The Sea to Sky chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters has put out an urgent call for volunteers as they are currently experiencing a huge demand for assistance. In Squamish, the organization needs 20 volunteers just to meet the current waitlist.
"January is a critical volunteer recruitment time for us," said program supervisor Ann Marie McKenzie. "The closer we get to summer the more drastic a drop in applications we see, which means more kids sit on a wait list — vulnerable to the adversities facing them."
It takes six to eight weeks to certify new volunteers, which means it could be early spring by the time any new volunteers are given the okay to work with a youth. The commitment is around two to four hours a week, although some Big Brothers and Big Sisters do exceed that.
McKenzie said it took less time than most people think, with most spending four or five hours a week with their charges.
"If it is something (people) have considered for a time we ask them to take the initiative and give us a call to get answers to their questions," he said.
For more information about how you can become a volunteer, visit www.beamentorseatosky.com.
WalkSafe volunteers still needed
The RCMP is looking for members of the public to help put together kits for the municipal WalkSafe program, which was created to enhance safety for pedestrians walking and biking along the highway at night. Each kit contains a reflector that must be assembled, as well as other educational materials.
If you can spare some time to help, go to the Whistler Public Library on Jan. 28 and Feb. 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
