St. Thomas mentors changing young lives one match at a time

Their names may not be as recognizable as soon-to-be NHL Hall of fame inductee Joe Thornton or Hollywood actor Rachel McAdams, but these unsung St. Thomas heroes still play a consequential role in the lives of the youths they support.

They’re the mentors from Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin, an organization approaching its 55th year matching youths — some of whom face significant adversity — with adult volunteers who act as role models and provide support and guidance.

For the organization’s executive director, Carolyn Johnson, these mentors, also known as “bigs,” are more than just volunteers who contribute their time to guiding their “littles,” youths between the ages of six and 16.

“Every one of our mentors is a hero, not only to the children, but to us as well,” Johnson