Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State (BBBSOS) has announced that it will hold a special, one-of-a-kind volunteer recruiting event to help find “Big Brother” and “Big Sister” mentors for its waiting list of over 100 boys and girls.

“The Big Skate” will be held on Saturday, March 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Boss Ice Arena on the campus of the University of Rhode Island. The event will not only welcome current “matches” from its program, but will also seek to introduce potential new mentors to the power and impact of mentoring a child. Many of the boys and girls from the agency’s waiting list will be present and participating in the event.

BBBSOS has also partnered with Youth Pride Inc., Louie’s Place and South County Cares, all of which are nonprofit organizations that serve at-risk youth in the community of Providence and South County, respectively. Free bus service will bring participants from two locations, both of which are easily accessible from RIPTA bus lines.

The Big Skate will feature free ice skating, crafts and refreshments. Representatives from the URI hockey team will also be on hand to skate with the kids. All attendees are encouraged to bring their own skates, as rentals may be limited.

Participation in The Big Skate is free; however, an RSVP before March 15 is required. Persons interested in attending and learning about what it takes to become a mentor should contact Matt D’Amato, BBBSOS match support specialist, at MDAmato@BBBSOS.org or 921-2434, ext. 126.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State is Rhode Island’s leading mentoring organization, and has been serving boys and girls in the area for over 45 years. The agency was recently honored with a prestigious “Gold Standard Award” identifying it as one of the top agencies in the nation. People interested in mentoring a child or donating to support the program, can contact BBBSOS at 921-2434, or log on to the organization’s website at www.BBBSOS.org.