Every Connection Counts
Check out our news, quarterly updates, and match stories to stay updated with Big Sisters
Big Sisters’ Soirée 2023 presented by Scotiabank
The 2023 Big Sisters’ Soirée presented by Scotiabank brought together over 400 loyal supporters to The Westin Bayshore for an unforgettable event. We were overwhelming by the generosity and support, celebrating mentorship and its profound impact on the lives of the girls and youth we serve, their families, our volunteers, and donors. The evening showcased a collective belief in the potential of youth and the important role of caring mentors. Kicking off a night to remember The festivities commenced with an exciting and engaging happy hour, with drinks sponsored by Norton Rose Fulbright and Azure Properties. Guests were greeted by enthusiastic volunteers and ushered into a beautifully adorned space, illuminated with whimsical décor. Everyone enthusiastically participated in our highly […]
Hayley Woodin joins Big Sisters’ Board of Directors
Big Sisters is delighted to announce the appointment of our newest Board Director, Hayley Woodin.
The land we live and work on.
In this article, we reflect on Indigenous History Month and express our appreciation for the different nations whose traditional and unceded territories we live and operate on in the Lower Mainland. Join us as we acknowledge and learn about the lands of 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. xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) The name xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) relates back to the flowering plant, məθkʷəy̓, which once abundantly grew throughout Musqueam territory. Today, the community is over 1,300 members and continues to grow. Many of the members live on a small portion of the traditional territory, known as the Musqueam […]
Igniting Potential: Big Bros Barbershop and the Power of Community
In 2015, Jessie Anderson (he/him), with the support of his community through crowdfunding, established Big Bros Barbershop; a physical space maintained by and for transgender people. This unique barbershop not only offers excellent haircuts but also serves as a resource center for various demographics, including 2STGD+ (two-spirit, transgender, gender diverse) youth, their loved ones, elders of the queer community, allies, and more. Through Jessie’s impressive efforts, a casual and comfortable space has been created where people of all ages can comfortably question their gender identity. Big Bros Barbershop has cultivated a sense of community and connection for everyone who enters its doors. “On a great day at the shop, I’ve got elders and other people with more experiences or different […]
Nurturing Diversity and Empowering Youth: Christa Giles’ take on Queer Inclusion and Mentorship through Recreation
This week, we had the privilege of meeting with Christa Giles (she/her/hers) to talk about her experience working as a recreation programmer for the Vancouver Park Board and her efforts towards queer inclusion within that role. For her, the most healing activities are those focused on leisure and the way recreation can help people bond to one another. Some of the most valuable work she does is providing a safe space for 2-spirit, trans, and gender-diverse youth and adults through events like the weekly 2STGD swim and the queer circus drop-in. The way that she interacts with the various communities she serves is heavily inspired by her experiences working at the Britannia pool. She believes that “we’re not here in […]
The Match Story of Sandy and Jen
From a difficult childhood to a blossoming adulthood, Jen reflects on the the positive impact that the Big Sisters mentoring program had on her life, particularly through her match with Sandy who became a close and trusted confidant. Jen’s journey has not been an easy one. With personal struggles and difficulties with her birth mother, Jen grew up in foster care. From the tender age of three, Jen and her brothers were raised by her Papa Bob and late grandmother, Barbara. Despite the challenges of being raised as the only girl in a family, Jen persevered with the love and support of her grandparents. At the age of 10, Jen experienced the loss of her beloved grandmother. Growing up in […]
Every Connection Counts – Spring 2023 Newsletter
Dear Big Sisters Community,Spring is a season of renewal and growth, and at Big Sisters, we are embracing this spirit with enthusiasm.We’re grateful for our volunteers who support girls and youth across the Lower Mainland, and we’re excited to resume in-person service delivery and community events, including our in-school group mentoring program Go Girls! One of the things that makes our programs unique is the long running nature of some of our matches and the depth of the commitment that is demonstrated by the Mentors and Mentees. Last year the average length of matches was over five years. I recently learned of a match who were first connected in 1974 and they still speak every day. It’s these deep connections that […]
Six New Members join Big Sisters’ Board of Directors
Big Sisters is delighted to announce the appointment of our newest Board Directors: Anna Hardy, Daniel Levangie, Laura Smart, Ramya Hosak, Dr. Victoria Gay, and Winnie Mok. With their diverse backgrounds and extensive experience, we are confident that they will bring invaluable expertise and insight to our organization. We look forward to working with them to advance our mission and help more youth and young girls reach their full potential.
The Match Story of Meera and Sharon
Sharon, a shy student whose greatest struggle in school was English and maintaining strong grades, needed a solution to her academic struggles. With the help of her mother, they found an even greater resolution, not only helping with school but with overall self confidence. In 2008, Sharon was introduced to the Big Sisters’ Study Buddy program. Sharon and her mother did not know much about the program, but with encouragement and high recommendations from friends, decided to give it a try. Sharon was paired with a volunteer mentor named Meera Bawa. For two years, Sharon and Meera met every Wednesday night, at the library, cultivating in an ongoing trusting and encouraging relationship. Not only did Sharon’s grades improved, she also […]
February is Black History Month
Every February, Canada celebrates Black History Month to recognize and pay homage to the significant contributions and achievements of Black Canadians. This year, the theme of Black History Month is “Ours to Tell”. The theme highlights the importance of telling the stories of Black Canadians and ensuring that their rich cultural heritage and experiences are accurately represented in our history books. It also emphasizes the responsibility of the community to preserve and pass down the stories from one generation to the next. Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and to acknowledge the challenges they have faced. By embracing the theme “Ours to Tell”, we can work together to preserve the rich […]
Bursary Opportunity – Financial Assistance for Foster Children and Youth
Storwell Self Storage has developed the Foster Children Bursary Program to help former foster children and youth in care as they pursue their post-secondary education. Currently there are over 60,000 children in foster care, kinship care, or living in group homes across Canada. Many of these children have a difficult time obtaining access to adequate education. According to the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth, 56% of Ontario Crown Wards end up dropping out of high school. The statistics are even more shocking when you look at post-secondary school enrollment. For every 1,000 youths in Canadian foster care, only eight go on to graduate with a post-secondary education. The vast majority of foster children wish to attend […]
Annual Report – 2021 to 2022
The 2021-2022 fiscal year at Big Sisters was one of exciting opportunities and change. In April, thanks to the transformational gift, we acquired a new facility on Joyce Street, Vancouver. This past May, after 4 years of dedicated service leading Big Sisters, Hanne Madsen, our Executive Director decided to retire. After months of a comprehesive search, Big Sisters is happy to appoint Chantelle Krish, our new CEO. The team has also been transitioning our programming back to in-person community matches, and responding to a growing and unprecedented number of school and inidividual requests for Big Sisters progamming. We end the year in a strong fiscal position and thank our dedicated staff who show up every day for Little Sisters. This […]
The Match Story of Robyn and Rebecca
Mentee Robyn and Mentor Rebecca uncovered the meaning of mentorship and, in turn, created an unbreakable bond and relationship that will last for years to come. A few years ago, when people would ask Robyn if she had siblings, she would say she had one brother. Today, when we ask Robyn about her siblings, she proudly mentions her Big Sister as well. From fun activities like arts and crafts, baking, and cooking, Robyn and her mentor grew up together and now bond over coffee dates, long conversations, and drives around town. We all know that being a teenager is tough. In high school, Mentor Rebecca used to struggle with bullying and fitting in with her peers. She recalls a time […]
The Story of Sruthy
Little Sister Sruthy met her mentor in the Study Buddy Program. She credits this program as a tool that helped support her educational goals.
