“Some kids have a negative male role model in their life, or sometimes the father is not in their lives at all,” he says. “When a child can see a male role model that actually listens to them, jokes with them, and genuinely cares for them, it makes a difference.”

Now 31, Bruce has come back to the club. But this time, he’s the mentor. Bruce is just one of many men who volunteer for local youth organizations, like the Boys and Girls Club of Winnipeg and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg. Unfortunately, the demand for mentors far exceeds the number of volunteers.

Michelle Harrison, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg, says there are currently 40 boys waiting to be matched up with a Big Brother. Harrison knows that time is always an issue, but stresses that mentoring doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment, as every volunteer can determine at what level they wish to help. “It can be anywhere from one hour a month to three to four hours per week,” she says.

Jerome Marchildon has been a Big Brother every week for the past three years. He says that knowing he is helping to make a difference in the life of his 15-year-old “little brother,” and is exposing him to the positive things society has to offer, gives him a sense of personal
satisfaction. “To see him grow, to see his self-esteem expand truly helps me see the result of what I am doing,” says Marchildon.

Bruce agrees that watching the kids learn and grow is a great reward. Bruce volunteers with outdoor sport activities, including leading cross-country skiing outings for youth. He is currently finishing his Education degree, and says that spending time with children, and watching them learn, will help him as he continues on in his career.

There are all kinds of volunteer opportunities available at both organizations.

Heather Popoff, Director of Volunteer Services and Events at the Boys and Girls Club of Winnipeg, says they are looking for basketball coaches, homework helpers as well as other volunteers to work with youth on a one-on-one or small group basis. Over at Big Brothers Big
Sisters, there is a need of male mentors for their after-school mentoring programs. Other activities, including going to sporting events, movies, camping and snowmobiling are also favourites of Big Brothers like Marchildon.

No matter what the activity is, having someone to look up to when you’re growing up is invaluable, stresses Bruce. “It gives kids the support they need to choose the right path,” he says, “and to not give up even when life gets tough.”

If you would like to help out our youth in the city, visit Boys and Girls Club of Winnipeg at wbgc.mb.ca or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg at bigwinnipeg.com for more information.