While browsing in the "gag" gift section of a dollar store in Burnaby with his friend Jay, Hugh picked up a squishy rubber thing with liquid in it. When he squeezed it, it changed shape creating a bulge. He held the bulge up triumphantly to show Jay and said, "Look, a boil!" Suddenly, it burst, covering Hugh with its squishy, yellowish contents. The two friends stared at each other for a moment in disbelief, then they both dissolved into uncontrollable laughter.
Thirty-six-year-old New Westminster resident Jay Cormier and 11-year-old Burnaby resident Hugh, hang out and have fun together for a few hours every week. The two friends are a Big and Little Brother pair matched two years ago through Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver. The "boil" incident, says Jay, was one of those moments when, "You just had to be there. It's been a running joke between us ever since."
Jay is a Training Specialist for Best Buy Canada. In his spare time, he designs board games with a colleague and is a children's entertainer. He credits two adults who ran a summer theatre program he attended as a youth for giving him the inspiration to become a Big Brother. "I traced a lot of my passions in life to that experience. I am very grateful for what they gave me and wanted to try and provide that feeling for someone else." Besides sharing an interest in movies, swimming and kidding around, Jay and Little Brother Hugh also share a love of entertaining. Hugh has recently enrolled in a circus school for kids and is learning to juggle; something Jay has been doing for years as a children's entertainer. Following in his Big Brother's footsteps, Hugh has declared an interest in becoming a street entertainer.
Hugh's Mom, Ellen knew what a positive experience having a Big Brother could be for him, as her older son had previously been matched. She says, "Hugh has many wonderful men in his life, but I wanted him to have a relationship and the ongoing support of someone who was just there for him, and not just because they're a relative or friend of the family." Since Jay became part of Hugh's life, Ellen has noticed Hugh becoming more confident and independent. She says, "Jay is strong and steady, like an anchor; he's also a huge cheerleader for Hugh."
Big Brothers Mentoring Coordinator Joanne Kautz-Allard says studies have shown that when a child has someone in their lives who spends consistent, quality time with them, other than a family member, "It provides a huge boost to the child's self esteem. This can positively impact their attitude towards school, their relationships with family and friends and ultimately, how well they succeed in life." Kautz-Allard encourages men over the age of 19 to call Big Brothers now to obtain more information about volunteering. "There are children waiting to be matched with a Big Brother in every area of the Lower Mainland."
Big and Little Brothers meet for a few hours every week for fun and friendship, doing activities that both enjoy. Little Brothers are average boys between the ages of seven and 12 who have limited to no contact with their fathers. Big Brothers must be at least 19 years of age and be willing to commit to spend a few hours a week with their Little Brother for a minimum of a year. There are no special skills or experience required to be a Big Brother.
For Hugh's part, he's happy to, "Have a guy to talk to and hang out with." He says he's glad that Jay became his Big Brother because, "We can talk about stuff one to one. He's kind and considerate and he makes me feel cared for. Like family. Like a Brother."
Ellen says, "I've tried to think of ways to say thank-you to Jay, but everything I come up with seems so trivial compared to the depth of effect he's having on Hugh. He's become like family and my greatest hope is to have him stay connected with Hugh for years to come."
