The Big Brothers and Big sisters club in Lacombe are celebrating their national month by ‘Painting the town Purple.’

Crystal Zens, the clubs Executive Director says that businesses’ and programs all over town are encouraged to set up some purple decorations, they are even supplying kits for those wanting to take part in the celebration.

“In the kits there are big brothers, big sisters balloons and purple streamers, as well there is a volunteer who can go around and spray purple chalk paint with our logo, just too really start something big and really trying to spread the word across our city and across our county.”

There are just under 40 youth on the waitlist to get a ‘Big’ in the area, and over 4 thousand across Canada looking for a mentor.

Zens says having a mentor is a long term commitment but most volunteers say it is worth it.

“There is a long term impact; it’s not a quick fix. For the mentors in the schools the minimum is a year but we have people that have matched up for 8 years, even 10 years,” she explains. “We’ve heard from volunteers that it is very rewarding and it just becomes part of their family life, It is a long term commitment that has a huge reward for the child.”

September 18 is the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bamford House Open House and will feature the Beaver Tails Food Truck from 11am-3pm.

At 12:30pm there will be an official Great Big Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Bamford House with Dignitaries present to cut the ribbon and officially celebrate BBBS Month.

“I think the kids are proud to be in the program and they are excited, I think it is especially important for the kids on the wait list who have waited a long time for a big brother or big sister to have the opportunity for lots of volunteers to apply in September to get them matched and off the wait list.”

The press release from Big Brothers Big Sisters says:

“Youth who have been mentored through Big Brothers Big Sisters programming are 17% more likely to be gainfully employed as adults and they earn 13% more on average in those jobs, resulting in $315,000 of increased earnings over their career.”

It says they also have stronger social networks and report being happier and more confident.