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Anniversary Milestone for Big Brothers Big Sisters

New Plymouth District Council

Tuesday 3 July 2012, 12:37PM

By New Plymouth District Council

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NEW PLYMOUTH

A community programme that matches children with adult mentors is marking a milestone with a tree planting on Thursday (5 July).

Ten Big Brothers Big Sisters matches have reached their fourth anniversary, and will help plant out a cleared section of land next to Lake Rotomanu to mark the occasion.

“The planting will be a place where the ‘little’ brothers and sisters and their mentors can return to over the years to see the trees grow, which is a nice metaphor of the growing and changing relationships that these young people are experiencing as they get older,” says Big Brothers Big Sisters Coordinator Sara Bright.

New Plymouth District Council is providing the plants for the anniversary event.

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches children and young people aged 7 to 12 with volunteer mentors in professionally supported one-to-one relationships. There are more than 100 matches in Taranaki, and more adults – especially men – are being sought as volunteers.

The ‘big’ brothers and sisters spend between one and two hours a week with their ‘little’ sibling, with an emphasis on having fun together.

“For many vulnerable young people, having consistent and regular contact with a caring adult can be a significant, positive influence in their lives.

“It’s great to see these young people mature and become more confident through this programme.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters has been established in 14 centres in New Zealand.

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