big brothers big sisters of nelson community newsletter may 2012

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nelson Community Newsletter - kindly printed by supporting our Community

Community Newsletter

Issue No. 9 May 2012

In appreciation of your contribution to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nelson Mentoring Programme We would be thrilled if you and your partner could attend our:

Volunteer Recognition

Evening

On: Monday 5 December 2011

Time: 7pm – 9pm At: The Boathouse RSVP to 545 9864 or [email protected] by Friday 2 December As a valued part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nelson we would love you to come and celebrate this special occasion with us! From the team at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nelson Gavin Millar, Rebecca Colley, Maria Briggs and Barbara Lloyd

Private Bag 39, Nelson 7042 Phone: 545 9864

www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.nz

Gearing up for auction fundraiser

The countdown is on to our major fundraiser for the year; our charity auction in August. The date has been set, the venue booked and now all we need are items to go under the hammer. In the past we’ve received fantastic support from the community for our auction, so we’re hoping that’ll be the case again this year. We’re looking to collect a wide selection of auction items and attract a big turnout of keen bidders on auction night. In previous years we’ve auctioned a wide range of goods – such as art, furniture, jewellery, travel and accommodation vouchers, sporting equipment and gift baskets – as well as services such as professional consultations, guided tours and pampering sessions. This year’s auction will have a similar format to last year, with both a traditional auction and silent auction. All money raised goes towards our youth mentoring programme. To contribute items please phone 03 545 9864 or email: [email protected] Auction details When? Wednesday 29 August, 6pm Where? Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village, 49 Covent Drive, Stoke. Tickets: cost $10 each (which includes your first drink and nibbles) and will go on sale in July. You can order via phone or email [email protected]).

In this issue:

Countdown to

auction fundraiser,

page 1

Mentoring stories,

pages 2 and 3

Upcoming events,

page 3

Current match

statistics, page 4

NB: If you’d prefer to

receive this newsletter by

email, contact us at

[email protected]

www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.nz/local/nelson/gallery/ www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.nz/local/nelson/gallery

Photos from our Marahau camp:

Mentors who have made a difference: real-life experiences

Why his mentoring meant so much to me: Through Mike I was able to see the bigger picture of policing. I observed how he led the district through tough times and set an example for staff. He set the bar high. Mike taught me how to communicate well, show an interest in people and work alongside a team. He inspired me and helped me get where I am today. I believe a good mentor can be life-changing.

We’re introducing a new regular piece on people’s experiences of being mentored. This week we feature Nelson Mayor Aldo Miccio and Inspector Steve Greally, Nelson Bays Police area commander. Aldo Miccio’s memorable mentor: I’ve had a number of mentors, e.g. family members and my high school volleyball coach, who taught me the value of fighting and training hard to achieve goals. Others were a senior work colleague and a CEO, who taught me the importance of understanding who you’re dealing with and appreciating their points of view.

Steve Greally’s memorable mentor: Mike Bush, who was the District Commander Counties Manukau when I was a street sergeant in Papakura (Mike is now Deputy Commissioner Operations). Mike took an interest in me, taught me about leadership and gave me opportunities to attend leadership courses . Continued on page 2

mailto:[email protected]




http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.nz/local/nelson/gallery/



http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.nz/local/nelson/gallery

http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.nz/local/nelson/gallery


Become a mentor today – and make a real difference to a young person’s life... Becoming a ``Big Brother” or a ``Big Sister’’ could be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable things you’ll ever

do.

It’s not hard; all you have to do is spend an hour or two a week with a young person doing the kinds of things you

both enjoy. Like flying a kite. Or kicking a ball around in the park. Or even walking your dog.

You’ll probably even find it’s fun, and at the same time you’ll be making a real difference to your young person.

So what are you waiting for? Contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nelson today:

Ph: 03-545-9864 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.nz

Mentors who have made a difference Continued from page 1

Why Aldo Miccio’s mentors meant so much to him:

They always expressed an interest in me and gave their time freely. Nothing was too big an imposition for them, they genuinely cared and their actions spoke volumes. They led by example and created a sense of trust which helped to encourage a willingness to learn.

Why Steve Greally’s mentor meant so much to him: Through Mike I was able to see the bigger picture of policing. I observed how he led the district through tough times and set an example for staff. He set the bar high. Mike taught me how to communicate well, show an interest in people and work alongside a team. He inspired me and helped me get where I am today. I believe a good mentor can be life-changing.

This story, by Bernie Babe, recently featured on our website. It can also be viewed at

www.issuu.com/bbbsnelson


A

This story appeared in The Leader in March and prompted a great response from people interested in becoming mentors. As a result we’re now training up 14 new mentors.