The Discovery Pod with Big Sister’s Executive Director Chantelle Krish
Big Sister’s Exectuve Director, Chantelle Krish was featured The Discovery Pod. She talks about mentorship that she’s received and the mentorship that she provides as leader!.
The Story of Radhika
Bonded by the power of mentorship, Radhika, former Little Sister of 10 years, gives back to the community that raised and empowered her as she joins the next generation of Big Sisters. Growing up, Radhika watched her hardworking mother try her best to raise a good daughter. As a single parent and primary caretaker to her grandfather, her mother felt the overwhelming stress and could see her daughter needing more support in her life. Although Radhika had many extended relatives, being an only child with a busy mother, Radhika felt alone. Knowing it would be best for Radhika to grow up with a female role model to who she could relate, her mother decided to seek support. Luckily, her mom […]
Free Activities and Events to Honour Truth and Reconciliation Day in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland in 2022
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.
Back-To-School Shopping Spree for 100 Little’s
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 […]
September is Big Brothers Big Sisters Month
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 […]
Commitment to Inclusivity
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.
Every Connection Counts – Summer 2022 Newsletter
I was honoured to join Big Sisters as Executive Director on June 15th. It’s an organization that I had personally admired for many years because of the difference it makes in the lives of youth in our community. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to provide expert support to the over 650 youth and volunteers Big Sisters serves each year. Stories like that of Ashley and Mariah in this newsletter, exemplify the deep bonds our organization creates. Of course, all this would not be possible without the strength of our supporters and partners. Each year at our Annual Luminary Soiree, Big Sisters recognizes a person or people in the community who have moved the needle on mentorship and youth empowerment. This […]
Big Sisters Welcomes New Executive Director
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.
Rosemary & Theresa
A Little’s future driven by her Big Sister’s Some kids have to grow up faster than others. Theresa was one of them. Her childhood was spent in and out of foster care, Theresa acted as the parent figure for her own little sister. Eventually, a family friend, she and her sister consider their ‘grandmother’, took them in her home. While she was able to provide Theresa and her sister with food and shelter, Theresa’s grandmother knew minimal English and could not talk to Theresa about everything that was going on in her life. Theresa’s social worker observed how Theresa was looking after her younger sister, trying to stay afloat in her own life, and lacking a stable source of adult […]
Big Sisters Alumni: Ashley Shankar
Volunteer Mentor Ashley and her Mentee Mariah were matched in 2011. What began as just a mentor and mentee relationship has now blossomed into a decade-long friendship. Ashley grew up in a single-parent household with her mom and brother. In her teenage years, the family moved around a lot. Oftentimes, she found herself wishing she had a constant figure of support to understand and talk to. The shifts in her life made her wish that she had a big sister growing up. Although a long-term admirer of the organization, Ashley wanted to wait until she felt stability in her life before committing to the program. At age 30, Ashley felt she was ready and officially started her application process to […]
Like Big, Like Little
Little Sister, Shivani, got more from her Study Buddy than help with her homework. She got the inspiration to be herself. Being a Study Buddy was my first experience of how fulfilling it can be to show up for someone else. It’s incredibly selfish being of service. It gives you a break from the problems in your own head, and when you do come back to them – as we inevitably do – they all appear smaller. – Study Buddy, Heather On the day Shivani graduated from high school, her entire family was there – her parents, sister, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and even cousins. But one other person was there, too, whose presence meant a whole lot to Shivani […]
Emma & Blair
“She helped me realize and understand that people will accept me unapologetically, that I am strong and have valuable opinions. Where before I didn’t have a voice, Blair showed me the confidence I had to be who I am.” Among other personal hardships, Emma was struggling with her schoolwork at the start of high school. At 14, Emma decided to take matters into her own hands and request some form of support from her counsellor, who then referred her to the Study Buddy program. Soon, she was matched with her Big Sister, Blair. Emma was at first nervous to meet with Blair, and both were unsure of how the match would go. Blair worried about whether she would be able […]
Glenda & Marley
Little Sister Marley was matched with her Big Sister Glenda at age 12. She now works for Big Sisters and is the first point of contact for many of the families seeking our programs. Marley is an inspiration to us all at Big Sisters BCLM and credits her Big Sister for the confidence she now exudes. Here’s a letter she wrote about her experience: A Letter from Former Little Sister Marley Being 12 is not easy. Being 12 and a girl is really not easy. You’re going from childhood into adolescence, it’s a time when everything changes —your body, your frame of mind, your environment, everything. You feel like no one’s on your side, it’s you against the world, and […]
Anna & Olimpia
“She makes me feel that I matter and that I have an important role to play in her life.” Study Buddy Anna and Little Sister Olimpia were matched for nearly 4 years, until Olimpia graduated out of the Study Buddy program. They were first matched when Olimpia was in grade 9 and as she describes it, a “rebellious teenager.” “I dropped bombs on her, testing her to see if she would stick around,” Olimpia says about their first year as a match. Anna stuck it out with the help of her caseworker and the two of them developed a strong bond. Anna says, “At the end of the day, Olimpia had self-perceptions that weren’t true.” Anna said that Olimpia’s teachers […]
Combatting Bullying through Go Girls
The type of bullying most common among girls is subtle and difficult to detect. It uses friendship as a weapon and involves hurting others through social exclusion, rejection, or gossip. The “Go Girls! Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies” program gives participants an opportunity to not only learn about healthy eating and living habits, they also learn about healthy friendships and how to navigate their way through experiences of bullying.For Ricky Thandi and Rachel Philip, two Go Girls volunteer mentors who have co-facilitated the program together, bullying came up many times in their most recent Go Girls group. Before the first session, the school principal told the mentors that the participants were experiencing a lot of friendship drama amongst themselves. Ricky and […]
More inclusion, less bullying
“When you bring girls together at such a crucial age, you create a strong bond and develop unique connections that create friendships.”Kate, our Go Girls! program coordinator, had the chance to witness youth come together during her time as a Go Girls! mentor. Kate became a volunteer mentor while in university. Having struggled herself as a young teen, she valued the opportunity to offer guidance to girls in need. “It’s such a tough age, and connections are really important,” she remembers. Through Go Girls! Kate was able to witness firsthand the positive impact that the program was having on its participants. “When the girls were brought together, they didn’t know each other. They really got to know each other through the […]
Academic confidence leads to new friendship
