Pictured from left displaying the St. Brigid’s Cross they made together are: “Big” Donald Laughlin and his “Little”, Joshua.

By TRINA HOY

Big Brothers Big Sisters in Kosciusko County has created the “Around the World Nights” series. The series was created as an educational tool to help volunteers connect better with their “Littles”, and also to give them some experience with other cultures. Each month through 2015 a different culture will be featured in the series.

Ireland was the destination in May with tour guide, Gennie Brissett, from OrthoWorx. Gennie lived in Ireland at one time and has a vast knowledge of the area. As the matches arrived to their destination, the Touch of Life Church, they got their passport stamped with an acorn signifying the oak tree which is the national tree of Ireland. 

Gennie began the trip with a slide show of photos showing highlights from Ireland. The kids got to view and touch Irish memorabilia. They played a game called “Corners”, and each got to partake in some delicious traditional Irish apple cake.

The evening ended with a craft activity that the matched “Bigs” and “Littles” could create together called a St. Brigid’s Cross, which was a woven piece made from pipe cleaners and they got to take it home. 

Nine matches in all attended this popular match activity. The “Littles” are anxiously awaiting their journey in June through Asia, which will be presented by Peter Liao, from DePuy and the OrthoWorx Diversity Committee.

There are many opportunities for community-based volunteers to provide experiences for their “Littles” in the community. This series is just one of them. Throughout the county there are many partners who give free or discounted goods or services to help kids in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. 

Our passion is to help at-risk children achieve positive measurable outcomes through one-to-one mentoring. A mentor’s guidance and friendship can inspire educational success, improved self-esteem, and better relationships.

Do you want to become a big brother or big sister in Kosciusko County?  Would you like to help in some way or learn more? Contact Trina Hoy at (574) 551-6386 or email her at [email protected].  You can also enroll online at, www.BBBSNEI.org.