Traditional match a perfect fit for Justin and Greg

Traditional match a perfect fit for Justin and Greg

By LAURA LENNIE, NEWS STAFF
Stoney Creek News Letter

Tell a friend Justin White and his Big Brother Greg Sinasac are a perfect match.

“Every time Greg’s mom catches me dipping into the cookie jar in the kitchen, she says, ‘OK, Greg,’” laughed the 13-year-old Stoney Creek resident. “My Big Brother’s awesome.” For Greg, the feeling is mutual.

“I have two older sisters and have always wanted a little brother to just hang out with and play sports with,” said the 23-year-old, who lives in Binbrook. “It’s great because Justin’s like a miniature version of me.” Justin and Greg were introduced through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington’s Traditional Match program in January 2008.

The program includes Big Brothers, Sisters, Couples and Families.

Volunteers are matched with a child between the ages of six and 18.

The Big and Little spend two to three hours, once a week participating in low-cost activities.

“Justin was referred to our agency by his mother,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington representative Laura Hickerson. “Greg was chosen as a good match for Justin because of his high energy, his close proximity to Justin’s house and his unique interests.”

When Justin and Greg aren’t baking, cooking or getting into flour fights in the kitchen, they attend church and sporting events.

The pair have mountain biked on a variety of off road trails and even built a tree fort in the woods by Greg’s house.

Justin and Greg also spend countless hours crafting things out of wood.

“I didn’t know what woodworking was until Greg introduced me to it. Now I love it,” said Justin. “I’ve learned a lot of things from him. It’s awesome having someone to really look up to and just have fun with.” Greg said hanging out with Justin is a “blast.” “It’s great knowing that I can help him too. We’re pretty close, so we talk about a lot of things,” he said. “As much as it might seem like he’s the one that gets a lot out of it, I get a lot from it too. He makes me laugh and is just a really good kid and that’s why I do it.” Justin’s mother, Terry White, is grateful for Greg and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington.

“Greg’s whole personality is phenomenal. He’s there for Justin in every way, whether they’re just hanging out or Justin needs someone to talk to, and if there is a concern Greg knows to give me the heads up too,” she said. “You couldn’t have asked for a better guy. I would recommend it (Big Brothers Big Sisters Traditional Match program) to anybody.” Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington offers other mentoring programs as well.

Social Opportunities Activities and Relationships (SOAR) is a group mentoring program, which provides children currently waiting for a Big Brother or Sister the opportunity to participate in social, recreational and educational activities.

A volunteer accompanies one or two children to a pred e t e r m i n e d c o m m u n i t y activity one evening a week.

Activities include open gym nights, laser tag, bowling, crafts/woodworking, skating and swimming.

“(Children waiting for a Big Brother or Sister), together with other volunteers and children, can have fun and build friendships,” said Hickerson, adding there are about 26 children/youth in Stoney Creek and east Hamilton currently waiting for a Big Brother or Sister.

“This program is not only great for the kids, but also a great volunteer opportunity. It allows the volunteer to meet great people, have fun in the community and positively impact the life of a child.” Justin is already hoping to one day return the favour to another child.

“I’ll probably be a Big Brother too,” he said. “Big Brothers Big Sisters is an awesome organization.

I’d like to give back.” For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington, including its Traditional Match program, other mentoring programs or how to become a volunteer, call 905-525- 3860 or visit www.callbigbrothers.com.