Maple Ridge resident Matt McMeeking was honoured at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley's recent annual general meeting with the Volunteer Award of the Year for his work mentoring.
Ridge Meadows mentoring coordinator Cassie Silva presented the award to McMeeking on May 9, explaining that he helped mentor five different boys through the agency's new "Big Bunch" mentoring program, designed to address the need of boys on the waitlist.
Silva explained, "When Matt learned how many boys are waiting for a Big Brother in our community, he agreed to take on several. At the conclusion of one group, he agreed to take on a new group of boys. I am so grateful to Matt for seeing a need in our community and filling it.”
One of McMeeking’s Little Brothers added: “I would like to thank my Big Brother Matt for all the time he’s put into volunteering to be in the Big Bunch program. He is really easy to have a conversation with. He is a fun guy to hang out with and he takes us to really rad places like rock climbing. I think of Matt as my best friend and that is why I think Matt should get this award.”
There are currently 12 boys waiting for a Big Brother in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, so the need for male volunteers has never been higher.
If you are interested in learning how this volunteer opportunity can work around your schedule, you are encouraged to call the Ridge Meadows/Mission office at 604-820-3337 or visit www.mentoringworks.ca.