Volunteer Mentor - Cali Mancia (2011)

Cali Mancia has been a Big Sister since 2004 when she was matched with her Little Sister Michelle. Seven years later, Cali and Michelle still meet regularly and Cali has taken an active role in encouraging Michelle to become a strong, independent young woman.  In addition to her role as a Big Sister, Cali has been an extremely active volunteer in other areas.  She sat on the Big Sisters Development Committee for five years and was the Chair for two of those years, was on the Board Nominating Committee, and has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2009, where she is now Board Secretary. Cali has also volunteered at various agency events, offered her assistance during the planning for our 50th Anniversary, and encouraged other women to become mentors as a member of our Speakers Bureau.  For the past seven years, Cali has shown her commitment to Big Sisters both as a mentor and through her engagement in the strategic and administrative sides of our organization.

Volunteer - Brandon Elliot (2011)

Brandon has been volunteering his professional skills as a photographer and web designer to Big Sisters since 2005.  He shoots all of our feature match cover stories for our newsletter (16 issues to-date) and provides the featured match with a unique opportunity to have their own professional photo shoot.  Brandon has also photographed our fundraising events – Spring Lunch, Golf, Gala – for the past six years, and he provides any photo retouching the agency needs.  In 2009, Brandon spent countless hours completely redesigning Big Sisters' weekly e-newsletter. When Brandon opened his own photo studio this past February, he was quick to offer the use of his studio and his services to Big Sisters in any way that could help our organization. Despite a busy travel and work schedule, Brandon is extremely generous with his time and talents and he continues to be a true friend to Big Sisters.

Business - Deloitte (2011) 

 Deloitte has been a loyal supporter of Big Sisters since 1999.  The firm has provided all levels of support to our organization including event sponsorships, in-house fundraisers, attending Big Sisters fundraising events, and hosting volunteer information sessions. Over the past 12 years, Deloitte has donated over $40,000 to Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland.  In addition to the company’s sponsorships of our Spring Lunch, former golf tournament, and Gala, Deloitte employees hold an annual fundraising drive to raise $2,000 to “Sponsor-a-Match” to help one of the girls on our waitlist get matched with a supportive mentor.  In 2007 and 2011 Deloitte organized Lunch & Learn sessions for their employees to find out more about Big Sisters and how they can get involved as volunteers – an amazing 50 female employees attended the session in 2011! From the unwavering support of the Partners at Deloitte – including Lisa Ethans, a member of Big Sisters Honourary Advisory Board – to the involvement of Deloitte employees, this is a company that has truly embraced Big Sisters at all levels and in all ways.