News

Big Sisters starts its 60th anniversary on a celebratory note Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland starts a new decade with the recognition it deserves. With now 28 employees, a new office space in Surrey, and 2020 marking its 60th year in operation. the rapidly expanding organization adds another success to their records. The not-for-profit has been certified as one of the 2019 Best Workplaces in British Columbia.  Being named in the Best Workplaces list is validation of the overall employee well-being and experience.  Most importantly, it is a valuable recognition for upcoming talent and a stamp of trust for the volunteers, program participants and families that rely on Big Sisters every year.   “It is such an honor to know […]

Scroll below to read the recent Spring/Summer 2019 “Becoming a Big Sister has changed my life. Not only have I become someone my little can count on thru hard times but, my little has inspired me beyond measure, teaching me true resilience and strength.” – Big Sister Brittany Click here to Read the Spring/Summer Newsletter!

The 4th annual Luminary Award Soirée marks our most successful fundraiser to date, and raised over $660,000 for at-risk girls in our community. On Friday, November 2, Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland gathered with 535 of our community supporters to celebrate the power of mentorship at the 4th annual Luminary Award Soirée. Since then, we have been reveling (and pinching ourselves, too) over the results of our most successful fundraiser to date. The evening was presented by the Peter & Joanne Brown Foundation and held in a historic ballroom at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. It kicked off with a captivating rendition of Hallelujah performed by Rosemary Siemens, followed by a speech from longtime supporter and honourary patron, the Honourable […]

There are people that come into our lives who have a profound impact on who we become. They hold our hands, guide us through the ups and downs of life, and ultimately help us to reach our full potential. At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, we know that the experiences shared between Bigs and Littles can be life-changing. It is our goal to capture these stories, and celebrate those that have been touched by our mentoring programs.  Has your life been positively impacted by your Big or Little Sister  through a Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland mentoring program?  If so, we’d love to hear from you. In approximately 200 words, please tell us your story:  – What was life like before you met your Sister?  – How did your relationship with your […]

Each year at our Luminary Award Soirée, Big Sisters honours an exceptional person or couple who have moved the needle in regards to children, mentorship, and philanthropy. This year, we celebrate an inspirational woman who has made a remarkable impact for women, children, and her community. Andrea Thomas Hill cares deeply about making the world a better place—and we are beyond inspired by this dedication! In 1992, Andrea founded Run for the Cure in Canada, which has grown into a massive movement towards a cure and raised millions of dollars in breast cancer research funds. In 2007, she recognized a need in Vancouver to support single mothers living in poverty. As a result, she founded the Cause We Care Foundation, […]

Big Sisters feels incredibly lucky to have so many dedicated and engaged supporters, many of whom go above and beyond expectations to make the important work they do possible. Each year, we celebrate these supporters by presenting them each a Big Heart Award. In 2018, we were lucky enough to have three volunteers and one organization to celebrate.  Windsor Plywood Foundation Windsor Plywood Foundation has been an integral part of the Big Sisters community, helping to sustain our mentoring programs since 2011. Over the past seven years, Windsor Plywood Foundation has contributed a total of $218,000 to give girls in our programs the chance to see and achieve their full potential. Randall and Fran Jones launched this foundation because they noticed […]

It’s no secret that pressures for girls to be perfect are at an all-time high. Not to mention that 50% of kids in the Lower Mainland are being bullied. Add to that, struggles with achievement at school, and it’s nearly impossible to build confidence on their own. Whether it’s bullying, low achievement, high pressure for better grades, or isolation, there’s no question that school is a challenge for many kids. With a Big Sister at their side, girls don’t have to face these challenges alone. Having a Big Sister transforms what a Little Sister believes about herself—the core of her identity. By trying new things, engaging in new relationships, and questioning perspectives, each Little Sister learns to find her own voice […]

Thank you for joining us at Spring Lunch last week. We are beyond grateful for the support and generosity from all our guests, sponsors, volunteers, speakers, Big Heart award recipients, and of course our keynote, Paulina Cameron. This year we raised over $92,600, which is more than ever before at this event. We truly can’t thank you enough for helping us continue the important work of matching at-risk girls with a positive Big Sister who empowers them to reach their full potential. A Radiant Afternoon The 2018 Big Sisters Spring Lunch, presented by Scotiabank at the Sutton Place Hotel, celebrated the importance of mentorship in our lives and in the lives of Big and Little Sisters. Research shows that mentoring […]