Retirement Offers Rewarding Opportunities
Giving back to my community
When contemplating retirement and what he would do with his free time, Peter’s neighbour suggested he consider becoming a Mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, a programme which matches North Canterbury’s most vulnerable tamariki with safe and trusted adult role-models. Describing himself as “enthusiastic, energetic and inquisitive”, Peter thought this would be an excellent activity to keep him busy post-retirement and allow him to give back to his community.
Fast forward seven years, Peter has since mentored three young boys.
Nixon, his most recent match, lived with Grandma Sharon in Oxford. With Mum and Dad both unable to care for Nixon, Grandma Sharon thought he could really benefit from having a reliable male role model in his life. Based in West Eyreton, and sharing a common interest in the great outdoors, Peter and Nixon were matched two and a half years ago.
For one hour, once a week, these friends would meet up and go fishing, quad biking, tramping - anything that involved adventuring outdoors. Big Brothers Big Sisters encourages mentoring activities to be free or low cost for volunteers, with the simple things in life putting the biggest smile on a child’s face. Whilst mentoring provides new and exciting opportunities for the young people involved, Peter notes that the benefits are two-fold;
“Being a Mentor widens your own activities by doing things and going places you may not have done if you didn’t have a Mentee. I have been swimming, cycling and attended basketball matches with Nixon.”
Reflecting on his time as a Mentor, Peter also said;
“The best thing about being a Mentor is knowing that you can make a difference by just being yourself. My most heart-warming moment is when family members of the child notice a difference in their behaviour and that difference is attributed to your input. Mentoring is for you if you want to make a real difference to a young person that needs some extra support.”
Grandma Sharon also appreciated Peter teaching Nixon how to cook shepherd’s pie and spaghetti bolognaise!
With Nixon recently returning to live with Mum in a new town, this special match has now come to a close but the fulfillment Peter feels in being a Mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters has encouraged him to do it all again. Speaking fondly of his Mentor, Nixon said;
“Peter is cool, fun and caring. The best thing about having a Big Brother is that he likes to spend time with just me!”
Soon, Peter will be matched with another child whose life will be made better by having him in it. Big Brothers Big Sisters recruits Mentors all year round and the only skill you need is to be yourself. One hour, once a week is all it takes to make a positive and lasting impact in the life of a child - get in touch to find out more.
Written by
Jo Sim
