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Jeremy Smalley: Mentoring helps make the world a better place

Two years sounded long at the front end. But in retrospect, the two years (and then some) of being a Big Brother have gone by quickly for Jeremy Smalley, 30, of Welland.

Jeremy has been a Big Brother to Dan, now age 13, for almost five years. He has well exceeded his initial two-year commitment but the joy of mentoring keeps him going strong.

Jeremy and Dan enjoy hiking and fishing together, playing sports, watching movies and visiting museums. "It's amazing to me to see how even the simplest of activities can bring a smile to his face," Jeremy says.

Before becoming a Big Brother, Jeremy worked in a young offender detention facility and a group home. Now a construction worker, he helps build strength and stability into Dan's life, knowing that a strong foundation will serve his Little well, for the rest of his days.

When Jeremy became a Big, the required time commitment for the role was two years. (It has since been reduced to a minimum of one year, to encourage more people to volunteer.) Committing for that length of time was daunting but talking to a caseworker helped, as did receiving a large choice of possible matches based on shared likes and dislikes. Positive comments from another Big Brother only one week earlier had inspired Jeremy to sign up.

Today, being a Big Brother is a rich part of Jeremy's life and a way of helping, to make the world a better place. "Through leading by example, we ensure that the Littles of today have the potential to become the Big Brothers of tomorrow," he says.

Jeremy Smalley is helping to make the world a better place. You can, too! Call Big Brothers today.