“I did better and better in school, and with that I was able to make new friends”Wendylyn, today 15, arrived in Canada from the Philippines with her family in 2014. Her parents made the hard decision to prioritize the future of their children over their own successes. “They decided to move us all to Canada for the opportunities here”. Wendylyn first walked in her new classroom very shyly after being presented to her new classmates. With the abrupt cultural switch, she now had to get used to the aspects of her new life, she was now faced with children she knew very little about. It started being difficult to connect with others her age, “I was anxious around others, there wasn’t […]
Sophie & Matida
Big Sister Sophie and Little Sister Matida could not have come from more opposite worlds. Growing up in the Kootenays, Sophie recalls having a quiet childhood with her parents and sister. Matida, on the other hand, was born in Senegal, West Africa, and moved to Quebec at the age of 5. Her family moved around quite often, living in Saskatchewan and East Vancouver. Moving around left Matida with anything but a quiet childhood. She had troubles making friends and struggled with her math and science subjects which led to Matida’s mom seeking out assistance from Big Sisters’ Study Buddy program.In high school, Sophie found a love for science and was excited about it, which she ultimately pursued in university. As […]
Renee & Maria
“I can actually be more than the typical statistic.” Mentorship allowed Little Sister Maria to realize that she has the potential to do more and dream bigger. Big Sister Renee grew up in Saskatchewan with a big family. As the youngest of 4 children, she was constantly surrounded by siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she adored. However, when she moved to Vancouver in 2007, she felt the missing piece of having that large family and wanted to experience that connection with young children again. Thus, she volunteered to be a Big Sister and was quickly matched with 9-year-old Maria in 2009. Little Sister Maria did not have the same experience as Renee growing up. Maria recalls growing up in the stereotypical […]
Donna & Cindy
When the world is going through a pandemic, everyone feels disconnected. However, Donna and Cindy show us that even through isolation, when you have a Sister by your side, you will never feel alone.“Isn’t she a wonderful young woman?” These were the first words that Big Sister Donna said when she heard Little Sister Cindy’s name. Donna grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland with her parents. When Donna was 14, her mom and dad divorced. Her mom left and her dad turned to alcohol. Her rough upbringing came at an age where she needed a good influence in her life and someone who she could rely on.At 18, she decided she had enough and jumped on the first flight she found. […]
Announcement from Big Sisters
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.
Every Connection Counts – Spring 2022 Newsletter
We at Big Sisters are so grateful for our supporters and volunteers who together helped us deliver 20,000+ mentoring hours to over 600 youth in our community! The impacts of these efforts will be felt today and well into the future. As many of you know, March 8th is International Women’s Day and the theme this year is #BreakTheBias, encouraging all to think how they can challenge gender biases in their workplaces and communities to create a more equitable world. Big Sisters knows that mentorship is key to fulfilling this challenge. Mentored youth have been shown to be more likely to hold senior leadership positions, give back their communities and earn higher wages over a lifetime. We are committed to […]
Every Connection Counts – Spring 2021 Newsletter
Scroll below to read the recent Spring 2021 Newsletter! Dear Big Sisters Community, As we approach the spring, I am conscious that this can be atime for renewal and a time of celebration. I’m so proud to share that, with your help, we served over595 youth last year! This includes our dedicated team not only supporting youth in our programs,but also their families, our volunteers and continuing to help ignite potential andbuild resilience ensuring the brightest possible future for all Little Sisters. Successes of the last year are part of a long history of dedicated individualshelping to make a real difference in the lives of all the youth Big Sisters serves. Asyou’ll read, this is truly exemplified by the story […]
Ongoing COVID-19 UPDATE for Big Sisters
[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 […]
Meet the Alumnae – Melissa Jang, Big Sister
We’re showing some love for our Big Sister alumnae! Over the next while we’ll be sharing a series of interviews that feature our alumnae and their involvement with Big Sisters. Kicking us off is our interview with a Big Sister of 7 years, Alex Gens! Read on to find out why mentoring matters to Alex, and her advice on how best to get involved. MEET: MELISSA JANG, FORMER BIG SISTER Next up in our alumnae interview series is Melissa Jang! Read on to learn about why she became a Study Buddy, where her Little Sister is off to now, and the plan she helped her build to realize her dreams. Why were you interested in becoming a Big Sister? I […]
Meet the Alumnae – Alex Gens, Big Sister
We’re showing some love for our Big Sister alumnae! Over the next while we’ll be sharing a series of interviews that feature our alumnae and their involvement with Big Sisters. Kicking us off is our interview with a Big Sister of 7 years, Alex Gens! Read on to find out why mentoring matters to Alex, and her advice on how best to get involved. MEET: ALEX GENS, FORMER BIG SISTER “It’s such an honour to watch her grow into a young woman and feel like I’ve had a small part in that development.” Why were you interested in becoming a Big Sister? I believe mentorship is one of the most valuable contributions to our society. Especially now, as our […]
#BlackOutTuesday
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 Stepping up to Support Isolated Youth
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, […]
Loyal Partners Scotiabank and LNG Canada Continue their Support Through the COVID-19 Crisis
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 […]
Thank you to our Big Sisters! | National Volunteer Week
We would like to take this week to say thank you to our army of volunteers who dedicate their time each week to meet with a Little. Our Big Sisters are more than just volunteers, they become family members, dedicated friends and loving mentors. We are so proud of each and every one of them, your generosity, dedication and love is key to the success of so many of our resilient Little Sisters. The Challenge: more than a quarter of Lower Mainland grade four children have low well-being. The Solution: Mentoring Brain science tells us that it only takes one caring adult to help a child build the brain architecture for life-long resilience 92% of adults who had a mentor […]
Big Sisters Launches the Pen Pal Program to Keep Matches Connected!
We believe every connection counts, and this is true now more than ever. Social Distancing further isolates the at-risk Littles who already face social and economic problems at home. Many of them are especially vulnerable in these times and handling mental health challenges as they navigate the anxiety and stresses present around them. So many are facing barriers that make them feel alone and are keeping them from learning in their new at-home settings. To help our youth stay connected, we have decided to revisit a way of communicating that often gets overlooked and launched the Pen Pal Project! Our initial reach into the community will send more than 120 packages to Bigs and Littles and we continue to see […]
Your Health Matters to Us
[2020/03/17] – COVID-19 UPDATE Dear Big Sisters Community, As we are all aware, the COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly. As always, our paramount concern is the safety of our staff, clients, families, volunteers and community at large. I wanted to take this time to update you on our current response and reaffirm our commitment to transparency and open communication with all stakeholders as this situation continues to evolve. To date, we have taken the following proactive steps: Closed our offices as a precautionary measure and are supporting our employees to work-from-home until March 27th. All in-person business meetings will be moved to teleconference as we intend to carry on with operations as best we possibly can. As a result of […]
Big Sisters wears pink!
