By Greg Nikkel
After spending 10 years as a “Little Sister” in the Weyburn Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Weyburn, Shameeka MacDonald looked back on the life lessons and adventures she enjoyed, and hopes in the future to be a “Big Sister” herself.
She first joined the program at eight years of age, and recently just turned 18, so she is no longer eligible to be a “Little Sister”.
Her first “Big” was Jessica, and they shared time together for three years until Jessica left for Regina.
“I went to my first hockey game with her. I had never been to one before,” said Shameeka. “We baked cookies, and that was fun. She was really funny.”
Her next “Big” was Hanna, with whom she was matched for a year.
“We did lots of art work together. We painted a lot, and we did a few photo shoots where I was the model,” said Shameeka, noting this was her introduction to photography as Hanna taught her about taking photos.
For the last three and a half years, her “Big Sister” has been Amanda Ruley, and the two shared some thoughts about what the experience has been like.
They have spent a lot of time together, with some of the highlights for Shameeka including a spa day in Moose Jaw, and her first time riding a horse.
“I had never been up close to one before. I think horseback riding was one of my favourite things to do,” said Shameeka, adding they also baked cookies, and one year made a gingerbread house from a kit.
“I introduced her to the world of Disney,” said Amanda, noting Shameeka had never seen any of the Disney children’s movies before. One summer they went to camp at Circle Square Ranch and had fun there.
Another highlight for both of them was when they spent the day together and went to pick up some foster dogs from the Prairie Sky Dog Rescue in Regina.
“It’s been really awesome watching her grow and blossom,” said Amanda of her experience as a “Big Sister”.
“She was pretty shy and quiet when we first met. She’s definitely not that any more,” she added with a grin. “She has a very interesting sense of humour, and that’s been really fun, enjoying that.”
Amanda said she loves giving back, and said of her experience as a “Big Sister” that “it’s definitely one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done in my life.”
For her part, Shameeka said she has enjoyed her time as a “Little”, going on adventures and taking part in experiences she would never have tried before, such as going to a hockey game or learning how to ride a horse.
Asked what she would say to a girl interested in being involved in the program, Shameeka said she would definitely recommend it as a great experience.
“Do it, don’t hesitate,” added Amanda, for anyone looking to be a “Big” sister in the program. “It’s the best thing you’ll ever do in your life.”
She noted that she and Shameeka have developed a good relationship and have some things in common. “It’s very much what it became — she’s my little sister,” said Amanda.
Amy Mohr, regional director for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, said their aim in making matches is to put people together with similar interests, and they are always happy to see good friendships come out of the matches.
“It doesn’t always work, but it’s amazing when it does,” she said. “We always need more ‘big’ brothers and sisters.”
Currently there are about 10 children on the waiting list, and there are around 10 matches in place.
The commitment for a “Big” is about eight hours a month, and however they can make it work is fine, such as spending time on a weekend or after school.
“We make matches based on compatibility, such as likes and interests, so they help each other to learn and grow,” said Mohr.
For anyone interested in being involved with Weyburn Big Brothers Big Sisters, they can contact Mohr at 306-842-4050, or email her at [email protected].
