How one Big was inspired by his Little
Zuri Darrell knew next to nothing about children, but signed up for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda anyway.
He was 22, and a recent hire at Butterfield Bank where employees were encouraged to do community service.
The stockbroker wanted to make a good impression.
“I thought BBBS would have the biggest impact,” Mr Darrell said. “But when I first started as a Big, it was nerve-racking.
“It forces you to look in the mirror. For example, I took my Little out in the boat with some of my friends. You know how guys get when they’re out. I had to tell them to watch their mouths, there was a seven-year-old present.”
Seven years later he’s still a Big. He’s also working to boost the charity in another way.
He and fellow Big Jonathan Tankard offered BBBS the expertise of their company PinkSand Entertainment, for a fundraiser tomorrow night.
“We said we could put on a party,” said Mr Darrell. “We have the relationships and the social media platform to make it happen. I think it is important work that BBBS does. They don’t really get the publicity that they need.
“The biggest problem, as I see it, is that the people who can help, don’t. To put it bluntly, they are selfish. People are more interested in their own wellbeing and their own time, than helping someone else.
“I also think sometimes people are scared that they would disappoint a Little. But if you take the time to volunteer, it is worth it.”
His met his current Little, Jahni Darrell, four years ago.
“When I first met Jahni, he was seven, and very shy,” the 29-year-old said. “He didn’t say anything, he just sat there. It was up to me to carry the conversation.”
Counsellors at BBBS provided support for the two. “Kudos to them,” Mr Darrell said. “They are wonderful. In the beginning, they suggested we just spend as much time together as possible to build a relationship. That worked.
“Now, when he sees me he is excited and he wants to do stuff. We don’t do anything spectacular. We play football, go swimming or I take him to the playground.”
In the summer he often takes Jahni out on his boat.
“After a busy week at work, it’s very rewarding to spend an afternoon with him.
“You get to see things from his perspective. He asks a lot of questions about how the boat runs or we talk about life.”
Mr Tankard was himself a Little, at seven years old. He became a Big in 2012.
“My Big was Ross Smith,” the 30-year-old said. “We still have a relationship. He has always been my go-to person when I needed help. I spoke to him just this morning.”
The former music teacher is now in the UK, finishing up law courses. “I am back and forth between Bermuda and London,” he said. “I won’t be at the party. Zuri is handling it on his own.”
PinkSand Entertainment owners Jonathan Tankard and Zuri Darrell went the extra mile to help Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda.
The Big Brothers are behind School Daze, a fundraiser for the charity that takes place tomorrow night.
DJS Chubb, Ole and Keem are donating their services for free or at a reduced price.
Alpha-Phi Alpha and IHope Global are also part of the planned fun. Aside from the music, partygoers should expect raffles, door prizes and giveaways.
BBBS managing director Patrina O’Connor said she was very grateful to PinkSand Entertainment for their help.
“It is going to be fun,” she said. “You don’t have to, but we are encouraging people to come out wearing something that represents their old school.
“I’ve already found my old Berkeley tie with the pin still in it. It’s a great time to call up your old friends and ask if they want to come out.
“The DJs will be playing current stuff but we also be going back and playing a real variety of music.”
The party starts at 10pm at Cosmopolitan Club on Front Street. Tickets, $15, are available from Secrets Boutique on Reid Street or Mystique Selling Unique in the Bermudiana Arcade.
Tickets will cost more at the door.
For more information call 232-2802 or see www.bbbs.bm.