Today, February 26th, we wear pink for this year’s important #pinkshirtday. This year’s theme is #Lifteachotherup and it couldn’t resonate closer to the work we do. Our program Go Girls’ aim is to instill healthy habits in girls aged 10-14 and help girls from a same school build bonds with their other classmates. When girls are at an age where they tend to point each other’s flaws, we work to show them each other’s common traits and stories. Through the activities of the program, they are able to discuss with one another and talk about body positivity, self-esteem, relationships and help build each other up in one of the most difficult period of a teenager. Ultimately, girls are able to […]
Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland certified as a Great Place to Work™
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 […]
Mentoring Ignites Lifelong Friendships
“If I hadn’t met my Patricia, I feel like my life would be a lot emptier today.” – Big Sister Tina Big Sister, Tina, and Little Sister, Patricia, have become inseparable after their 10-year-long Study Buddy mentorship proved to ignite a lifelong friendship. Ten years ago, college ESL teacher – Tina – discovered that she had extra time on her hands and a desire to give back. And so, she decided to help a youth in need by becoming a Study Buddy. “The Study Buddy program sounded appealing to me because I didn’t have kids, was single and a teacher. I thought those things could come in handy to a little girl.” Shortly after, Tina met her Little Sister, […]
More Inclusion, Less Bullying
“When you bring girls together at such a crucial age, you create a strong bond and develop unique connections that create friendships”. Kate, our Go Girls! program coordinators had the chance to witness girls come together over her career as a volunteer mentor. She became a Go Girls mentor while in university. Having struggled herself as a young teen, she found value in the opportunity of offering the guidance to girls in need: “It’s such a tough age, connections are really important”. Through Go Girls! Kate realized the positive impact of the program on her groups: “When the girls were brought together, they didn’t know each other. They really got to know each other through the activities. I think that […]
Every Connection Counts – Spring/Summer 2019 Newsletter
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!
Every Connection Counts – Fall 2019 Newsletter
September marked Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada Month, which brought some exciting changes for the future. Click to read the Fall 2019 Newsletter.
Major love for mentorship at the 4th annual Luminary Award Soirée
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 […]
Share your story and be entered into a contest to win a trip to New York!
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 […]
What you Do is More Important than what you Say
1.Why did you want to become a Big? A friend of mine was a Big Brother, and he spoke so highly of the program, I was convinced to join. 2. Tell me about your match. What do you do together? We mostly just hang out and talk. Sometimes we get groceries and cook together, sometimes we watch Netflix, sometimes we go for a hike or special event, and sometimes we go to Sephora and check out makeup. 3. What is your favourite thing about your Little? She’s funny and sweet and super cool. 4. What have been some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned about yourselves in your match? I’ve learned that what you do is more important than what […]
Mentoring a Young Girl Could Change the World
1. Why did you want to become a Big? I became a Big Sister because the timing was right. I had heard about being a Big Sister because a single mom I worked with told me her son was involved in this mentor program and what change it had made in his and her lives. That same weekend, I walked into the mall to purchase something and I left with a Big Sister brochure. It happened to be, that that weekend, the mall I ran into was having a volunteer fair. I knew this was a sign. I was to give back to a young girl what so many people gave to me growing up. Love, support, and an excitement […]
Being a Mentor is the Perfect Volunteer Opportunity for Big Sister Paula
1. Why did you want to become a Big? I love being with my nieces, seeing them grow has been my life’s greatest joy. They live in different provinces and I was missing having children and youth in my life. I also wanted to give back to my community, particularly to women and girls, and the Big Sisters program seemed like the perfect volunteer opportunity for me. 2. Tell me about your match. What do you do together? Our match is quite new, but we’ve already done so much together and have celebrated some pretty significant milestones. We enjoy going to the library, choosing recipes, and then cooking them together. We sometimes go for bubble tea and play games at the […]
#MatchGoals: Practicing Kindness Together
1. Why did you want to become a Big? Growing up I had a very close relationship with my older cousin. She was like a big sister to me and was a very positive influence in my life. I also work as a pediatric nurse and enjoy spending time with kids. Both of these things lead me to Big Sisters. I first volunteered with Go Girls! but then wanted a more long term connection so decided to become a Big. 2. Tell me about your match. What do you do together? My Little Sister and I have been a great match, we have many common interests and enjoy being outside, baking, swimming, and sewing together. 3. What is your favourite […]
Mentoring is a Way to Connect in a Truly Meaningful Way
Today, we’re sharing an interview with Big Sister Edwina. She’s been matched with her Little Sister for three and a half years. Here’s how it’s made a difference in her and her Little’s lives. 1. Why did you want to become a Big? I was looking to volunteer and I’d heard that there are many young girls signed up with the Big Sisters program who are waiting for a match. The thought of any young girl having to wait for someone to show they cared was hard. My volunteering meant one less girl would be waiting. 2. Tell me about your match. What do you do together? We bake a lot. It is wonderful to watch my Little Sister learn […]
Why Big Sister Randi Believes in the Power of Mentoring
At Big Sisters, we believe that mentoring matters. Hearing from our matches that they believe in this impact too demonstrates that it’s not just a slogan, it’s true. Here’s why Big Sister Randi—who has been matched with her Little for six years—believes in the power of mentorship. 1. Why did you want to become a Big? I knew I wanted to get involved in a volunteer program, but ultimately chose Big Sisters because of the direct impact you have on a girl’s life. You will change her life forever, just by being there for her and having fun together. It’s not about money that you donate or fundraisers, but the direct impact and influence to change one girl’s life. What […]
Announcing our 2018 Luminary: Andrea Thomas Hill
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, […]
The Four Big Hearts Dedicated to Championing Mentorship
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 […]
Celebrating 15 Years of Life-Changing Study Buddy Program
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 Believing in the Power of Mentoring
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 […]
Meet Our Spring Lunch Keynote, Paulina Cameron
It’s a tough world for girls. You can change that. With social pressures for girls at an all-time high, mentoring matters now more than ever. Every Spring at Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, we celebrate the impact mentorship has on inspiring young, vulnerable girls to achieve more. At our annual Spring Lunch, our guests become part of changing girls’ lives for the better. The event is sold out, but we thought we’d tell you about the inspirational woman bringing us together next week! We are delighted to host entrepreneur, community leader, Young Women in Business founder, and Canada 150 Women author, Paulina Cameron, as our keynote. Paulina is an impact-driven leader, working in the spaces of entrepreneurship, youth, and […]
Leave the Legacy of Mentoring
Did you know that May is Leave a Legacy Month? It’s a month-long public awareness campaign that encourages people to leave a gift through their Will or another planned giving vehicle to a charity or cause that is meaningful to them. If you’re reading this post, why not consider leaving a gift to Big Sisters?! When you join the Big Sisters Legacy Circle and leave a gift in your Will, you become part of the transformative impact young, vulnerable girls need to thrive in the world. By ensuring the continuation of our life-changing mentorship programs, your legacy gives a hand up to girls who need it most, ultimately helping them reach their fullest potential. Join our community of inspirational leaders in […]
Support Mental Health Week by Becoming a Big Sister
