Meet Kate – December Mentor of the Month
Kate Gingerich, a dedicated Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region, has been spreading love and positivity through mentorship for approximately six years. For Kate, mentoring means being a positive role model and providing young minds, like her mentee Maleya, with a safe and fun environment to learn and grow.
When asked about the impact of mentorship, Kate passionately describes how it helps youth build confidence and exposes them to exciting experiences within the community. She shares, “Maleya has really grown up over the last five years. She’s a confident girl and always up for new activities. When I bring my son along to our outings, she’s always a great help with him.”
Kate’s favorite memory as a mentor revolves around getting to know not only Maleya but also her family. She highlights the kindness and appreciation she’s received from Maleya’s mother. Kate mentions, “It’s been rewarding for me to see Maleya grow up and enjoy a variety of activities together. She’s always so appreciative of the time we spend together.”
Kate firmly believes in giving back to the community she calls home. She explains, “Give where you live” is a motto she lives by, and BBBSWR provides her with the perfect platform to make a lasting impact on local youth. Her journey with Maleya has been a heartwarming experience, filled with library visits, swimming at Kiwanis Park, fishing adventures, and sharing their family and cultural traditions.
This mentorship journey has brought joy, growth, and a stronger sense of community to Kate’s life. She emphasizes the importance of volunteering with organizations like BBBSWR, as they help children access various activities and events that contribute to their safety and confidence from a young age. Kate looks forward to many more years of making a difference in the lives of children, just like Maleya, through mentorship.
However, Kate’s contribution extends beyond her role as a Big Sister. She has been a dedicated supporter of several BBBSWR events, including the Best Friends’ Chefs Gourmet Dinner, the annual JDG Swing Big Golf Classic, and Taps & Apps fundraising events. Her active involvement in these events has further solidified her status as a community champion.
Kate’s dedication to BBBSWR reaches new heights this holiday season as she steps forward as our matching sponsor, pledging a generous $3,000 to help us give the gift of mentorship. This extraordinary commitment allows BBBSWR to double the impact of every donation received, ensuring that more children in our community can benefit from the guidance and support of caring mentors. Kate’s generosity is a shining example of the spirit of giving during the holiday season, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for her unwavering support.
