News

Last night, we gathered for a very special evening — one that reminded us exactly why the Bright Futures Education Fund (BFEF) exists. Enjoying light bites, warm conversations, and meaningful connections, recipients, donors, committee members, and supporters came together to celebrate not just academic milestones, but the personal journeys that led each student here.   Celebrating Graduates This year, we had the honour of recognizing three graduates who completed their programs and are stepping into exciting new chapters. Two of our graduates, Wendlyn and Weronika, generously shared their stories with the room — offering an honest, heartfelt look at the challenges and victories of post-secondary life. Wendlyn, who just graduated from UBC’s Nursing program, spoke about the unexpected hurdles of […]

At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, our mission is rooted in helping youth reach their full potential through supportive mentoring relationships — and that includes affirming who they are. Many of the youth we serve, as well as our mentors, staff, and community members, identify as part of the 2SLGBTQAI+ community. We know that young people thrive when they feel safe, accepted, and seen. Pride Month is a powerful reminder of our role in building that kind of environment — not just in June, but all year long. By championing diversity and inclusion, we help create spaces where every young person feels empowered to show up as their authentic self.   Honouring the 2SLGBTQAI+ Community Pride is a time […]

At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, our mentors help shape the future by simply showing up, listening, and making space for joy and connection. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Deborah Corniel—a dedicated Big Sisters mentor who brings heart, humour, and an epic playlist to every hangout with her Little. “We have similar senses of humour and my face usually hurts from all the laughing. Car karaoke is definitely a highlight!”   Creating Connection Through Joy Deborah joined the Big Sisters program in March 2024 and was matched with her Little on October 8. Since then, she’s embraced the power of presence—whether that’s through car rides, laughter, or just being a consistent, caring adult in her mentee’s life. […]

At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, our group mentoring programs are made possible by passionate volunteers who show up with compassion, care, and commitment. This month—and in honour of National Volunteer Week 2025—we’re shining a spotlight on Tianna Sellitti, a dedicated My Voice, My Power! mentor who is truly making waves. “Mentorship means being the positive change I want to see in the world,” Tianna shares. “It’s about empowering the next generation of girls and gender-diverse youth to embrace their voices and recognize them as a source of power.”   Creating Space for Confidence Tianna joined My Voice, My Power! in September 2024 and is currently in her third term. What she finds most rewarding is being the kind […]

This National Volunteer Week (April 27–May 3), we’re celebrating the incredible volunteers who make waves across Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland. Whether it’s Study Buddy mentors helping youth unlock a love of learning, Big Sisters fostering confidence and resilience, or group mentoring volunteers leading impactful programs like Go Girls! and My Voice, My Power!—you are at the heart of everything we do. Behind the scenes, our Activities Committee, Alumni Committee, event volunteers, Board of Directors, and Honourary Advisory Board members are creating meaningful experiences and inclusive spaces for our community to grow and thrive. Every moment you give makes a difference—and it all starts with showing up. Last year, 315 volunteers contributed over 36,000 hours across our four core […]

At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, our mentors play a vital role in shaping the confidence and success of young people in our community. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Aneesha, a dedicated Study Buddy mentor who has been making a meaningful impact through mentorship. “Even though the sessions are just an hour, it always feels like they end too fast,” she shares. “Seeing my mentee succeed in areas they once struggled with is truly heartwarming. It’s a well-rounded experience that makes my heart full.”   A Journey of Mentorship and Learning Aneesha has been a part of Big Sisters for two years and has been matched with her mentee for a year and six months. Throughout this […]

International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8, is a global occasion to recognize and honor the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also serves as a call to action for accelerating gender parity worldwide. The theme for IWD 2025 is “Accelerate Action”, emphasizing the urgent need to advance gender equality across all sectors. In Canada, the Government has adopted the theme “Strength in Every Story” for IWD 2025, highlighting the importance of amplifying the voices of all women, particularly those who continue to face barriers to success. This theme underscores that every woman’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of opportunity.   The Power of Mentorship in Advancing Gender Equality Mentorship […]

Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland is on a mission to unleash the potential of youth. To kick off our 65th anniversary celebrations, we are launching the Power of Mentorship, a storytelling series to highlight the life-changing difference strong, positive relationships can make in the lives and future careers of youth—our next generation of leaders. Igniting Potential – Mentorship in Action We are working in partnership with Business in Vancouver (BIV) to explore the power of mentorship by sharing a collection of stories from some of Vancouver’s most inspirational leaders—and the mentors who helped them along the way. Mentors can be a spark that ignites potential, and by showcasing these stories we hope to highlight the transformative impact that mentorship […]

We’re thrilled to launch our 2025-2030 Strategic Plan—a bold vision for the future of mentorship! For 65 years, Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland has transformed lives by connecting girls and gender-diverse youth with inspiring mentors. Now, we’re taking it even further. This isn’t just a plan—it’s a movement. And it wouldn’t be possible without you. To the youth, caregivers, volunteers, donors, and supporters who shaped this vision—thank you. Your voices are at the heart of everything we do. Why Mentorship Matters More Than Ever Today’s youth face more pressures than ever, from social media to school and self-discovery. Mentorship can be the difference between struggling in silence and finding their voice. With the right support, young people build confidence, […]