Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana has a waiting list of more than 400 children hoping to meet their Big Brother, Big Sister or Big Couple. More than 300 of those are boys, so we’re introducing “Manly Mondays” to ask men throughout the area why they enjoy being a Big Brother. To volunteer for the program or get more information, call 260-456-1600.
Dave Readle is our featured Big for this week’s “Manly Mondays.” He has been a Big Brother with Logan since 2011 and works for DePuy in Warsaw.
How did you decide to become a Big?
DR: It goes way back. We moved here in 2000, and I was originally from Muncie and it was something I had on my mind since my kids were little back in the mid-90s. What took me so long to finally jump off the bridge, I don’t know, but in 2011 I did.
How did you find out about the program?
DR: I had known about it for years, and I just always thought that would be something good for me to do.
How long did it take you to feel comfortable with your Little?
DR: About five minutes. We hit the ground running. I was actually supposed to get an older one, and then they bailed before we got going so then I got Logan.
So you knew right away you had done the right thing?
DR: Oh, yeah.
What’s the best thing about being a Big?
DR: Just knowing what you are doing for that person, that it is really helping them, you value your time together and you know it’s a good thing.
How soon was it in your match that you realized you were having fun as well?
DR: Oh, five minutes, as soon as we got together that first time.
Has it ever been challenging?
DR: Oh, yeah. The communication, the moving and not telling you and changing phones and not telling you, that part has driven me crazy.
What are some of the fun things you have done with Logan?
DR: We’ve done a lot of hiking and biking and a lot of times we’ll just get together and have dinner and talk. We’ve done a lot of fishing together.
How often do you talk to your friends about becoming Bigs?
DR: A fair amount.
Stay tuned for more “Manly Mondays!” We have a lot more stories to share with you!
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