One day, Tom’s teacher, Miss Mark, held a class meeting. “There will be a flag day next Saturday. Does anyone want to join this meaningful event (活动)?” asked Miss Mark. Tom was interested in raising money for homeless children but he was not brave enough to talk to the strangers, so he kept quiet in his seat.

“Tom. You haven’t sold flags before,” said Miss Mark suddenly. “Would you like to have a try?”Tom was hesitant(犹豫的)，but he finally nodded.

On the flag day, Tom and Angela sold flags in a busy street. “Ex-cuse me, Could y-o-u pl-ea-se buy ...?” said Angela softly to the first person she met. The man smiled and put five-dollar coin into Angela’s collection bag. Then she said thanks and put a flag under his shoulder. “I did it!” said Angela happily. “It’s your turn now.”

Feeling nervous. Tom began to shake. Soon, he saw a young lady walking towards him. The lady was smiling and holding a few coins in her hand. She asked, “Are you selling flags for Fund for the Homeless Children?” Tom’s face became red and said yes. Then the lady made the donation(捐赠) and Tom gave her a flag. “You made it!” laughed Angela.

In the next couple of hours, Angela and Tom sold flags quickly and bravely. At last, their collection bags were so heavy that they had to hold them with both arms. They felt very proud.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is based on the power of friendship. It is a program which provides friendship and fun by matching vulnerable young people (ages 7-17) with a volunteer adult who can be both a role model and a supportive friend.

Volunteer tutors come from all walks of life — married, single, with or without children. Big Brothers and Big Sisters are not replacement parents or social workers. They are tutors: someone to trust, to have fun with, to talk and go to when needed.

A Big Sister and Little Sister will generally spend between one and four hours together three or four times each month for at least twelve months. They enjoy simple activities such as a picnic at a park, cooking, doing sports or going to a football match. These activities improve the friendship and help the young person develop self-respect, confidence and life direction.

Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations can be found throughout the world. It is the largest and most well-known provider of tutor services internationally and has been operating for 25 years.

Emily and Sarah have been matched since 2008. Emily is a 15-year-old girl who has experienced some difficulties being accepted by her schoolmates at school. “I was pretty sure there was something wrong with me.”

Emily’s mum came across Big Brothers Big Sisters and thought it would be of benefit to Emily by “providing different feedback about herself other than just depending on schoolmates to measure (测量) her self-worth.”

Sarah wanted to get involved (使参与) in a volunteer program. “I googled it and found out how to be a part of it. I thought it would be fun for me to get involved in making time to do something because sometimes it is all work and no play.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters has been of great benefit and enjoyment to both Emily and Sarah. They love and look forward to their time together and the partnership has certainly helped Emily be more comfortable in being the wonderful and happy girl she is!