family By Beverley Causey-Smith Julia Hamshere is passionate about one of Bermuda's most important charities, Big Brothers and Big Sisters (BBBS). She plays three vital roles as a big sister, president of the board and chairman of fundraising.

Miss Hamshere has been involved with the organisation since 1997. Her father and brother had been involved with BBBS and when she returned from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where she obtained a Master's Degree in History of Art, she felt she wanted to give back to her community.

She continues to mentor her little sister, Tishauna, who was about nine years old when they first met. It was love at first sight and she adores her little sister.

"We do many things together such as sleepovers at my house, swimming, and watching videos. She just enjoys hanging out with me and my family and we feel the same about her.

"Sometimes we go to the library and research things, choose books to read and she loves going to the movies.

"Tishauna has enriched my life and it thrills me to be her role model and to know her.'' Each big brother or sister finds his/her own way of enriching the child match.

A case worker prior to an actual match screens both applicants.

Miss Hamshere feels that this is one of the most important agencies in Bermuda. It has been here over 20 years in a quiet way. However, the tide is changing and now the need for their services is growing. There is a waiting list for about 41 little brothers and one little sister.

On Friday, September 29, they will implement a tag day and representatives will be stationed at The Bank of Bermuda, The Bank of NT Butterfield, Lines Overseas Management, The Phoenix Center, Supermarkets and other retail outlets.

One of the organization's long-range goals is to have their own recreational facility/centre, where Bigs and Littles can go to participate in social and recreational activities. The centre will also house after-school programs and activities, to be operated by staff as well as volunteers.

There are plans for a corporate golf tournament called, "The Battle of the Bigs'' where the companies from every industry will be vied against each other in a friendly competition for charity.

Additionally, BBBS hopes to launch a corporate mentorship programme for their little brothers and sisters.

Miss Hamshere said: "Our children are our future and we, as adults, need to inspire confidence and help them to set goals and to realize their dreams. We need to show our children the correlation between doing well in school and doing well in our society.'' As a big brother or sister you are not the parent and there is no financial obligation. These children come from single parent families and usually the parent is very busy earning money and being all things to the child. Your role as a big brother or sister is that of a friend.

"It's taking children at risk and giving them an outlet to be productive citizens. Statistics show that 80% of the little brothers and sisters go to school and do well and they stay out of trouble.

"Interracial aspects are important in Bermuda and we have several solid interracial matches here. In New York there are many interracial matches and when asked if any wanted to change to a match of the same race 98% said they wanted to remain matched.'' One of the common fears people have about becoming a big brother or sister is the time commitment. However, Miss Hamshere is a very busy person who travels frequently, as she is involved with her family business, yet she makes time for her precious little sister! "It's easy. We speak on the phone regularly, even while I'm abroad. We have a strong bond and she knows that I am always there for her, and my family is too,'' concluded the vibrant Miss Hamshere.

Julia Hamshere wears several hats for Big Brothers and Big Sisters as a big sister, president of the board and chairman of fundraising. She believes this is one of the most important agencies in Bermuda as our children are our future.