Employees at Convention Data Services (CDS) are commencing the second year of a mentoring program with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod and the Islands (BBBSCCI). This year, 13 CDS employees have taken on the mentor role and are being matched with elementary school students. Mentors are known as the Bigs, and the students are known as the Littles. The program’s goal is to keep students and mentors together through middle school, offering long-term friendship and guidance.
According to Big Brothers Big Sisters, you don’t need super-powers to be someone’s hero—you just need to be you and be there. Each week, the CDS Bigs spend time together with their Littles from the James F. Peebles Elementary School in Bourne during lunch and recess to play games, talk and enjoy each other’s company. Mentorship benefits are vast for both the Bigs and Littles. According to the guidance staff, the children involved in the program have felt more supported during the day, which can often lead to increased attendance and improved behavior.
“We are so thankful for this partnership with CDS,” said JR Mell, Regional Director of BBBSCCI. “This type of an employer-supported, long-term volunteer initiative can be life changing for a child, as well as for the mentor. Because of the community minded nature within CDS, more children in Bourne now have the opportunity to thrive.”
“Corporate giving is a tremendous part of the culture at CDS,” said John Kimball, President and CEO at CDS. “All employees are encouraged to give back to their community—paid time off for volunteering is one of many ways we support this effort. Being a mentor is a great chance to make a difference with someone in your own backyard. CDS challenges other Cape Cod companies to do the same and make volunteering easy for employees.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod & the Islands is an innovative, energetic organization this is clearing the path to the biggest possible future for over 350 youth annually. With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod & the Islands is working to ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships. The organization’s vision is to inspire, engage and transform the Cape Cod community by empowering youth to achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, more confident futures and stronger communities.
www.capebigs.org
Convention Data Services
Convention Data Services (CDS) is the trusted event registration, business intelligence and lead management partner servicing top show organizers worldwide. Headquartered in Bourne, MA, CDS has built multi-faceted solutions to increase attendance, engagement and exhibitor ROI along with providing actionable analytics for the events industry since 1986.
www.cdsreg.com