May 7 to 13 is Mental Health Week. Will you support the cause by becoming a Big Sister? Mentoring has a powerful impact on the lives and mental health of kids. Research conducted by the Boston Consulting Group shows that adult women who had a mentor as a child are two times less likely to be depressed and three times less likely to have social anxiety. Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland provides supportive mentoring relationships to young girls facing challenges like depression, anxiety, bullying, isolation, poverty, abuse, social anxiety, low self-esteem, and more. Their research also showed that girls who have a positive mentor are less likely to engage in destructive behaviour such as bullying, fighting, binge drinking, drug […]
Big Sisters Welcomes Hanne Madsen as New Executive Director
Hanne Madsen became the Executive Director of Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland in April 2018. A strong advocate for women, Hanne is dedicated to championing girls’ potential in her leadership of the talented Big Sisters team. Throughout her career, Hanne has been unwavering in her support and promotion of women’s causes. Whether it’s as the co-owner of a successful transportation business for 24 years, a passionate facilitator for Junior Achievement, a Chair or Director on multiple Boards (including GroYourBiz—a peer to peer advisory board for women business owners and entrepreneurs), or an organizing committee member for Women as a Catalyst for Growth economic forums and the inaugural WeForShe conference, Hanne truly leads by example. And, this perseverance does not go unnoticed […]
Learning to Resolve Conflict Through Go Girls! Mentoring
As humans, inter-personal conflict is inevitable. However, in our schools, if not dealt with properly, conflict often turns into bullying or isolation. Learning how to resolve conflict is essential to building strong friendships and resiliency to face other challenges in life, but, not all children learn healthy ways to deal with conflict. For some children, conflict is a common occurrence in their home life and for others, they don’t have a trusted adult to teach and role model healthy behaviours. Often children don’t feel comfortable confiding in their teacher or parent. Mentors in the Go Girls! program build trust with participants and give them a safe place to express their thoughts and emotions. Middle school students, Malina and Ruby, were […]
Shout Out to our Amazing Volunteers
Did you know it’s National Volunteer Week?! We want to celebrate by sending a huge thank you to our many dedicated and generous volunteers. In 2017, our volunteers contributed over 51,500 hours. That’s the equivalent of almost six years… or the same amount of time it takes a spacecraft to reach Jupiter! Just putting it into perspective. We’re proud to report that our generous supporters helped us recruit and train a pool of dedicated and engaged volunteers who stay involved with our agency beyond the minimum commitment. The majority of our volunteers stay engaged with us for more than two years. And, we’re optimistic that there are many volunteers in their first year of involvement who, in 2018, we can […]
GrapeJuice Wine Auction Now Open Online
Guess what! We decided to open the GrapeJuice silent auction for online bidding prior to the event this year, and bidding is now open at www.bigsistersgrapejuice.com. Get a head start by browsing the items and registering prior to the event. The online auction will close at 7:45 pm on Thursday, April 26th, 2018. START BIDDING How to Use the Givergy Mobile Platform 1. View the Auction Site Enter the auction URL in your smart phone’s browser or click the link in the SMS you receive. 2. The Lot List Start by having a look through the auction items. For more info and an image of each item simply tap the lot item. 3. Place your Bid Enter the amount you want to […]
4 Reasons You Don’t Want to Miss GrapeJuice This Month
Presented by Capital Direct Income Trust and founded by McNeill Nakamoto Recruitment Group and MLA Canada, GrapeJuice is an annual wine auction fundraiser in support of our mentoring programs. Since its inception, GrapeJuice has raised over $700,000. Held on Thursday, April 26 at Aston Martin Vancouver and Bentley Vancouver, you wont’ want to miss this exciting event. Here’s why. 1 – Wine Silent Auction Bid on your favourite rare wine finds from around the world. We’re talking exclusive, delicious, and unique wines to add to your collection. We also rely on your generous wine auction donations. (Here are the instructions.) 2 – Wine Tasting Stations Sip on some of the best wines in the city. It’s included in the purchase of your ticket […]
The Lasting Impact of Mentorship
In 2017, our team took part in the United Way of the Lower Mainland Project Impact course where we tested new evaluation methods to better capture why and how matching a female mentor with an at-risk girl leads to extraordinary outcomes. As we hoped, this new evaluation method brought us richer and more valuable data than past tools. Here’s a snapshot of what we learned. Tools of Change Big Sisters mentoring imparts four powerful tools of change to Little Sisters: consistency, building confidence, positive role modeling, and trust. With these tools, Little Sisters are set on a path to achieve more. Relationship Ripple Effect By forming and maintaining a healthy relationship with her Big Sister, she improves her interpersonal skills, […]
Mentoring: Proven Solution & Lasting Impact
At Big Sisters, we believe that mentoring matters because it works. Here are a few statistics that show just how powerful mentoring can be. The Challenge:more than a quarter of Lower Mainland grade four children have low well-being. The Solution: Mentoring Brain science tells us that it only takes one caring adult to help a child build the brain architecture for life-long resilience 92% of adults who had a mentor feel confident and 96% say they’re happy 93% of Little Sisters feel better about themselves since having a Big Sister The Challenge:Youth who do not graduate from high school are at a serious disadvantage. The Solution: Mentoring Students who meet regularly with their mentors are 52% less likely than their […]
Donate a Bottle & Be our Partner in “Wine”
Presented by Capital Direct Income Trust and founded by McNeill Nakamoto Recruitment Group and MLA Canada, GrapeJuice is an annual wine auction fundraiser in support of our mentoring programs. Since its inception, GrapeJuice has raised over $700,000. Held on Thursday, April 26 at Aston Martin Vancouver and Bentley Vancouver, you can help us raise funds by donating some wine. It’s easy! Instructions for Donating Wine to GrapeJuice Open this link – https://newdistrict.ca/?promo=grapejuice Click button that says ‘BUY AND DONATE TO GRAPEJUICE NOW’ Add wines to cart that you’d like to purchase and donate When shopping is complete, select ‘Go to cart’, and then ‘Proceed to checkout’ What to do in Checkout Shipping Method: Select ‘In-Store Pickup’ (Wine will be consolidated at […]
Carmen Thériault: Leaving a Legacy helps Girls in a Very Real Way
When you join the Big Sisters Legacy Circle and leave a gift in your Will, you ensure the continuation of our life-changing mentorship programs. It is an opportunity to give young, vulnerable girls a hand up and help them reach their fullest potential. We chatted with one of our legacy givers, Carmen Thériault, about why she left a gift in her Will for Big Sisters. Carmen is a former Big Sister, an active member of our Honourary Advisory Board, last year’s Big Heart Award winner, and has been a long-time supporter of our organization. In 2015, she took on the task of building our Planned Giving Advisory Council, and has provided outstanding leadership in creating a culture of Planned Giving at Big Sisters. Here’s what […]
#PressForProgress this International Women’s Day
Tomorrow is International Women’s Day and now, more than ever, it’s time to #PressForProgress of gender parity. It’s a tough world for girls. Did you know that 50 percent of girls wish they were someone else, not to mention that girls’ self-esteem peaks at age nine. Mentoring is a powerful way to help change these statistics. We know that 93 percent of girls in our program feel better about themselves since having a Big Sister. And, that impact lasts a lifetime. Research shows that 96 percent of adults who had a mentor as a child say they are happy and 92 percent feel confident. Set young girls up for a strong sense of self and on the path to reach […]
50% of Children are Affected by Bullying
Today is Pink Shirt Day. Over the month of February, and throughout the year, CKNW Children’s Charities’ Pink Shirt Day aims to raise awareness of these issues, as well as raise funds to support programs that foster children’s healthy self-esteem. Since 2008, net proceeds of over $1.8 million have been distributed to support youth anti-bullying programs in British Columbia and throughout Western Canada. In 2017 alone, Pink Shirt Day was able to support programs that impacted more than 59,300 youth and children. As past beneficiaries, we are so grateful for the movement Pink Shirt Day has started. “I had no one to play with because sometimes my friends don’t let me play with them. Now that I have a Big Sister, I don’t feel sad […]
Are you or someone you know being bullied? Here are 10 tips to help.
