'BIG BROTHER OF THE YEAR' LENDS A HELPING HAND

Big Brother Randy McKee shares a laugh with his Little Brother Matt. They have been matched for 4 years.

Randy McKee now has a friend for life thanks to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oshawa-Whitby. "It's just an organization I read about, heard about and decided to give a try," the 35-year-old Whitby resident said. "My initial reaction wasn't to help myself. My initial reaction was to help a child, but the end result is just amazing." Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oshawa-Whitby is one of more than 170 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies in more than 300 communities across the country that matches adults and children in quality mentoring relationships. In 2001, Mr. McKee chose to volunteer with the agency, based in Oshawa at 1050 Simcoe St. N., and was paired up with a child named Matt, now 15 years old. Today, he's adamant the relationship is having a positive effect on both their lives. "I don't know how to describe the feeling, but I wouldn't give up the relationship for the world. He's brought a lot of value to my life," he said of Matt. "When I'm having a bad day, he's got the best sense of humour in the whole wide world. I don't have any kids -- not yet anyways -- so he's like my best little buddy," Mr. McKee said. " I do things with him that a father and son would normally do -- wash the car, play golf, go for a ride on a motorcycle, take him to car shows -- anything you would expect a father and son to do, or family to do, that what I do with him." Sometimes the pair don't see each other for two weeks at a time, but nevertheless, Mr. McKee said they always find time to "shoot the breeze" on the phone. They both have a good sense of humour, and interest in cars and motorcycles, and overall, he said "just a really great relationship."

Big Brother Big Sister Month Launches

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