News

October 10 is World Mental Health Day. At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, we recognize the power of connection and support in helping youth thrive. Learn about the mental health challenges youth face, protective factors, and resources available across Canada to make a lasting difference.

Dr. Jane Goodall’s life shows the power of curiosity, courage, and empathy. From observing chimpanzees in Africa to inspiring youth worldwide, her legacy reminds us that guidance, care, and belief in potential can transform lives.

Meet Tara Amiri, our sitting Board Chair. We sat down with Tara to ask her a few questions about her commitment to our organization.

September is Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, and we’re celebrating the incredible mentors and mentees who make our community so special. This month’s spotlight is on Shela, a My Voice, My Power! mentor who joined earlier this year. From supporting a mentee through a tough school transition to creating safe spaces where youth feel valued and heard, Shela shares what mentorship means to her and why it’s been such a rewarding experience.

Alex was facing a number of unique challenges in his teenage life before being matched with a Big Sister. As a neurodivergent, non-binary student managing epilepsy, he experienced difficulties at school and was subject to bullying and a lack of acceptance.

Gen Z and Gen Alpha often find themselves portrayed in a negative light in comparison to other generational groups. Born between 1997-2024, individuals in these demographics can be labeled as ‘self-centered’ or ‘socially awkward’ social media scrollers who struggle to fit in the workplace. Many news outlets refer to them using terms like ‘unmotivated’, ‘entitled’ or ‘living in fear’ having grown up in a digital landscape in which Covid-19 restrictions were present during key development stages. There is a negative generalization that young people today care more about consuming reels and taking part in dance trends rather than living in the ‘real world’. In reality, the habits and behaviours of these groups are simply a reflection of the environment and […]

Meet Nester Chen, a dedicated Big Sisters mentor who’s been supporting youth in our community for over 10 years. From co-leading workshops to celebrating personal milestones, her mentorship journey is filled with meaningful moments and lasting impact.

At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, our mentors create space for self-expression, connection, and growth—reminding youth they’re not alone in the world. This month, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Rachel Michon, a dedicated Go Girls! mentor who’s been volunteering for over a decade. With every session, Rachel brings warmth, humour, and a genuine passion for helping youth feel seen and supported. “I’ve been volunteering on and off as a Go Girls! mentor for 10 years, and there’s a reason I’ve stuck with it this long. Every term, the positivity grows, the support gets stronger, and the mentees have an even better experience.”   Moments That Stick After 10 years of mentoring, Rachel has plenty of standout memories—but […]