The public are being invited to remember a person who inspired them through an innovative project being spearheaded by the Big Brother Big Sister youth mentoring organisation.
A “Wall of Inspiration” has been erected at the Eyre Square Shopping Centre (downstairs across from the 3G store ) and will remain there this week. Shoppers are invited to design a brick and write a special message to a person who inspired them.
“We are asking shoppers to design a brick and write a special message to a person who inspired them in their life,” explains Mary Lynch, the operations manager of the Big Brother Big Sister programme.
“The ‘Wall of Inspiration’ is an opportunity for everyone to let the person who has had a real impact on their life know just how much they mean to them. The wall has been built on site in the Eyre Square Shopping Centre and the messages on each brick will be uploaded to the online virtual ‘Wall of Inspiration’. An email will also be sent to the person nominated on each brick to highlight the impact they have had with instructions on how to view the message.
“The person that inspires you could be anyone; a family member or friend, a teacher or maybe a musician or sports star. The ‘Wall’ will tour Ireland over the coming months and supporters will help to build an infinite online virtual ‘Wall of Inspiration’.”
The initiative aims to raise awareness of the Big Brothers Big Sisters youth mentoring programme which matches a young person, who would benefit from extra support, with a caring adult volunteer.
“The impact of this relationship on the participants can be life changing and donations will go directly to supporting young people and ensuring the sustainability and growth of the programme. It is also an opportunity to recognise the work of the hundreds of volunteers who are making a difference in the lives of young people on a weekly basis.”
Research indicates that matching young people with a caring adult volunteer is a powerful intervention assisting young people in reaching their full potential in life, she says.
The Big Brother Big Sister programme supports 212 young people in Galway city and county and 1,500 in 14 counties.
“To ensure we can continue to assist young people facing adversity we need financial support and we think the ‘Wall of Inspiration’ will help us raise the necessary funds to reduce our waiting lists,” says Ms Lynch. “During the week, we are asking for the support of the public by visiting the wall. As well as helping to build it and raise funds for the programme, we want people to gain a greater awareness and understanding about the work which is undertaken by our organisation.”
She says in these difficult economic times it is important to have people to admire.
“The Big Brother Big Sister ‘Wall of Inspiration’ provides an opportunity for us to acknowledge these fantastic people.”
For further information log onto www.wallofinspiration.ie or www.bbbsireland.ie or telephone the Big Brother Big Sister office at (091 ) 554420.
