Residents of Montreal gathered bright and early on a Thursday morning at Jack Astor’s in Dorval for the 26th annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of the West Island Valentine’s Fundraiser. This event was particularly special as the organization celebrated its 50th anniversary and emphasized the importance of community support.
The organizers highlighted the significance of this milestone, especially in light of the current challenges they face. Valentino Pietrantonio, the executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Island, expressed the need to raise $100,000 as part of their fundraising efforts and emphasized the ongoing challenge of recruiting mentors, especially for boys awaiting matches.
Pietrantonio stressed the urgent need for new mentors, particularly male volunteers, as there are over 75 children and teenagers, mostly males, on the waitlist. Representation among mentors was also highlighted as crucial by community leaders like Joan Lee, who emphasized the importance of Black volunteers to support Black youth on the waitlist.
Participants shared their positive experiences with the program, including Little Brother Pascal Capuano, who expressed gratitude for the relationships formed through mentoring. Volunteers like Lee echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the fulfillment and impact of supporting youth.
Pietrantonio underlined the growing demand for youth mentoring programs, especially given the increasing challenges faced by young people today. Communication was emphasized as key to building strong mentor relationships, with Capuano encouraging others to explore the benefits of getting involved with such organizations.
The annual fundraiser not only serves as a means to raise essential funds but also fosters connections among various community groups, as noted by supporters like Linda Sestock, national president of the Canadian Federation of University Women. As Big Brothers Big Sisters of the West Island commemorates five decades of service, the call for more mentors to address the waiting list remains a central message.
