Many men and women often wonder what they can do to contribute and make a difference in the community.

Over the past 25 years, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Bermuda has been providing an answer to this question by offering opportunities for volunteer men and women to make a positive impact on children's lives through the matching of mentoring relationships.

Saturday, November 8 is the day when Big Brother & Big Sisters of Bermuda will be holding their Sixth Annual Big For A Day from 10.30 a.m. - 3.30 p.m. at Warwick Camp.

The purpose of this event is to attract potential men and women from the community who may be interested in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister. Activities during the day will include volleyball, tug-o-war and soccer. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

There will be opportunity for interested candidates to meet some of the unmatched "littles" as well as some of the success stories of our current matched "bigs" and "littles".

Currently, there are over 50 boys and girls registered in the programme waiting to be matched. These children come from all walks of life, and represent the diversity of Bermuda.

Volunteer "bigs" may be single, married, childless or with children of their own, and be of any age. Volunteers include Bermudians as well as expatriate workers who intend on residing in Bermuda for a minimum of two years.

According to the organsiation, the mentoring relationships make a positive influence on children's lives as their research has shown that 91 percent of "littles" experience a sharp increase in self-esteem, 70 percent do better in school, and 73 percent stay out of trouble with the law.

The rewards of the match are experienced equally both by the volunteer and by his or her "little". The average match lasts three years with many relationships lasting a lifetime.

If you would like to RSVP for the Big For A Day event, or would like to learn more about volunteering as a Big Brother or Big Sister, please contact the office at 292-2802 or e-mail info.bbbsibl.bm.