| Big Brother Extraordinaire |
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Association President's Message Research Chair in Canadian Studies The Transition to Parenthood Study
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By Liz Fleming '77 Anyone who knows Tony Storey knows how important Big Brothers is to him. For more than twenty year, Tony has provide guidance, fatherly understanding and hours and hours of fun and friendship for several very fortunate young boys many of whom have now grown to be happy, well-adjust, successful men thanks in large part to their Big Brother Tony. Several months ago, Tony was presented with the prestigious big Brothers and Sisters of Canada President's' Commendation at the organizations'' national convention in recognition of his outstanding work and unstinting dedication. Since Tony is so much more comfortable blowing the horns of others than tooting his own, we've taken it upon ourselves to congratulate him here in the pages of the TrenT Magazine, where those who know and love him best will be able to share in our pride. There is only one recipient of the award annually, chosen from 178 agencies across Canada. Tony was vacationing in England when he learned he had been selected for the honour, and in a wonderful twist of fate, the news was delivered by one of his earliest little brothers, who had just arrived from Canada on a holiday trip of his own. Now 31 years old, the former little brother was only nine when he and Tony first met, and the bond they formed is permanent. "Lawrie will always be a part of my life," says Tony of the young man who overcame the loss of his father at age seven and went to complete his post secondary education at Durham College in Oshawa and St. Mary's University in Halifax. In all, Storey has been matched with eight little brothers since arriving in Peterborough as a Trent student more that two decades ago, taking them to watch the Petes in action, playing tennis and undertaking other activities in which both had an interest. Tony is immensely impressed with the work of Big Brothers and Big Sisters in the Peterborough area, and says it is an agency "I will always be helpful towards." Tony is also quietly thrilled by the award he received, as he should be. We took the liberty of publishing this excerpt from Tony's acceptance speech: "I remain today as I felt that night (that he heard about the award) startled, humbled, honoured, grateful and excited. And it gets better for I have been given a wonderful gift by this organization, and that is the gift of recognition. Over the years I have been involved in many recognition opportunities of deserving individuals. Now I am walking in their shoes. It is exhilarating and transforming. An old friend who I simply don't see enough of, buys me dinner. The parents of another dear friend who daily fight poor health take the time to call my parents to share their excitement. The retired owner of my parents' favourite café writes to my mother, enclosing the press clipping from the local paper. A colleague who has not called me in seven months after a tense and difficult discussion, phones to say congratulations. The President of the University announces the Commendation at a planning retreat. All around my workplace, people stop and greet me. Several have their own Big or Little testimonials to share. And common to many of the kind words is the following sentiment: "What a worthwhile organization!" What can you say about an organization that has given me friendship, activity, camaraderie, rapport, pride, pleasure, good humour and most savoured of all just plain fun? Don't we have this backward tonight Big Brothers of Canada I commend you. Which reminds me of how fortunate I am when I consider all the dedicated volunteers represented by the assembly here tonight, it is unimaginable that one person was singled out and I was selected. But boy am I glad you did." Congratulations Tony!  |
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