By Grace Moore – Contributor

As students of Bishop’s University, we spend years of our lives in Lennoxville. And yet, how often do we truly make a connection to other members of the community? Most of us spend these years content in our little bubble formed by the arches of this university. With Big Buddies, we break through this bubble. 

Our club has partnered up with Lennoxville Elementary School. We pair up a member of our club and a student from the elementary school as they partake in the eight events that our executive members plan throughout the year. Some of our most popular events have been painting pumpkins at the Gait, going sledding by the golf course and our trip to the Museum of Nature and Sciences in Sherbrooke. 

Last year, we had over 80 members who were actively involved in our club. The majority of the members who were involved are returning to be a part of it once again this year. Even those who aren’t members are still supportive, making sure to lend a hand whenever we are in need. 

Through these events, we become part of the community, extending past the comfort zone of our university walls. The Lennoxville residents get to know more about the people occupying their community from September to April. We become more than strangers that they see at the SAQ and Provigo. We become mentors, people who their kids look up to. 

At the end of the year, we sent out a survey to the parents for feedback. All of the parents’ replies were overwhelmingly positive. 

One parent comments: “My kid loved the Big Buddy and made a great friend. They stay in contact online. They are hoping to go back next year and be with their Big Buddy again.” 

Another says: “My child had a lot of fun with the Big Buddy this year. Great job Big Buddies!” 

A parent gave a shout-out to a specific buddy: “A special thanks to our child’s buddy! They made our child feel included and really connected with them! We’re looking forward to next year!” 

With reviews like these, we are proud to continue this program for another year. We had an enthusiastic Extra Day, having more sign-ups than we originally anticipated. We are so excited to watch as the connections grow between buddies from previous years and to see new connections start to form this year.