Dear friend,
My name is Rideja, and I want to tell you how being part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara changed my life.
When I first joined the program, I was eager to find the right mentor. When I finally met Ruth, everything felt different. From the first time we met at a park near my house, I knew it was a special kind of connection. She reminded me of my grandma: warm, kind, and full of heart.
Over the years, Ruth has become more than a mentor. She’s family. She’s the one who taught me to “pass it forward,” to always spread kindness no matter what. When I felt down or lost motivation, she encouraged me to paint, to cook, and to reconnect with people I love. Each time I was in doubt, she helped me believe in myself again.
One of my favourite memories is when I signed up for a cooking competition at Niagara College. Ruth and her boyfriend surprised me with the ingredients I needed so I could practice at their house. It made me feel so supported! I ended up winning third place, and it meant the world to me.
Right now, I work full-time at a restaurant and will start culinary school next September, pursuing my dream to become a private chef. What’s truly meaningful to me, though, is that this program hasn’t just helped me to grow, but it has also made a difference for my whole family. My brother and sister are also matched with a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters, and I’ve seen them become kinder, more caring, and more confident too.
None of this would have happened without the generosity of people like you. Your support makes it possible for young people like me to have someone in their corner and to feel hopeful, supported, and brave enough to dream big.
If you can, please, consider making a donation today.
Just one act of kindness can change a young person’s life in Niagara.
With gratitude,
Rideja