By her own admission, single mom Clara Banguera “isn’t sporty” and is “obviously female.”
So having someone such as 29-year-old James Liu around to mentor her 14-year-old son, Jake (name changed), is worth its weight in gold.
Liu has been Jake's “Big Brother” for two years after the pair was matched as part of the Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver program, which currently has a near two-year wait time in Richmond.
And since then, Liu and Jake meet up regularly to play basketball, go to the movies or to activities such as paintballing.
“I have to work full-time and come home and cook and clean; they need someone other than just me to spend time with; a positive male influence,” said Banguera, who lives in south Richmond.
“I’m female and not sporty, James is a very athletic and positive person and is very hard working as well; he’s a good guy and a great role model.”
Asked why she thinks it’s important for Jake to have someone such as Liu in his life, Banguera, who is originally from Colombia, said he needs to “learn good moral values from someone other than just me.
“There are some things I can’t talk to him about. Jake now wants to be a policeman, because that’s what James is studying for. He gets very excited when he knows he’s meeting up with James.”
Banguera’s 19-year-old son also had positive experience with a Big Brother growing up, so she had no hesitation doing the same for her youngest.
For Liu, who works for the City of Vancouver’s engineering department, he mulled for years becoming a Big Brother before taking the leap.
Ironically, it was the lack of a male figure in his childhood that eventually spurred him into entering the program.
“I considered this about six years ago, but the timing wasn’t quite right; there was a lot going on with my schedule and I was a bit anxious and nervous,” he told the Richmond News.
“Growing up, I never really had a strong male figure in my life; my father was kind of in and out of my life and, personally, I would have liked to have a Big Brother when I was (Jake's) age.”
Volunteering isn’t new to Liu, however, having been a dragon boat coach and spent time as a tutor at the Canucks Family Education Centre.
So it’s no surprise that he’s enjoying investing time and emotion with Jake, especially indulging the teenager’s love of all things basketball.
“We play a ton of basketball; he’s a basketball fanatic,” said Liu.
“He’s in his high school team and represents the city. He’s a remarkable lad and I really believe in developing someone’s strengths.
“He’s obsessed with the NBA and, as I keep telling him, there are possibilities there. There are scouts and there are scholarships down the line.”
As well as passing on advice to young Jake, Liu had a few words of wisdom for any other potential Big Brothers out there.
“Just take it one little step at a time. It may seem like a big commitment, but before you’re even matched up, they make sure you’re comfortable with your potential Little Brother. They keep you in your comfort zone,” he said.
“I have no regrets whatsoever. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Last Saturday, Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver launched its Purple Net Project recruiting campaign at the Richmond Olympic Oval.
The Purple Net Project is in its second year; an initiative that connects Big and Little Brothers through basketball.
Based on a symbolic connection between basketball hoops without nets and kids without positive role models, the campaign raises awareness for Big Brothers’ need of volunteers in Greater Vancouver. Last year, in partnership with Swishin’ Mission, 100 nets were hung on hoops across various communities, including Richmond; one net for each child who was waiting for a Big Brother.
“Today, we face a critical need for volunteers as our ‘Littles’ wait times to have a ‘Big’ is an average of two years,” said Valerie Lambert, executive director at Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver.
“We simply do not have enough volunteers to be matched to the children on our waitlist – we need the community’s help.”
“Attracting and retaining volunteers is a critical challenge facing our organization today.
“Volunteers are essential to our programs in providing support and mentorship to children and youth in our communities.”
Adults looking to make a difference can sign up to become a Big Brother by visiting PurpleNetProject.ca.
