Originally Published in the Colchester Weekly
In just over a week, volunteers spanning from over 40 years will be celebrating at our Big Night Out event. The event happening on Oct 13th will bring together current and past Big Brothers and Sisters, Big Couples, In School Mentors, Board members, staff, supporters, partners and friends of the agency. The room will be full of individuals who have invested their time into the children and youth in this community.
One of those individuals is Corey McNutt. Corey has been involved with our agency in one way or another for over 25 years. Corey has found himself in the Big Brother role, Big Couple role and as an In School Mentor. He’s also recruited a handful of Big Brothers for our agency.
“I talk about my experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters to everyone I know and encourage those who I think would be a great volunteer, to get involved,” said Corey. “A few friends of mine have signed up as Big Brothers and they’re enjoying it as much as I am.”
Corey was just a young man when he heard one of our radio ads. He knew that he enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews and figured it would be a great way to spend some of his spare time. This was just the beginning of many years full of community volunteering.
“Whenever I have time, I try to volunteer for as much as I can. The Down Syndrome World Swimming Championship was something that I’ll never forget,” said Corey. “I’ve also volunteered with Nova Scotia music week the three years it was here in town, the Fred Page Cup Hockey Tournament and the World Junior A Hockey Tournament.
Our agency is so fortunate to have a community-minded volunteer like Corey. He is a huge advocate and supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters, but more importantly he instills his value of community and the importance of giving back, to every child he’s mentored along the way.
“It’s been an amazing experience for me. Each child I mentored was unique, and we had great times together. I think it’s just as much fun for the big as it is for the Little and very rewarding,” said Corey.
Corey is a volunteer who exemplifies the term “going above and beyond” and the relationships he’s developed with his Littles tells us just how invested he’s been in the entire process here at Big Brothers Big Sisters.
“My first Little Brother, Calvin and I reunited for a visit when he was home from Calgary last year. Another Little Brother I had, became a Big Brother with the agency,” said Corey.
It’s been a joy to witness Corey positively impact many children and youth, not only in our agency but in many other groups and initiatives in the community. When Littles become Bigs, and our matches stay connected throughout the years it shines a light on the significance of mentoring in a child’s life.