Big Sisters Program

Making a Difference, One Match at a Time

The Big Sisters Mentoring program matches Lower Mainland girls, non-binary, transgender and gender-diverse youth between the ages of 7 – 17 with a volunteer Big Sister in a one-to-one mentoring relationship.

“I’ve grown into such a positive person and I give a lot of credit to my mentor because she’s impacted my life so much.”

Step One: General Information

The Big Sisters mentoring program matches girls, non-binary, transgender and gender-diverse youth (ages 7 – 17) with a volunteer Big Sister in a one-to-one mentoring relationship. For a minimum of 1 year, each Big and Little match meets once a week for 2-4 hours. Matches enjoy doing a wide variety of free and low-cost activities together including crafts, sports, movies and just hanging out and talking!

Our supportive mentors are volunteers ages 19 or older that provide us with a criminal record check and references. They are trained in child safety and screened and consistently monitored by our professional staff throughout their involvement with the program.
Step Two: Requirements
All Little Sisters must be:
- Ages 7 – 17
- Live in the Lower Mainland
- Interested in being matched with a caring, adult mentor
- Able to meet the minimum time commitment of the Big Sisters program (2-4 hours/week for one year)
Little Sisters are girls, non-binary, transgender and gender-diverse youth who could benefit from the support and friendship of a mentor. Many Littles face challenges such as low self-esteem, social isolation, and a lack of enriching experiences as a result of challenging life circumstances such as poverty, family distress, abuse, or loss. A mentor can act as a reliable and caring friend who can be there to listen, have fun, and help navigate difficult times.
Step Three: Refer a Little
Next Steps

More Inclusion, Less Bullying

Kate, our Go Girls! Program Coordinator, had the chance to witness youth come together during her time as a Go Girls! mentor. “When you bring participants together at such a crucial age, you create a strong bond and develop unique connections that create friendships.”

A Life-Long Relationship

Mentee, Maria, has felt super safe and supported, thanks to her relationship with her mentor, Renee. “I’m so glad that I have such a positive person in my life, who I can talk to, and who will help me with all my problems, and really just listen and be there for me, when no one has been. I’m so thankful that Big Sisters was able to provide me with that”

A Helping Hand

Mentee, Cindy, was happy to have someone there for her to help, when she felt like no one else was. “When I needed someone else to step in, Donna was there to lend a hand.”

A Positive Outlook on Life

Mentee, Patricia, is grateful for her mentor, Tina, to help build her self-esteem and confidence, to get her to a much better place in life. “If I didn’t have Tina, I wouldn’t be in the place I am today. I would have just been such a negative person and just wouldn’t care about life.”

Refer A Little

Know of a little in need of a mentor? We’re here to help. Find out how.

Learn More

Why Mentoring Matters

It’s a tough world out there. A Big Sister provides supportive mentoring relationships to youth who may be facing challenges like bullying, isolation, poverty, abuse, social anxiety, low self-esteem, and more. Research shows that mentoring has a powerful impact on the lives of young people.