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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Big Brothers Big Sisters had helped thousands of children over the years, and now they need your help.

The program provides children with a positive adult mentor and helps to create lasting relationships.

Those involved say the experience is life-changing.

"I've just always wanted to make a difference in kids' lives, and it kind of occurred to me one day that you don't have to be famous, you don't have to do any of that stuff, you can just kind of reach out and be able to change one kid's life pretty easily," Brian Johannsen, a Big Brother, said.

Johannsen is just one of hundreds of adults who have chosen to make a difference in a child's life.

He and his "little brother" Shakai were paired up nearly two years ago, and the fun hasn't stopped since.

"We go see movies, we've been to Water World once together," Shakai said.

"We'll go swimming, we'll go mountain biking, we've done the incline together, ice skating, I mean there's really nothing we haven't done," Johannsen said.

Shakai said he always wanted a big brother and said his favorite thing about Brian is his personality.

"It's just nice to have somebody like him around 'cause I don't really get to see my dad that often 'cause he's active military, and so it's nice to have somebody to hang out with," Shakai said.

Johannsen said he was hoping to change a child's life but added that his life has changed too.

"Having Shakai in my life has just shaped the way I think about things. I always kind of have him in my mind when I make a decision to do something. It's just like a barometer for what's right and wrong, 'cause I think of how he would view me with what I'm doing, so if I think he would be disappointed in me then I'm probably not gonna do it," Johannsen said.

He said he considers Shakai to be one of his best friends and added that while Shakai may look up to him, he looks up to Shakai.

Both Shakai and Johannsen agreed that the Big Brothers Big Sisters program is important and a way to truly change the lives of children.

"Without there being someone actually in your life like an aunt or an uncle, if you don't have a male father figure around or a female figure around, there's just not that opportunity to be able to connect with someone like that without this," Johannsen said.

"You can't just walk up to someone and say 'hey can I hang out with your kid?' you know like that opportunity just doesn't exist and vice-versa a kid can't walk up to you and say 'hey can I just hang out with you?'" he added.

The program is always in need of volunteers, and organizers said they are looking for adults who are ready to have fun, be silly, teach, and be open to learning a few things along the way.

"I have the most crazy schedule in the world and I have plenty of time for Shakai in it," Johannsen said.

The program is also in need of financial support and is hosting a golf tournament Saturday, July 21 at the Antler Creek Golf Course in Peyton.

To Volunteer: 
www.biglittlecolorado.org
719-633-2443

Golf Tournament Info: 
Big Brothers Big Sisters In Defense of Our Children Tournament
Saturday July 21
Antler Creek Golf Course- Peyton Co
Register online: http://golf.biglittlecolorado.org or by phone: 719-633-2443
Entrance Fee: $100.00 per player- fully tax deductible
Luncheon Included
72 Player limit- Register early!