Coke Castle builds support for Big Brothers Big Sisters

After being locked in a makeshift castle built of cases of Coke for 12 hours, it's a clear indication that Big Brother Big Sisters executive director Chantal Gladu and her team will go to great lengths to raise awareness of the need for volunteers.

With 51 boys and 14 girls on the waiting list, there is an identified need for caring individuals to volunteer their time to help a young person in need of support and friendship. That's the point Gladu hoped to deliver through the third annual Great Coke Castle, which was a huge success, she said, thanks to the generous sponsors and the citizens of Sudbury.

The event was staged in the parking lot of the Sudbury Credit Union on Barrydowne. Gladu had to remain inside the castle until all the cases of pop were sold.

“I was locked in the castle for 12 hours, and it's all for the kids,” Gladu told Northern Life, a sponsor of the event. “My team is prepared to do whatever it is we need to do to raise awareness for the needs of our community's children.”

Not only does Big Brothers Big Sisters provide friendship, but it offers a wide range of opportunities for “littles” to learn new skills and open some doors to future possibilities for them. The goal is to show them that goals can be achieved with determination and hard work, Gladu said.

“We want them to believe in themselves and fulfil their full potential while having a team of individuals behind them to guide, encourage and support them,” she said.

About 90 per cent of young people referred to Big Brothers Big Sisters are boys, but 80 per cent of inquiries from potential mentors come from women, which means boys are outgrowing the waiting lists.

“Bigs” commit to spending quality time with a young person for a few hours every other week. A minimum commitment of 12 months is required. Anyone who thinks they have what it takes to be a Big can phone 705-673-6161.

Posted by Arron Pickard