Once a week since April, the Smithville youngster has received a special home visit from his Big Brother Andrew.

Whether it's a night of video games in the basement, ball hockey out on the road or a trip down to the Sweet Spot for soft ice cream and candy, the friendship has become a constant for the Grade 3 College Street student as he learns to live life without a father figure in the home.

During the week, he can even e-mail his 23-year-old friend about his day, or what activities he can't wait to do during the next visit.

"We have a lot of fun," says Andrew, son of Tom Fleming, and general labourer at his dad's Beamsville business, Fleming Chicks. "At the end of each week, we talk about what we want to do next time."

Even at 23, Andrew is no stranger to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln organization. Three years ago, while attending the University of Windsor, he marvelled at the relationship a fellow student had with her Little Sister. It was then that he decided to donate his time to youngsters needing a hand up.

For two years, he shared a relationship with Jesse, currently a Grade 12 student at Beamsville District Secondary, whose father had succumbed to cancer at an early age.

But with Jesse ready to take on the world, Andrew decided to give it another go, signing a "Friendship Agreement" with young Carter this spring.

"We've been go-karting," glows Carter. "We've gone bike riding. But I really like getting candy."

Andrew's also spent time trying to convince Carter that the Toronto Maple Leafs - not the Ottawa Senators - are truly Canada's team. He's had no luck thus far, however, as Carter still tries Spezza's dekes in Smithville novice hockey, not Stajan's.

Carter's older brother, 11-year-old Trenton, watches his little brother's relationship with impatience. Trenton has been on the match list at Big Brother's for too long.

"It's boring," he says.

Until that match is made, Andrew remains the Wednesday night highlight at Carter's home. His brother, four-year-old sister Grace, and even the family's pet chihuahua-pomeranian Chanel leap with excitement each time the doorbell rings.

"It's been great having Andrew around," says mom, Lisa, who seperated from her husband two years ago. "It's made a huge difference. All three of my kids love him."

Their love is so great, each sibling will grab Andrew's Jetta when he leaves, as if to convince him to stay.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln currently has a wait list of Littles looking for Bigs.

Fifteen boys and four girls are patiently waiting for adults to give a little time to them, and more are always applying, says caseworker Karen Thompson.

"People think it's a big time commitment to have a relationship like this," she says. "It's not. It's also a low-cost activity, as we want Bigs to spend more time than money with their Littles."

There is a minimum of a one-year commitment for a Brother or Sister relationship, adds Thompson.

"We monitor the relationships, and find that people really enjoy the relationships because they are committed."

To get involved, call Thompson at 905-945-9353 or e-mail thompsonbbbs@aol.com.