates fun, educational games and activities designed to stimulate self-reflection and group discussion. The goal of Go Girls is to provide the girls and young women with information and support to make informed choices about healthy, active living while maintaining sensitivity toward emotional, social and cultural issues they may face.

More information can be found at lethbridge.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.