Bomber signs up to be a Big Brother
Linebacker Thomas Miles calling for more mentors for Big Brothers Big Sisters
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This article was published 23/05/2017 (3088 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Thomas Miles can attest to the strength of bonds formed through football.
The former Toronto Argonauts linebacker signed with his hometown Winnipeg Blue Bombers in March and, without missing a beat, inked another substantial commitment upon his return home.
Miles, 24, recently signed up to be a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters Winnipeg. The longtime Riverview resident and Churchill High School alumnus was matched with a 15-year-old little brother and the two have since connected over their favourite game.
“One of the main goals of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to provide a consistent and reliable presence in your little brother or sister’s life, and that’s what I’m really looking forward to doing,” Miles said.
“I think that having someone who you know you can count on is really important. And someone you can seek counsel or advice from, or someone to just vent to, it’s really important for kids when they’re growing up, especially if they can’t get that somewhere else.”
Matt Di Ubaldo, development and marketing manager with Big Brothers Big Sisters, said there are currently over 100 kids waiting for a mentor in the program. About 80 per cent of those waiting are boys looking for a big brother.
“It fluctuates but kind of hangs around that number,” Di Ubaldo said of the wait list. “For whatever reason, the number of kids and adults apply at the same rate.
“So we’re really have trouble closing that gap.”
Miles’ little brother was on the wait list for two years.
“If you’re a kid or young teen and you’ve expressed that you would like a role model or mentor of some sort, you shouldn’t have to wait two years, especially if you’re at a critical point in your development.” Miles said.
Miles said mentors in his life were plentiful in his youth, between his parents and numerous coaches. His path to the CFL began with the Crescentwood Grizzlies, then the Bulldogs, and eventually the University of Manitoba Bisons. Unchanging, however, were the relationships he forged along the way, particularly with strength coaches Chris McDole and Dave Beakley.
Miles said he sees the opportunity to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg as his chance to give back.
“There were a lot of positive influences in my life,” he said. “So Big Brothers Big Sisters is for the kids who don’t have that; kids who are in possibly tough economic situations at home, busy parents, and they’re looking for a friend and for some guidance.”
For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg or to sign up as a mentor go to bigwinnipeg.com