The experience of being bullied can feel isolating, scary, and cause serious harm. You are not alone. At least 1 in 3 Canadian students have reported being bullied (cite). That could include 10 students in a single classroom. In this post, you will find 10 tips to use if you or someone you know are being bullied. Choose which ones work best for you. Start with yourself 1. Understand that it is not your fault You deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. It is never okay for someone to bully you. 2. Practice self-care Do something to take care of yourself, especially if you are feeling down. Write in a journal, read a book you love, chat with […]
Go Girls! Empowers Teens to Be True to Themselves
Being 12 is not easy. Being 12 and a girl is really not easy. Going from childhood into adolescence is a time when everything changes—your body, your peer group, your priorities, everything. Rajni Kumar, an elementary school Child & Youth Care Worker, knows all too well the struggles young girls face in her school’s hallways. “The biggest challenges girls face in our school are being afraid to speak up, changing who they are to fit into a norm, and not being able to empower one another,” she said. “The girls try to fit in to popular cliques by not being true to themselves and at times find it easier to put another girl down than build her up.” At Big […]
Overcoming Bullying through Mentorship
Bullying is rampant in our schools. A 2013 study by Ipsos Reid shows that 59% of Canadians said they suffered abuse by bullies as a child or teenager and 45% believed they suffered lasting harm as a result. That’s half of Canada’s entire population affected by bullying. But, Big Sisters can play a pivotal role in turning that around. Girls with a Big Sister are four times less likely to bully than girls without a mentor. Plus, 92% of adults who had a mentor as a child feel confident and 96% say they’re happy. Here’s the story of one of our Little Sisters who struggled with bullying before being matched with her Big Sister. “When you’re little… you don’t have the […]
Discovering Hidden Talents through Mentorship
“I’ve always wanted a big sister, a real one, ‘cause I’m an only child,” says Little Sister Olivia. “Most of my friends have older sisters, and it looks really fun.” But when Olivia was nine, she was diagnosed with anxiety and it was bad enough that she spent an entire summer indoors with her mom. “I could barely leave the house without feeling scared,” says Olivia, now 11. Her mom signed her up with Big Sisters and Olivia was matched with Ally, a 21-year-old kinesiology student. When the two first met a year ago, they were both nervous, but setting a goal for their relationship helped to get them on track. The goal they decided on was for Olivia to […]
Considering a Big Sister for your Daughter? This Post’s for You.
We wanted to share this moving testimonial we received from a mother of one of our Little Sisters. Rita, mother of Little Sister Natalie, shared why she is grateful for Big Sister Heather. Here’s what she said: “I first wanted a Big Sister for my daughter Natalie when I saw her having a hard time after her dad and I split up. She was 13-years-old, where puberty and high school were prominent issues, and she was dealing with anxiety and depression. Our immediate family consisted of my mother, and that was it. Everyone else lived far away. I wanted my daughter to have someone else other than me in her life who could be a positive influence. I wanted her […]
Little Sister Cassandra Finds Someone She Can Talk To
“We’re really not big planners,” laughs Samantha. “Whenever we get together we love to just go with the flow and see where the day takes us.” “It’s true,” continues Cassandra. “Sometimes we’ll plan on doing a specific activity, but most of the time we end up doing something completely different. “One of our favourite things to do together is play “tourist” in our own city,” says Samantha. We like to visit local attractions, taking the Big Bus tour downtown, and visiting the aquarium. I think we’re looking at the zoo next.” “And we should definitely go ice skating again!” chimes in Cassandra. “Can you tell that we’re spontaneous?” laughs Samantha. Both Big and Little Sister continue laughing as they recall […]
May the New Year Bring you Joy in Abundance
Happy 2018! We’re so excited for the year ahead. Help us keep up the momentum by signing up to be a Big Sister. We know you’d make an excellent mentor and we can’t wait to match you with your Little Sister. Apply Here
The Perfect Match: Big Sister Cori & Little Sister Tianna
Reflecting on her own childhood, which was challenged with dysfunctional family dynamics, Cori states that she and her Little Sister, Tianna, are incredibly well matched, likely because they had similar childhoods. Despite initial nervousness, Cori and Tianna’s relationship has blossomed into an affectionate, compassionate, and fun-filled friendship. “We were both nervous at first. I took a photo of us on our first day together and you can tell from our body language that we were both very timid—the affection wasn’t there yet—but now we’re at the point where we can say we love each other and give bear hugs!” After more than two years of being matched, Cori can see the transformations in Tianna. “I’ve noticed that Tianna likes […]
Donor Spotlight: UPS’ Commitment to Mentorship
We’re so lucky to have UPS as a major partner. They not only donate significant funds to our activities committee who organizes exciting events for our Littles and their Bigs, but they’ve also volunteered over 268 hours in the past three years. We talked with Cindy from UPS to hear what they like best about volunteering with Big Sisters! Q: What is UPS’ focus in community giving? In August 2017, UPS celebrated 110 years and the company has been a part of the Canadian community for over 40 years. As we continue to grow and evolve, so do the communities we live in and serve. The UPS Foundation’s current philanthropic approach focuses on four areas that represent the purpose of […]
Little Sister Lessons: Strength, Respect, and Self-Esteem
As the holiday season approaches, we thought we’d share this throwback letter from one of our Little Sisters, Darci. Here’s what she has to say. “My mother introduced me to the idea of having a Big Sister when stresses in my life were getting to me. There was a time when we did have an acceptable amount of money and when I did have friends, but one day all that seemed to disappear and, as I look back now, there were a lot of events that led up to me needing a Big Sister. My parents split up when I was young and that caused me to feel even more fearful and unstable. I had already witnessed violence and a […]
Mentoring is Good for Everyone
We talk a lot about how mentoring impacts the mentee, but what you don’t hear as often is how our Big Sisters and families are impacted too. Here are three quotes we wanted to share from one of our matches who was matched for seven years. Sandy, Little Study Buddy Dominique’s Mom When my daughter had a psych assessment in grade four, I was informed of her learning disabilities. We were asked to leave the school (French Immersion) and find another school that would suit her needs. I was so upset, confused, and scared. It was a teacher at Dominique’s new school that suggested the Study Buddy program. How very grateful I am for that suggestion. Meeting Thea has been […]
Let’s All Celebrate #GivingTuesday!
