Meet Mike De Bokx—a busy dad of five, Sr. Manager, and a volunteer who’s making a real difference in the lives of Airdrie’s youth. Despite his full schedule, Mike makes time every week to mentor teens through BBBS Calgary.
Most recently mentoring his seventh mentee, Mike has seen firsthand how powerful mentorship can be. Many of the young people he works with lack positive male role models in their lives, and Mike’s there to offer support and friendship when it matters most.
He shares the story of one of his mentees, who started out shy and introverted. “When I first met him, he didn’t want to talk. By the end of the year, I couldn’t get a word in!” Over time, this teen’s confidence grew, and by the second year of mentoring, he had made lasting friendships and developed the self-assurance to navigate his social world.
Mike’s advice for anyone thinking they’re too busy to volunteer? “You find the time for the things that matter.” With just one hour a week, Mike has created a lasting impact. And it’s all thanks to the support and resources from BBBS, which makes mentoring feel like a team effort.