Three members of the Edmonton Eskimos football team huddled up with dozens of children from the African Centre yesterday, spreading excitement across the board.
Honoree Chair of the Big Brother and Big Sisters program and Edmonton Eskimos player Kamau Peterson, 30, said nothing is more rewarding then helping the children in the program.
“It’s a great cause, and a long standing tradition to be involved,” Peterson said. “I love it.”
The Big Brothers Big Sisters summer camp runs Tuesday to Friday, for six weeks, requires no fee and welcomes all children. With the help of the African Centre, the children are given meals every day.
“It only takes one hour a week to change someone’s life,” Summer program director of Big Brothers and Big Sisters Amber Lee said. “When it’s summer this keeps them occupied.”
Along with Peterson were teammates Patrick Kabongo and Willie Amos.
“It’s important to embrace this culture,” Kabongo told the children. “But never forget who you are.”
A lot of the children involved are new to Canada Lee said, and the program helps to keep them active while their families are working.
Lee stresses that volunteers are always needed, and that those interested can contact them through their website, bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
