Blue Bomber gives back to his community

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This article was published 03/07/2017 (3021 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

After signing a contract to play with his hometown team earlier this year, Winnipeg Blue Bombers linebacker Thomas Miles thought about how he could serve his community.

The 24-year-old decided to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg.

“I grew up with plenty of role models and mentors, and a lot of kids aren’t fortunate enough to have that,” Miles says.

“That’s where Big Brothers Big Sisters plays a role.”

He’s excited to develop a strong bond with his match and be a positive role model for him.

“My Little Brother is a football player, and there’s an instant connection with football players and with athletes and people who enjoy working out,” Miles says. “I’m enjoying getting to know him, what he thinks about football, what he likes to do in the gym, and establishing a reliable and consistent relationship (with) him.”

In addition, Miles is an honorary spokesman for the organization.

Miles wants to encourage others to sign up as volunteer mentors. There are more than 100 young people in Winnipeg waiting for a Big Brother or Sister.

“We really want to put a dent” in that number, Miles says.

Volunteer mentoring isn’t a huge commitment.

The first time Miles and his Little Brother hung out, they threw a football around and went for Slurpees.

“It’s really just spending quality time with your Little. It can take on any form. It all depends on what you and your match are interested in doing.”

Miles is no stranger to volunteer work. He serves with Cvet’s Pets, a not-for-profit organization founded by former Blue Bombers player Chris Cvetkovic that provides support to military veterans and first responders who own service dogs and who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Miles is allergic to peanuts, so he also volunteers his time as a media ambassador for Food Allergy Canada.

He credits his parents, Gordon and Jennifer, with inspiring him to give back to the community.

“They’re lifelong volunteers,” Miles says. “My sister’s the same, and I’m continuing that tradition.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg is excited to have Miles involved. Executive director Greg Unger says Miles is proof everyone can find time to volunteer.

“He’s a pro football player with incredible demands on his time, and he’s working toward his MBA, yet he sees the need,” Unger says.

Unger encourages anyone who is interested in getting involved to visit bigwinnipeg.com or to call 204-988-9200.

Miles says he believes mentors can have a huge effect. The mentors in his life have given him direction, inspiration and motivation.

“Role models provide a huge influence on teenagers,” he says. “I think it’s really important that (a teenager) has access to someone they trust, can go to for advice and can have fun with.”

If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com.