Who Gives?

Who?

Deidre Lee, 49

Where?

Strathmore, Vic

What?

Volunteer b ig s ister with Big Brothers Big Sisters

Why?

Deidre Lee describes first hearing about the youth mentoring program Big Brothers Big Sisters as a “light bulb” moment.

A former payroll assistant, whose own daughter is now 20, Deidre had been volunteering with various causes, but was looking for something more fulfilling. “I wanted to connect with someone on a deeper level and be more involved than just taking money off people,” she explains.

For the past 18 months, Deidre has been a Big Sister to a 12-year-old girl from West Preston. The relationship has been rewarding for both parties.

Deidre says her “little” - as she refers to her mentee - is a shy, immensely likeable girl. The second youngest of five children, Deidre’s mentee lost her mother when she was seven years old. The pair have bonded over milkshakes, walks with Deidre’s dog, cooking sessions and the occasional movie or show.

Deidre has advised her mentee on issues regarding puberty and educates her about the benefits of studying hard to achieve success. “I have also provided her with an ear,” Deidre says. “I am someone she can talk to about some of the issues in the family and issues about her mum. I think it’s important for her to be able to talk about that.”

Deidre, who undertook a psychological assessment and had to provide references as well as a police check before being admitted to the training program, says she meets with her mentee on average for one hour per week.

Big Brothers Big Sisters, which originated in New York in 1904, was established in Australia in the 1970s. The organisation’s mission is to help young people achieve their full potential through professionally supported mentoring.

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