We are less than a week away from #GivingTuesday, a day after CyberMonday and Black Friday where we open our hearts and rally together to help our favourite causes. Originally started in 2012, #GivingTuesday is also meant to act as the “beginning of the giving season”—a way to kick of the time of year where the holiday giving spirit is in full force! We here at Big Sisters of the BC Lower Mainland wanted to celebrate this upcoming Giving Tuesday by giving you an idea of just how much behind the scenes work goes on here to create the perfect Big & Little match. So we created this video! In […]
Refer a Little Today
Did you know you can refer a Little Sister, Little Sibling, or Study Buddy to our programs? We match Lower Mainland female, transgender, and non-binary youth (ages 7-17) with a volunteer Big Sister, Big Sibling or Study Buddy in a one-to-one mentoring relationship. All Little Study Buddies must be: Ages 7 – 17 Live in the Lower Mainland Interested in being matched with a caring, adult mentor Able to meet the minimum time commitment of the Study Buddy program (1 hour/week for 6 months) In need of academic support Unable to access tutoring through other agencies due to family financial constraints (i.e. low income) Refer a youth to the Study Buddy program (1 hour/week for 6 months) by downloading and completing […]
Our Record Breaking Luminary Award Soirée
First things first – THANK YOU. We had the most incredible time celebrating Mentorship and all the amazing people contributing to bettering the lives of our Littles, Bigs, and our communities all over the Lower Mainland. Here’s a little recap of how the night went: The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver was alight with our big-hearted community. Guests had the opportunity to network with over 470 guests, including individuals from: the Peter & Joanne Brown Foundation, Windsor Plywood Foundation, Wheaton Precious Metals Corp., HNW Services, John and Dana Montalbano’s First Light Foundation, and so many more! A champagne reception, generously sponsored by Norton […]
What do our Core Values really Mean?
Here at Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, we revolve around three core values. Here’s what they are: We Champion Potential As an organization that seeks to build self-esteem, we believe that every person has limitless potential and individual strengths. We seek to maximize these traits in each person who is a part of Big Sisters: the Little Sisters who haven’t yet seen what they are capable of; the mentors who are realizing their capability as role models; our supporters and community partners whose collaboration and backing is needed to help us build sustainable programs; and the volunteers and staff whose skills and knowledge help guide and grow this organization. Every Connection Counts Every get together, every phone call, every […]
Introducing: #MentoringMondays!
We want to show you why #MentoringMatters to us with the launch of #MentoringMondays! Today, we launch something we are very excited about! For the next four weeks we will be sharing stories from our Big and Little Sisters. These stories best showcase all the different ways #MentoringMatters and all the facets that our programs can involve. These four stories show off what we do best, which is creating healthy, supportive, and life long relationships between Big and Little Sisters. To begin our series we would like to share three stories right off the bat! Three girls of different ages, and the women who have come into their lives support and help them thrive. We’d like to introduce you to: […]
Here’s Why You Should be a Big Sister
When people think about mentoring, they think of it as benefitting girls, but the truth is that volunteers also benefit from mentoring. As a mentor, knowing that you have such a big influence on a young girl’s life gives you a strong sense of purpose; you gain meaning. Depending on your schedule and lifestyle, you can become involved with Big Sisters in a variety of ways! We know that our volunteers have schedules and responsibilities, and for that reason we have positions convenient for people with a wide variety of lifestyles. There are many ways to get involved and change a girl’s life. Have Fun & Change a Girl’s Life “In my 3 years as a Big, I felt honored […]
Here’s Why You Don’t Want to Miss the 2017 Luminary Award Soirée
The 2017 Luminary Award Soirée is just one week away! Don’t miss these exciting treats we have in store for you. Ease on in to the Bourbon Lounge… Let the celebrations continue with our Luminaries at the Bourbon Lounge. Brand new to this year’s Soirée, the Bourbon Lounge will open at the closing of the ceremony. If bourbon isn’t your thing, the lounge also has cash bar that’s fully stocked. So, don’t head down to the hotel bar, we’ve got you covered! Generously sponsored by: Generously furnished by: Show us your best dance moves… It’s easy when Famous Players Band hits the stage just after 9 pm. Generously sponsored by: At the Champagne Reception… Bid on over 100 fabulous silent […]
Study Buddies are More than Just Tutors
Mentoring means more than just tutoring; mentoring means being close with someone and while helping them grow. During the three years that Brenda and her Little Sister Sukhmani have been matched, they have bonded, become great friends and discovered new things about themselves all while having fun and helping each other grow. Brenda has always enjoyed tutoring so when the idea of becoming a Big Sister came to her, she jumped at the chance. “I have always enjoyed teaching and being around young people, so [this] was the right program for me”, she writes. At the same time that Brenda was searching for a Little Sister, Sukhmani needed someone to help her not only with school work, but to also […]
GrapeJuice: The Story of how Cheryl and Sarah Gave Back
Mentoring has great benefits for both Big Sisters and Little Sisters. For that reason, it is important to acknowledge the organizations and individuals that make mentoring programs happen. Without the support from our generous donors, Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland would not be what it is today. Two particularly generous individuals that we are thankful for are Cheryl Nakamoto and Sarah McNeill of McNeill Nakamoto Recruitment Group. Cheryl and Sarah have been hosting the GrapeJuice Wine Auction for 10 years. Being the founders of GrapeJuice, our annual wine auction fundraiser, and devoted to helping the community, Cheryl and Sarah deserve further recognition. For that reason, Big Sisters BCLM nominated them for the Giving Hearts Award—a program created to acknowledge […]
Eight Times Donations Gave our Littles New Opportunities this Year
Hip Hop Class On March 18 and March 25, seven of our matches participated in a free hip hop dance class. Thanks to Jennifer Lee for donating the space, a hip hop instructor, and a pizza lunch. It was a very fun experience for our Bigs and Littles. Canadians Nooner On July 20 our Bigs and Littles attended the Canadians Nooner game! It was a beautiful sunny day and two of our Littles got to throw the first pitch! They were beyond excited, it was a wonderful day for the matches to get out and have fun. Thank you to Scotiabank for this generous donation. Bike Build Boston Pizza was extremely generous and donated seven bikes to our Little Sisters […]
The Match of Big Sister Christy and Little Sister Eleanor
Imagine being the fun parent all the time—that’s what Christy had in mind when she signed up to be a Big Sister. She made the choice to not have kids, but she still wanted to give back to someone younger. She loves being a Big Sister because she gets to be the “cool mom” once a week and hangs out with her awesome Little Sister, Eleanor. They love cooking together and they have big plans for the future.
