The Magic of Mentorship Follows Four Generations of Matches
The journey through the Big Brother Big Sister (BBBS) program is an emotional one. Whether you are destined to be a participating ‘Big’ or ‘Little’ or whether you’re a parent or volunteer who’s involved, the magic of mentorship is truly inspiring to watch, from up close or afar.
On a bustling evening in late spring, many members and sponsors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sudbury were gathered during an intimate gala in celebration of BBBS’ success as a source of mentorship, bringing together caring adults with at-risk children and youth in our community. What most in attendance did not know was that the social buzz would quickly cease as an emotional surprise was in store.
On that day in late April of 2010 four generations of matches would reunite, some for the first time in decades. The story started with a modest speech by Big Brother, Brad Hilborn who was proudly accompanied by his Little Brother, Khirron Lumley. The two, spoke in front of a large audience about the endless string of positive results that came about as a result of their match over the years.
Chantal Gladu, the Executive Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sudbury recalls her first encounter with Brad, when in 2003 he walked into the local BBBS’ Pine Street office to inquire about becoming a Big. Sitting across from her, an energetic Brad expressed his desire to be matched with a young boy and went on to outline the hopeful details of his first outing with his soon-to-be Little. What struck Chantal the most from her initial conversation with Brad was his determination to dedicate every Sunday to his future match. Intrigued, Chantal soon discovered that Sundays were important to Brad Hilborn for it was a tradition that was established during Brad’s childhood when he too was a Little. What brought Brad Hilborn to the local Big Brother Big Sister program was partly a reminiscence of his own positive experience starting in 1987 when he first met his Big Brother and life-long mentor, John Gagne.
During his speech at the gala, Brad was all too enthusiastic to spread his passion for the mentorship program by sharing details about his life-long relationship with John who has come to be known as ‘papa’ to Brad’s young children. The first wave of emotion swept the room as Brad recalled how John was and continues to be a huge influence in his life, guiding him through many challenging times while always providing him support along the way. From the stories told by John, Brad and Khirron, it is apparent that a commitment to empowering children to reach their full potential is indeed a ritual that continues to follow three wonderful generations of matches; from decade to decade; from one Sunday to the next.
As time lapsed, Executive Director Chantal Gladu eventually learned that the connection between John, Brad and young Khirron could be traced back even further. It all started with Jeff Atlin, a soft-spoken and kind-hearted man who signed up to be a Big Brother in London, Ontarioin the spring of 1971.
Recalling the moment when she first discovered that there was yet another generation of matches, Chantal says “in my heart I knew that I needed to reconnect former Big Brother Jeff Atlin with his Little Brother John Gagne.” At the gala, Chantal revealed the history behind the four generation of matches, before unleashing the culminating event that brought John and Jeff together again, 37 years later.
There was not a dry eye in the room as Big Brother Jeff reconnected with Little Brother John during an emotional moment that set the tone for the remainder of the gala.
What inspired the reunion was a conversation between Chantal and John. On this day, John revealed to Chantal that “even as a Little Brother in the early 1970s, he never forgot about their outings or the friendship and laughter that he and Big Brother Jeff shared.” In speaking with John, Chantal notes that “it was at that time that he shared his determination to one day find Jeff to properly thank him for the gift of mentorship, one that he has passed along, from generations on.”
Determined, Chantal Gladu quickly started her search by making cold calls to the many J. Atlin’s residing in London, Ontario. Soon enough, Chantal connected with the wife of the proper Jeff
Atlin. After sharing with him the many stories she had heard about John`s childhood match, Jeff quickly agreed to come to the upcoming gala to be reunited with his Little Brother after more than 37 years.
She adds: “I feel blessed to have been able to grant John his wish and to have witnessed the joy, love and support that continues to flow through the four generation of matches.”
Since the reunion, Chantal has had many great conversations with John Gagne, who remains stunned by the effort and energy that the local Big Brother Big Sister agency put in to finding his long-lost brother. Reflecting upon his positive match experience, he revealed that “if it wasn`t for my Big Brother Jeff, I would have never met my Little Brother Brad. Jeff had such an impact on my life in such a short period of time. I could only hope that I`ve had the same impact on Brad,” he said.
Today, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sudbury has a 39 year history of providing children and youth in our community with quality match programs. For the Bigs and Littles of the past and present, stories like the reunion of Jeff, John, Brad and Khirron continues to inspire a legacy of mentorship.
For Chantal Gladu, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sudbury – the search to register and reconnect matches continues. She encourages all to visit http://www.bbbssudbury.com or to call the local office at (705) 673-6161 in order to to get more information, to support Big and Little matches, or to become involved.
