of Bermuda currently has 80 unmatched boys and girls due to a growing demand for male role models and father figures.

This is on top of the 50 children it has been able to match with "big brothers and sisters'' this year.

Thanks to a $1,000 donation from local disc jockey Mr. Allan Young, aka DJ Younguls, the organisation has the funds to start a major recruitment drive.

"I felt their was a big need for role models in a time where there is so much negativity,'' said Mr. Young, who describes the parties he DJs as "good clean fun''.

Organisation president Ms Patrice Parris said the agency placed children up to the age of six. The youngsters were mostly referred to the agency by single mothers wanting male mentors for their children, she said.

The volunteer "big brothers'', who are particularly in demand, and "big sisters'' must be at least 16 and of good standing in the community -- they undergo background checks by Police and Social Services, although the agency uses its discretion, she said.

The volunteers are required to spend at least two hours a week with their "little brother or sister'' doing common interest activities.

Agency vice president Mr. Dwayne Tucker noted lack of time was the main reason for the current shortage of male volunteers. Males were also wary of the responsibility, he said.

However, Mr. Young noted if adults did not lend a hand, the problem with the violence in the community "will only get progressively worse''.

The agency, founded in 1979, is located on the corner of Court and Church Streets.

BROTHER TO BROTHER -- Community conscious disc jockey Mr. Allan Young, aka DJ Younguls, presents a cheque for $1,000, the proceeds from Christmas and New Year's Eve parties, to the local charitable organisation Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Bermuda, which offers role models to children up to age six. It currently has around 80 unmatched boys and girls and a shortage of big brothers especially. Pictured are the organisation's head Ms Patrice Parris and vice president Mr. Dwayne Tucker (middle).