A single working mother recently called Young Observer and she said she wanted to speak out about the great work being done by the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Bermuda.

"I want to express my appreciation for Big Brothers and Big Sisters,'' said Shirlene Raynor, a Police officer, who thinks the organisation is doing great things for her daughter and other children.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Bermuda is a non-profit charity that matches children, primarily from single-parent homes, with adult volunteers.

But when she first applied for a Big Sister, Ms Raynor did not know the organisation, or that the Big Sister match would prove to be so helpful.

Big Sister Julia Hamshere is matched with Ms Raynor's daughter, 12-year-old Tishauna.

In a recent supplement in The Royal Gazette , Julia and Tishauna wrote letters expressing their appreciation for each other.

"When I read the supplement, I was full of tears. I had to give it to my girlfriend to read it to me,'' said P.c. Raynor, "After reading the article her (Tishauna) Big Sister (Julia) wrote, I had to say something. And as busy as she (Julia) is, she still takes time to be with my daughter.'' Big Sister Julia is a buyer for Cecile's boutique and travels frequently, but that does not impede the big/little relationship with Tishauna.

"Everytime she (Julia) goes away, she calls and does something with Tishauna, from just talking on the phone or anything really,'' said P.c. Raynor.

"Sometimes Julia calls while on a trip. She called from Italy not too long ago. They get on the phone and talk, talk, talk, talk. Sometimes I have to chase her off the phone.'' The highlight of the big sister/little sister relationship was Julia's family's acceptance of Tishauna.

"Julia's parents treat Tishauna just like a grandaughter.'' And Julia takes on other roles as the Big Sister, such has making it to school events or presentations that conflict with a Police woman's tough schedule.

But when asked if its difficult to be a Police officer and a single mother, P.c. Raynor said no.

"They (Police work and Tishauna) don't usually mix and it's not hard, but sometimes I work a schedule that does stop me from going to school events,'' said P.c. Raynor.

"I've called up Julia (in the past) and she was there.'' During a recent Big Brothers/Big Sisters event, Julia took Tishauna to Florida.

P.c. Raynor was unable to go, but the "grandparents'' were able to fill in.

"I want to stress how much I appreciate it all,'' said Ms Raynor.

Julia and Tishauna had written letters for the supplement, explaining how they appreciated each other.

"I was so excited,'' said P.c. Raynor, "I have to show how much I appreciate it.'' And so she picked up the phone, and now her appreciation is in black-and-white.

Sisters at heart: Big Sister Julia Hamshere (R) and Little Sister Tishauna Raynor pose on the hotel room balcony during a vacation to Walt Disney World in Florida. Tishauna's mother, Constable Shirlene Raynor of Bermuda's Police Service, appreciates the friendship fostered by Big Brother and Big Sisters of Bermuda.