Big Bro’s in short supply By MATT LAWREY

The Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programme is calling on Nelson men to ``step up’’ and get more involved with the region’s kids. Programme director Gavin Millar said Big Brothers Big Sisters has over 40 boys on its waiting list but no men available to be their mentors. The programme matches children and young people aged seven to 18 years old with adults in professionally supported one-to-one relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters currently has 120 mentors in the Nelson region matched with 120 kids but only 30 percent of those matches are men with boys. `Òur biggest challenge is finding men to volunteer their time,’’ Gavin said. One young man who is benefit-ing from the programme is

7-year-old Jordan Baird of Richmond whose mentor is Tim Cross of Nelson. The two have been meeting once a week for about a year. Ask Jordan what he likes about spending time with Tim and a big smile races across his face. `Ì’m pleased to go out with Tim because we can make up games, plant trees, go bowling and anything like that,’’ he said. So determined was Jordan to explain to The Leader just how much he gets out of the programme, he wrote a list of all the things he and Tim have done together. The list also included: rollerblading, fishing, bike riding, exploring, swimming, playing games and ``writing stories about bears and robbers’’. Jordan said he marked his meetings with Tim on a calendar and always looked forward to seeing him. ``He is really funny and he is

always there for me. If I bruised my leg, he’d put a plaster on it,’’ he said. Tim, who is a teacher at St Joseph’s School, has been a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer for 11 years and Jordan is the third boy he has mentored. Tim said he initially got involved because he wanted ``to give something back’’ and that he gets as much out of mentoring as he puts in to the role. `Òne of the reasons I first did it was to be a role model to our children and the children in my class,’’ he said. A father of three, Tim said setting an example as a volunteer encouraged his children and pupils to see helping others as a good thing to do. Being a mentor had also given him the opportunity to meet lots of different people and go on organised Big Brothers Big Sisters trips.

Tim also thinks mentoring Jordan benefits his own personal development. `Ìt gives you a lot of satisfaction and develops their self-esteem and your self-esteem. It builds him as a person and me. I’m a much better person from doing Big Brothers Big Sisters,’’ he said. Gavin said the programme encouraged men to incorporate the boys into their usual routines and the timing of their meetings could be flexible. He said there were no great requirements when it came to skills either, as any activity was better than none. `Ìt’s not rocket science. It’s just spending time with them,’’ he said. Becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister involves three to five hours’ training and having a police check. Email [email protected] or phone 545 9864

Upcoming events

May

Thursday 10 Informal team meeting, 7pm, bar at Nelson Police Station.

June

Wednesday 6 Formal team meeting, 7pm, Saxton Field

Saturday 16 Walk to the Maitai Caves

July

Wednesday 18 Informal team meeting, 7pm, venue to be confirmed

August Thursday 9 Formal team meeting, 7pm.

Wednesday 15 Skating, Tahunanui

Wednesday 29 Charity auction



Current matches by Big Brothers Big Sisters Nelson

Total: 111 Girls: 82 Boys: 29

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

2012

Girls

Boys

Match data

56

13

42

Current matches: 111

Community-based

School-based adult

School-based teen

Current waiting list of young people

Community-based male applicants 40

Community-based female applicants 10

School-based male applicants 3

School-based female applicants 2

Total waiting 55


AS Big

Platinum Supporters

Gold Supporters

Silver Supporters

Nelson Bays Suzuki

Rotary Club of Nelson

Bronze Supporters

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nelson would like to thank the following organisations,

groups and individuals for their continued support and sponsorship:

Other Supporters *The Tasman Makos * FreshChoice * Sealord *CB Marketing * The Signman * Hirequip Nelson * Konica Minolta * 92.8 MoreFM * The Leader * Rutherford Rotary Club * Nelson Host Lions *Trents * Rotary Club of Whakatu * Lifeline Goodwill Store * Nelson Heating and Cooling * Nelson Trolley Club

* Our Individual Personal Sponsors

http://www.msd.govt.nz/


If you are able to support us in anyway please make contact with us - with your support we can make a difference for the young people in our community! Please tear off this page and return it to: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nelson

Private Bag 39 Nelson 7042

My/Our Name: ____________________________________________ My/Our Organisation (if applicable): ____________________________________________ My/Our Contact number: ____________________________________________

I/We wish to become a Mentor I/We wish to become a sponsor of the programme.

I/We wish to make a Monetary Donation* $_________________________

I/We wish to donate merchandise. We would like to donate____________________

I/We wish to become a Board Member

I/We wish to help out by doing other volunteer work such as: office work, participating in fundraising events…etc.

Other (please specify)____________________________________________________ Please contact us to discuss the possibilities. We look forward to working with you in the future. * Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nelson has been registered by the Charities Commission as a charitable entity – Charities Act 2005

registration # CC30342. All donations over $5 are eligible for a tax rebate and from the 1st April 2008 the limit was removed for

maximum refunds. All charitable gifts up to the amount of your taxable income now qualify for a tax credit of 33⅓% of the

amount of the gift.

big brothers big sisters of nelson community newsletter may 2012

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