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This month has seen Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland mark a significant milestone. After 65 years of empowering girls and youth in our communities, we unveiled bold plans for future program expansion and long-term sustainable growth through Big Sisters Unleashing Potential campaign. This groundbreaking project will see us create British Columbia’s first and only Mentorship HUB—a dedicated space for connection, learning, and support. Over the last month we have covered so much ground and raised almost $3m towards our campaign goal of $5m that will help us support 1,000 girls and gender-diverse youth by 2029. [Support Big Sisters Unleashing Potential Campaign] We have so much exciting news to share! Here are just some of the highlights from the last […]

Last week, we gathered to celebrate the incredible volunteers who are at the heart of Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland. Our annual Volunteer Recognition Party was a chance to reflect on the dedication, care, and time that each volunteer gives to support youth in our community.   Honouring an Incredible Commitment Over the past year, our volunteers contributed an amazing 36,362 hours to mentoring and supporting young people. That’s 36,362 hours of listening, encouraging, and showing up—and it’s made a lasting impact. At the event, we had the pleasure of recognizing this generosity during our annual certificate ceremony. It was a moment to thank each volunteer for the unique ways they help ignite potential and create meaningful change.

Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland is celebrating its 65th anniversary with a bold new vision: the Unleashing Potential campaign. This milestone year is more than a celebration — it marks the beginning of a new chapter for mentorship in BC.   A New Chapter for Mentorship As the only standalone Big Sisters chapter in Canada, Big Sisters BCLM is leading the way in reimagining mentorship for girls and gender-diverse youth. The Unleashing Potential campaign highlights the life-changing impact of mentorship through the voices of mentees, mentors, and community leaders — sharing stories of growth, confidence, and connection. “This campaign isn’t just a look back at Big Sisters’ history — it’s a look forward, creating a legacy for generations to […]

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 […]