As a single mother, a recent immigrant, and a professional starting a demanding new job in Cobourg, Heidy faced immense challenges. Raising two bright, ambitious children—Barbara, a strong-willed teenager immersed in music, and Gregory, an intellectual and athletic young boy—was no easy task, especially in a toxic family environment. She quickly realized that while Barbara had her music, Gregory needed a positive male role model. That’s when she turned to Big Brothers.
Gregory was placed on the waiting list, and after some time, he was matched with Karol—his Big Brother. From that moment, everything changed.
“As a mother, it was incredible to see Gregory connect with Karol. Just knowing he had someone to talk to, to look up to, gave me peace of mind. Every child deserves that—someone who listens, offers advice, and simply shows up for them.”
The impact of that relationship is undeniable. Today, Gregory is a loving husband, devoted father, and a successful entrepreneur who is committed to giving back leading kids in the Scout movement. Even more remarkable? He and Karol remain connected to this day—proof that the bonds formed through Big Brothers Big Sisters can last a lifetime.
But the ripple effect didn’t stop with Gregory.
While her son gained a mentor, Heidy found a community. She was invited to join the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters—a role she never expected to take on. What she gained was life-changing Though she had never served on a board before, she embraced the opportunity. What she didn’t expect was how profoundly it would shape her own journey.
“Being part of the board helped me grow as a person. I realized I wasn’t alone in my struggles. I learned from others, gained confidence, and developed skills—like public speaking—that helped me rise in my career. The camaraderie was incredible, and eventually, I became Chair of the Board.”
Today, Heidy encourages others to step forward, whether as a donor, mentor and volunteer, her message is simple:
“Go for it! You will gain so much more than you give. The commitment is not as daunting as you might think, and once you incorporate it into your life and see the impact, you’ll realize how truly powerful it is.”
Thanks to the generosity of donors and mentors like Karol, families like Heidy’s find hope, strength, and lifelong connections.
This is the power of mentorship. This is the impact of giving.
