At Big Sisters, we honour that the land on which we work and mentor is the traditional and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), QayQayt First Nation, Kwantlen, q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen First Nations, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), and Stó:lō Nation.
more than clothes “Artizia gifted the chance for so many of the youth we support to connect with their peers and create shared memories” – Chantelle Krish, Executive Director of Big Sisters Thanks to our friends at Aritzia, 100 youth who are currently part of the Big Sisters programs received the amazing opportunity to go on a shopping spree for back-to-school outfits at the annual Aritzia Warehouse sale. Aritzia’s community initiative offered 100 wristbands for the Littles and their families to grow their wardrobe and pick out new clothing items and accessories for the new school year! The youth were able to shop comfortably at no cost, and just in time for the beginning of school. A mother of one Little […]
Share the power of mentorship this September. Happy Big Brothers Big Sisters Month! For over 60 years, Big Sisters has continued to recognize the importance mentorship has on the youth in our communities. In the Lower Mainland, there are 135 youth on the waitlist looking for a caring and supportive mentor. With your support, we can: recruit volunteer mentors into our programs to support youth, fulfill the need of mentorship in our communities, bring awareness to the programs we provide, create a lasting impact for years to come. Did you know… 91% of youth reported being more disconnected from their community than pre-pandemic. However, 70% of youth who had regular contact with their mentor said it helped them feel less […]
Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland believes that every child and youth in the BC Lower Mainland who needs a mentor, should have a mentor. We provide positive mentorships to female, female-identifying, gender fluid, non-binary, transgender, and two-spirited children and youth who face challenges like bullying, isolation, poverty, abuse, social anxiety, low self-esteem, and more. Our programs are open to volunteers and youth who identify as female, transgender, or gender fluid. No one will be turned away based on these identities. We are committed to providing safe, inclusive environments for all individuals.
Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland is pleased to announce the selection of Chantelle Krish as its new Executive Director. Chantelle steps into the role following Hanne Madsen, who has provided integral leadership to the organization’s programming and services with a deep commitment to the community, youth, and staff.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, we want to share that our Executive Director, Hanne Madsen, will be leaving the Agency to pursue other opportunities in retirement. Thanks to Hanne’s commitment and contributions over her tenure, Big Sisters is well positioned for success in the future. Click to read the announcement.
[2021/05/25] – COVID-19 UPDATE In line with the BC Government’s end of the “circuit breaker” restrictions we are relaxing our meet up restrictions starting May 25, 2021. You can now visit each others’ homes and do inside activities while wearing a mask and continuing to social distance when possible. Visiting indoor public places is now allowed as long as they have COVID-19 protocols in place. We know everyone is at a different comfort level when it comes to handling COVID-19 so continue to adhere to the protocols that work for you and your Mentee. Please review the below material on safety measures for meeting with your Little and check your email and our weekly newsletter for further details. You MUST […]
Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland is committed to providing a safe, inclusive environment to all its individuals, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, cultural identity or skin colour. As an organization dedicated to building Developmental Relationships with young people, it is our responsibility to not stay silent in the face of the tragedies of the groups persecuted in our neighbourhoods and the rest of the world. Today, Big Sisters stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. We recognize that so many around us continue to be oppressed, victimized and distanced in a society that remains unjust. Therefore, it is with pride that we lift our voice with all those impacted by injustices and renew our commitment to fighting […]
Rogers Canada generously donated 500 smartphones and six-month prepaid plans in addition to $150,000 dedicated to their distribution, to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. Cellphones and funds were distributed to metropolitan Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies; Toronto, London, Montreal, Calgary, Halifax, Ottawa and Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland. Big Sisters received 58 devices alongside $17,400 of funds to support the distribution of those cellphones to families most in need. The distribution of the phones was assisted by the Caseworkers who designated the most urgent Littles, aged 13+, in need. A lot of our Littles could not believe that Big Sisters and Rogers were offering them such a gift. One of our Littles said “Thank you so much Rogers, […]
May usually brings a flurry of activity to the Big Sisters house as we prepare for our annual Spring Lunch. For the past 23 years, Spring Lunch has served as an opportunity for our community to come together for an afternoon in celebration of mentorship. This year, however, our house sits empty as staff work from home to maintain programs, adapt budgets and find new virtual fundraising tactics to keep our organization running. We are faced with the harsh reality that for the first time in 23 years, our routine has been broken and no Spring Lunch will take place in 2020. With the unprecedented changes brought on by COVID-19 crisis, we all have had to readjust to our common […]