We Make a Living by What We Get, We Make a Life By What We Give - Churchill

If you've been caught up in the Oscar buzz and after-math, you've seen a glowing Sandra Bullock accept the award for the critically acclaimed film "The Blind Side". "The Blind Side" is a beautiful and uplifting story about a woman who takes in an under-privileged child, and helps him realize his dreams. When Bullock's character is told that she is changing this child's life, she replies with a shake of her head that he changing hers. And that's what mentoring a child is really all about. Together you grow and lean new things about yourself. While helping a child find his/her confidence and footing, you find your own. And this is exactly what happened to mentor superstar Donna Dow at the KidStart Program.

The KidStart Program provides trained and screened adult mentors for children 6 through 18. Refereed to as a prevention program for youth, KidStart aims to develop positive mentoring relationships, with kids who have had difficulties in their lives. They may be doing poorly in school, or come from an impoverished family. Mentors engage their mentees in activities that promote learning, and encourages success, positive feedback and achievement.

Donna Dow is a one to one mentor with an 11 year old girl. Most mentors spend roughly 3 hours a week with their mentees, but Donna's charge has become an important part of her life. Together they do all sorts of exciting activities - activities they decide on together, picking activities that both will be able to learn from and be inspired by. Donna even encourages the young girl in her future, as she collects money that her mentee has made doing odd jobs for Donna and her friends - saving the funds for the girl's dream - to own a horse.

Donna's "little buddy's" improvement in her social life can be seen quite clearly. When Donna and her mentee first met, the girl had few opportunities available to her. Her step-mom is diagnosed with MS and her father is frequently out of town She struggled in school both socially and academically. But to Donna's utter delight, her little buddy has made some remarkable strides, becoming more confident and independent - Donna even finds herself re-scheduling her appointments with her little buddy to make room for birthday parties and sleep-overs (and Donna couldn't be happier!) “I had a wonderful time with (my mentee) as usual and my spirits were uplifted in a way only a child can do. I look forward to our next week of card making. Such a simple act that brings so much happiness into the life of a child, wonderful”!

Learn more - or become a mentor at KidStart!

Profile provided by: Volunteer BC