Oh, brother – and a big sister, too!

By Callan Date
CHRISTMAS will be a bit brighter for nine Casey children who have found a shoulder to lean on.
The much-needed support has come from the Big Brothers Big Sisters Casey program and the volunteering mentors who have been matched up to their new ‘younger sibling’.
The Narre Warren based group that matches vulnerable young people with a volunteer adult who can be both a role model and a supportive friend, conducted their first ever match day at Luna Park last week.
After a long wait for the volunteers and even longer wait for the youngsters, they finally met.
Program coordinator Nett Bailey said, despite the hot conditions, the event was a great success.
“The nine children had the opportunity to try out all of the rides and features at Luna Park, while spending quality time, for the first time, with their ‘Big Brother’ or ‘Big Sister’,” she said.
Ms Bailey said the children involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program rarely, if ever, got the opportunity to spend a day just being kids.
“The activity was a real success and was made possible by those special adults who have volunteered to give their time to these children who very much deserve it,” she said.
“The match activity day was highlighted by the fact that most of the children, if not all, were asking at the end of a very hot day, when they would see their new Big Brother or Big Sister again.”
The program provides people aged seven to 25 years old with a caring adult mentor in their lives who they can confide in and look up to.
Ms Bailey said Luna Park management were great hosts throughout the day and let program participants relax and get to know each other in a fun environment.
Anyone interested in finding out how to become a Big Brother or Big Sister can contact 9705 5033.