CALGARY - With nearly 8,000 children in care across Alberta, the province is looking to recruit the same number of mentors to guide them.

Dubbed #8000Mentors, a campaign launched Wednesday aims to find positive adult role models for teens and children in provincial care, especially those from different cultural backgrounds.

"There are children waiting. They are actually on a wait-list to have a positive role model in their life," Human Services Minister Manmeet Bhullar said. "I think we as Albertans need to step up to the challenge."

Nicole Mann recently became a mentor to Tasmina Begum, 17.

"During our first meeting, I had a really impactful moment with her and it was completely unexpected," said Mann.

"One interesting topic (discussed) was figuring out who you are and more importantly, where you fit with cultural expectations, and I went through exactly what she's going through on my own growing up.

"I wish I had had someone I could express my frustrations or celebrate my wins with throughout that journey and experience it with someone who wouldn't just sympathize, but empathize.

Begum said meeting Mann changed her life.

"Within the first hour or so we were talking about all these different things I've never talked to anybody about before and we really connected," she said.

"Knowing she's been through the same experiences I have ... she will actually understand what I'm going through as opposed to just saying, "This is how it is.'

The campaign will see the province commit $365,000 to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton while TransCanada is donating $45,000 to the Boys and Girls Club and BBBS of Edmonton.

Anyone interested in signing up to be a mentor can visit www.albertamentors.ca/8000mentors.
dave.dormer@sunmedia.ca