Big Brothers Big Sisters makes a huge difference

Find out how little it takes to make a big difference.

Marc Sageloly lives his life by this motto. It influences his lifelong dedication to helping disadvantaged youth.

He has wanted to help kids since his early years. He currently works at a secure youth facility as a Youth Services Manager.

Youth deemed at risk to society are sent to the facility until their court matters are dealt with.

Sageloly believes the facility to be reformative. They provide youth with the tools necessary to become contributing members to society.

His helping hand does not always end in a pay cheque.

“By investing in our kids, we’re investing in the future of our community,” he said.

Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, he understands the importance of volunteering.

He has coached various sports, helped at the local YMCA and currently volunteers at Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit organization that offers various mentorship programs to children and teens.

The organization acquires its funding through entirely through fundraising and donations.

The organization pairs people together to provide youth with somebody to relate to and confide in. Their goal is to ensure nobody is ever truly alone.

For the past 30 years, Sageloly has donated a bulk of his time to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Throughout the years he has been involved in their various mentorship programs and currently acts as chairperson of their board.

“I love the program and how we help kids. I understand the value of mentorship. I’m captivated by the impact we can have on kids in our community so I just keep helping,” he said.

Sageloly was inspired to join Big Brothers Big Sisters because of his personal experiences as a youth.

Growing up, his father was a steel worker and his mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

When his father was not at work providing for the family, he spent his time caring for his mother as her condition worsened.

“I didn’t have the same opportunities I saw other kids my age have. My dad didn’t have the chance to spend time with me like I saw other fathers do,” he said.

Sageloly respects the position his family was in and would not change anything about his upbringing. It shaped him into the individual he is today.

He understands that history does not have to repeat itself. He makes an effort to be there for youth the way he wished he could have had himself.

His message to struggling youth is loud and clear: you do not have to go through anything alone. All it takes is reaching out to somebody who cares.

While Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit organization, a transaction does take place.

Sageloly believes that both parties leave with something priceless - a lifelong friendship.