Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer Mentor - Shelley Nissila
Shelley Nissila has been a dedicated Big Sister volunteer since September 2001. Over the past 8 years, Shelley has given her friendship, time and unwavering support to four different Little Sisters! In addition, Shelley has been a member of our community Speakers Bureau since 2008, which she uses as a way to share her experience as a Big Sister and encourage other women to become Big Sisters themselves. To build more connectedness amongst Big Sisters, Shelley started a Big Sisters Book Club in 2002, which continues today. Shelley is an incredibly committed volunteer who truly believes in the value of this program and in the value of each of the Little Sisters she has mentored. Shelley has an enormous heart and a ‘can-do’ attitude that has inspired other Big Sisters and the Little Sisters who have been a part of her life.

Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer - Heather Conradi
Heather Conradi has been a member of Big Sisters’ Board of Directors since 2002 and she has served as Treasurer of the Board for most of that time. She is an engaged and committed board member who has provided this board with consistency and an extremely helpful historical perspective. With such a long tenure on the board, Heather has been an invaluable resource to Big Sisters and is key in guiding our organization’s important financial and budgeting decisions. She also plays a key role in orienting new Board Members to the financial practices of our organization. Heather has been a consistent supporter of our fundraising events, and has helped to raise awareness and support for our organization through her professional and personal networks.

Outstanding Contribution by a Business - McNeill Nakamoto Recruitment Group
McNeill Nakamoto Recruitment Group, owned by Sarah McNeill and Cheryl Nakamoto (pictured at left), has been supporting Big Sisters since 2005 when they began their annual sponsorship of the Big Sisters Divas Gala. In addition, McNeill Nakamoto has organized six in-house fundraisers for Big Sisters including two ‘Grape Juice’ wine auctions. McNeill Nakamoto also used their expertise as staffing professionals to develop a ‘Career Launcher’ workshop, which teaches Little Sisters the basics of job hunting. In four years, McNeill Nakamoto has donated almost $57,000 to Big Sisters. Equally important, this company raises awareness of our mission with their staff and clients and they are determined to help our Little Sisters succeed. The initiative McNeill Nakamoto has shown in choosing a charity that aligns with their values, building a relationship with that charity, and involving their network in their charitable work, is both impressive and thoughtful. Sarah McNeill also volunteers as Chair of our Divas Gala and a member of our Honourary Advisory Board.