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PHOTO BY MARYANN FLEMING Big Brothers Big Sisters “SERHINOBIG In April of 2012, Justin and Owen were matched by _ balling, golfing, and this year they are going on their first Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Durham in the camping trip. Traditional Mentoring program. Now, after almost Having a big brother is a lot different than having three years, they both say it’s like they really are brothers:- a younger brother, explained Owen, who says he gets 24-year-old Justin says being matched : ng much better with his 9-year-old younger with 12-year-old Owen has really helped brother since joining the mentoring program. them both to grow and mature. “I think the Big brother Justin has taught him to have pa- program is incredible. I’ve noticed a huge tience and has helped him to see situations difference in Owen and even in my: differently with his own little brother, who It’s evident, the purpose that we’re servin; also in the traditional program. Owen as big brothers, which is great. I don’t i the only thing he would change even really feel like I’m in a program ~~ about his match with Justin is that they anymore. I just feel like he’s actually would spend more time together; their my little brother, which is a pretty cool minute distance limits the amount feeling,” says Justin, as Owen smiles a i and nods along. “It’s amazing,” he chimes in. Justin says he’s never been respon- sible for someone so close like a little brother so the match has really helped him to learn a lot about himself as helearned more about Owen, who is now in Grade 7 at Immaculate hj Conception Catholic Elementary "% Justin, who grew up with three er sisters. “I always asked my ents for one for Christmas, and they never gave me one. When I found out there was a huge need Owen thinks having a, big brother is great, and it is easier to stop playing Call . of Duty, his favourite video game, when he knows Justin has some fun things planned giving and giving back, of for the day. “Owen is the F staying in school, and hav- only kid in the history of the ing respect for family, peers world who never has home- and community. work,” jokes Justin, who tries to make sure they spend as much time as they can doing things outside. Together they do a lot; soccer, baseball, basket- ball, ping-pong, swimming, paint- By Rachel McLean, Special to Focus on Scugog Little Brother Owen Moore and Big Brother Justin Knaggs. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering or joining one of the mentoring programs, please do not hesitate to contact the Big Brothers Big Sisters office at 905-985-3733 or visit the website at to learn more. FOCUS - JUNE 2015 15