Victoria Woods and her Little Sister, Peyton Wilson-Clarke, enjoy getting together and both are looking forward to participating in the upcoming Big Brothers Big Sisters Orillia, Bowl for Kids’ Sake that starts May 1.
Woods, 28, joined Big Brothers Big Sisters Orillia almost two years ago. She says she signed up to volunteer because she believes all youth deserve to have a supportive mentor.
“I think it’s important to have somebody who is there for you — somebody who can communicate with you and take you out to do activities.”
While Woods, who is in university studying to become a teacher, is mentoring Wilson-Clarke, she says she has also learned a lot from the teenager she mentors.
"I’m learning a lot about myself as a person," she said. "She taught me to be my authentic, silly self again. She's taught me to do things because I enjoy them and to forget about those who judge."
Wilson-Clarke, 14, says the program has given her a new best friend.
“I love learning from Victoria,” she said. “She’s taught me a lot and we’ve done so many fun activities.”
The 'sisters' have been meeting every other week for activities like treetop trekking, snow tubing, and even recently went to a Toronto Maple Leafs game.
“Victoria has taught me that you should never judge a book by its cover,” the Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School student explained. “That’s something I’ve carried with me.”
Woods and Wilson-Clarke are looking forward to Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids’ Sake event, taking place from May 1 to May 3, at Orillia Bowl, and again on Thursday, May 4, and May 5, at Coldwater Bowl.
“Peyton and I enjoy bowling and have been a few times,” Woods explains. “The last time we went in some pretty funky outfits, pyjamas, robes, and funny hats.”
Woods says Bowl for Kids’ Sake will help the community engage with Big Brothers Big Sisters Orillia.
“I’m excited to see our community come together for such a good cause,” she said.
“I look forward to getting to know people and trying my best to win,” Wilson-Clarke added.
After attending the event, Woods hopes more people will step up to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
“I think as a community we need to stand together united and support our youth,” she said. “With all of the hardships our community has faced since COVID, there is a big decline in the success of a lot of our youth.”
Woods says it’s important for people to step up to give youth the support needed to get on the right track in life.
“It’s important that they have someone who is guiding them down those right paths,” she said.
Wilson-Clarke’s twin brother, Hunter, is still looking for a big brother match. She says it’s been tough on him not having the support of a mentor.
“I feel bad that he doesn’t have a match,” Wilson-Clarke said. “He doesn’t get to have that relationship with someone to explore and try new things.”
Woods says there is a long list of youth waiting for a match, and it’s heartbreaking. Luckily for Wilson-Clarke, she seems to have found her mentor for life.
“I’m hoping that Peyton and I can remain in each other’s lives forever,” Woods said. “We already have plans for her 16th birthday to go skydiving.”
When Woods encourages others to sign up to be a Big Brother or Big Sister, she often hears the excuse that they don’t have the time.
“You are required to do two to three hours a month with your match,” she said. “It seems like it could be time-consuming, but it’s worth it."
Each team who participates in the Bowl for Kids’ Sake event, presented by Harveys, is asked to raise a minimum of $60.
For more information, to register a team, sponsor, or donate to the event, click here.
To volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters Orillia, or to learn more about the organization, click here.
