Not having children of his own, Alan Brown says he had some time to share with a kid. As it turns out, Alan says that his own life has been greatly enriched by becoming a Big Brother. “I had so many things to show a kid. I enjoyed having him around and going back to my own childhood days.”

For François Godard, having a big brother growing up, meant everything to him.

Throughout their ten-year relationship the pair enjoyed each other’s company and did many activities together such as fishing, go carting, and golfing. They did construction projects—the reason François says he is interested in the trades as a career— or just hung out, and when Alan couldn’t take him to his soccer games, his wife did. Francois credits his friendship with his big brother not only for all the fun childhood memories he has had, but for the young man he has become. François says that Alan’s positive influences are indelible. Even now that François is 18 and graduating from the program, the “brothers” are still planning to continue their relationship.

Alan has since been introduced to a new little brother, Brennan, who Alan says, was a perfect match from the first hour they met. Now, other than their one-on-one time, the three—self professed “Leafs” fans—enjoy a “boys day out” every now and then.

Thanks to community support children like Francois and Brennan can benefit from such positive role models and perhaps one day themselves give back to a child in need. Because the agency receives no government funding, they rely on fundraisers throughout the year to support their good work.

The 15th annual Golf for Kids Sake will take place at Summerheights Golf Links on Wednesday, July 22. The $100 fee per golfer includes golf, cart, lunch and a steak dinner. “It’s our second largest fundraiser of the year,” said Jacquie Richards, executive director, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Cornwall and District. “It allows us to have our programs.”

For further information call Big Brothers and Big Sisters Cornwall and District at 613-933-8035. You can also register at Scotiabank.