We're not primarily put on this earth to see through one another, but to see one another through. --Peter De Vries

Who Benefits?

Everyone in the community benefits in some way from the Sidekicks Mentoring Program. The clients and volunteers in the program, the residents of the community and the businesses in the community all receive the positive effects resulting from the services provided through the program.

Did you have a mentor when your were young?

Now it's your turn to reach out!

Benefits to the child:

The benefits to the child are many and are in keeping with our main goals of enhancing the self esteem of the child and encouraging a sense of belonging in these children who often feel marginalized in some way:

• exposure to new activities and experiences which may differ from those they are accustomed to or they would not otherwise have an opportunity to experience. (through planned special events, donations from sponsors, and while on outings with their Volunteer Sidekick)
• improved social skills (and possible career information) as a result of positive behaviors role modeled by the volunteer
• increased one-on-one attention, a sense of being important to their Volunteer Sidekick and to the Community
• increased sense of self worth, accomplishment and community awareness through community projects
• opportunity to build trust, especially in those who have experienced abuse or abandonment in the past
• meeting new friends in similar life circumstances

In the past year, Junior Sidekicks and youth on the wait list have enjoyed free passes and/or discounts to many recreational events and products. Several have also participated in sponsored opportunities such as the Tim Horton’s Summer and Winter Camps, and Rotary Club Leadership Camps.

Benefits to the Volunteer:

The benefits to the volunteer are often both personal and career-related: They include:

• meeting new people (who share common interest in youth as well as in activities such as sports, hobbies etc.)
• learning new personal and career-related skills (communication, problem-solving, etc.)
• documented volunteer hours in preparation for post-secondary education
• sense of contributing to the community
• sense of fulfillment by making a difference in the life of a child
• access to training/ workshops (child sexual assault, orientation, etc.)
• Caseworker support regarding personal matters/ problems if needed
• exposure to family situations and experiences which may differ from those they have previously experienced, therefore increased awareness/appreciation of diversity
• in case of family/ couple match, an opportunity to volunteer with own family members

Benefits to the Parent(s) & siblings:

• relief of pressure to fill all needs of child
• access to support from Caseworker (information, referrals, advocacy)
• inclusion at Sidekicks group events & family outings (picnics, Pool Party, Christmas party, etc.)
• opportunity to access workshops
• improved home life due to benefits to the child which often results in positive behavioral changes of the child
• opportunity to meet other single parents, establish a new support network for themselves
• emotional support from other families
• clothing exchanges, community and sponsor donations

Benefits to the Community:

The community benefits on many levels by preventive programs such as Sidekicks. Sidekicks’ involvement in the community serves to initiate an informal exchange between the youth and the community. Some of the other benefits include:

• Increased awareness by youth of supportive community members (service clubs, business owners, volunteers, service providers)
• Higher likelihood of child becoming well-rounded adults when they receive encouragement during their youth
• Community Partners/Sponsors receive increased patronage and opportunities for promotion of their business or organization
• Youth are better prepared for the job market by skills gained through participation in the program

Group Volunteerism Benefits All

Sidekicks youth, often accustomed to being the recipients of community services and support, also have an opportunity to contribute to their community through volunteering. These volunteer opportunities foster an awareness of themselves as valuable contributors who have much to offer, while interacting in a positive and productive manner with our sponsors. Community projects undertaken in the past were:

• Roy Financial Mayor's Walk
• International Children's Festival
• Tim Horton's Camp Day
• Rainmaker Rodeo/Parade

If you have any questions about the Sidekicks Program or just want more information, please feel free to contact us.

Navigating Sidekicks.....

About Sidekicks   About Our Client   About Volunteering   Who Benefits?   What’s New
Get Involved   Events & Activities   Interest Pages   Forms and Documents

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