Big Sister Stacy and Little Sister Arianna Give Back to their Community
Stacy and Arianna’s story is proof that mentoring benefits both Bigs and Littles. Little Sister Arianna and Big Sister Stacy have been matched for eight months and they are already reaping the fruits of mentoring. Stacy told Big Sisters about a time she was able to spread the kindness and love with her Little. It all began when Stacy told her Little about how she volunteered her time assembling shoe box gifts for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, an organization that gives boxes containing toys, school supplies, and hygienic items to underprivileged children in third world countries. When Stacy told this to Arianna, not much happened but months later Stacy was able to see how she had impacted the way […]
Big Sister Richelle & Little Sister Susan Reunited After 25 Years
Matched with Big Sister Richelle at 11 years old, Susan was a very shy and soft-spoken young girl. She was afraid to speak her mind, and her confidence was at an all-time low. “I was a bigger kid, my brother would say I was fat, ugly, and not good enough and I believed that. Because if you don’t have anyone else to tell you the contrary that’s all you believe,” says Susan. Richelle came into Susan’s life at the right time. Meeting on a weekly basis really helped Susan with her confidence, as she finally had someone in her life who would fill her life with positivity. Richelle recounts her time spent with Susan, “it was nice to go and […]
Are You Ready for a Big Day of Big Yoga™?!
Big Yoga™ for Big Sisters is this Saturday and we can hardly wait for the BIG day to arrive. And look, we aren’t the only ones excited! What makes Big Yoga for Big Sisters SO BIG? We thought you’d never ask. 1. Stellar instructors sharing their passion and expertise with these classes and workshops. 2. Inner Fire for your eco-friendly shopping fix! 3. Complimentary massages from Ananta Wellness and mini facials from Skoah. 4. The Halfmoon Chill Out Tent and the ivivva Hub for Kids. 5. Delicious and nutritious gluten-free, vegan eats for purchase from JamJar. 6. KISS radio on site playing DJ during the yoga breaks. 7. Plus, a gorgeous location at David Lam Park and the opportunity to […]
Three Ways to Help Us Change Girls’ Lives
September is Big Brothers Big Sisters Month Imagine a world with more self-esteem and less bullying. Imagine a world where youth are reminded that they be anything they can dream of. You can be a part of creating that world. When a child has a mentor, the odds they will be emotionally, socially and physically healthy increases dramatically. When we have happy, healthy young people in our communities, everyone benefits. Learn how you can make a difference in the life of a young person by visiting www.imagineBBBS.ca. Three Ways to Help Us Change Girls’ Lives Volunteer A mentor who encourages smart daily behaviours—finishing homework, having healthy social interactions, and saying no when it counts—has a noticeable influence on a young person’s growth […]
Building a Love of Reading Together
In February of 2007, I met a shy, quiet 7-year-old girl who loved reading, arts, crafts and ice cream. Still figuring out how to cope with a vision impairment, her love for reading was affected by this challenge and we spent most of our time together going to the library to foster that love for reading, without the pressures of time and distractions. Our relationship bloomed over our shared love for books, McDonald’s sundaes and various arts and crafts projects. Our relationship was built the way many friendships are – with time, patience, and curiosity. 10 years later, I just attended her high school graduation, and have watched her flourish into a confident, fun-loving, considerate and kind young adult. Our trips […]
Surprise Yoga at David Lam Park Tomorrow
An exciting event is taking place tomorrow. We’re staging a surprise yoga session (with costumes and mascots doing yoga poses!) at David Lam Park. Passersby are invited to join in this fun event, which is intended to generate awareness and signups for Big Yoga™ for Big Sisters, our yogathon fundraiser on September 9th. Curious? Big Yoga™ for Big Sisters is your chance to use your yoga practice to transform girls’ lives. This September 9th at David Lam Park, hundreds of yogis will come together to raise much needed funds for our mentoring programs. Here’s how it works: 1) Sign up. There are three ways you can sign up to participate in Big Yoga™ for Big Sisters. – As a corporate team […]
So You Think You Know Yoga?
Here at Big Sisters when we think of yoga – we think big! BIG ideas. BIG inspiration. BIG impact. We talk a big game and we can back it up. There are so many special things about Big Yoga™ for Big Sisters. We love the idea of using your practice to transform girls’ lives. We love beautiful David Lam Park. We love our community partners joining us with activities onsite—Inner Fire, Skoah, Ananta Wellness & Osteopathy, ivivva, and JamJar. We love YOU for committing to this event with your fundraising efforts and awesome energy of the day. You know what else? We love, love, love the opportunity to share six completely different styles of yoga led by some of the city’s […]
Social Smarts: Privacy, the Internet, and You
Canadian kids and teens are digitally savvy when it comes to social media and the internet—after all, they are digital natives. Unfortunately, many kids and teens do not yet understand the scope of their privacy and the potential risks associated with having an “open” profile online. In an effort to show kids and teens how to better protect themselves online and to understand privacy concerns, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada has created this graphic novel, Social Smarts: Privacy, the Internet and You. The short 12-page novel follows a brother (Dave) and sister (Amy) who learn about the privacy risks related to social networking, phone passwords and online gaming. We are also given insight from Amy’s phone who […]
Building Strong and Healthy Communities
Strong communities nurture people. They help build neighbourhood and community engagement, and help promote well-being and safety. Together, with our partner United Way of the Lower Mainland, we work every day to build strong communities where people feel connected and supported. With United Way’s help, we provide services and opportunities that help young girls thrive, and celebrate who they are and where they come from. The strength of a community is reflected in the wellbeing and sense of connectedness of the people who live there. When residents feel they belong, they take ownership and play a role in shaping the future of their community. People are empowered when they feel they have choices and are capable of influencing decisions. At […]
Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe
Your vibe attracts your tribe. Over the years of teaching and practicing yoga, I have been a witness to the profound effects yoga has when practiced in a group. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. We often find ourselves drawn to the mat for many different reasons, including emotional or physical injury. Yoga, coupled with the power of KULA, has proven to support the process of healing. A community begins to evolve. Community is when people begin to care about one another, and where they begin to share and support one another. Your yoga community celebrates your breakthroughs and your growth, where ultimately the whole thing becomes based on a higher purpose, a deeper meaning, and a more profound goal in […]
Overcoming Loneliness through Mentorship
Growing up, Big Sister Raylene was troubled with loneliness. After her parents split up, her dad moved away while her mom worked long hours. She felt like she was missing out and that she had no one to talk to. “It was very hard. I felt very lonely,” said Raylene as she looks back. Little Sister Amy describes her childhood as lonely. The other kids don’t invite her to play and her mom works tirelessly. Before she met Raylene, she felt like there was no one to hang out with, confide in, and look up to. “I was having trouble making friends before, so I wanted someone who I could go to places with,” said Amy wishfully. Things […]
Five Easy Ways to Support Big Yoga for Big Sisters this Week
With just a few sleeps until the big day, here are five last minute fundraising ideas to help you Nama’Slay at Big Yoga for Big Sisters North Vancouver! These little tips can make a big difference! 1 – Share Your Story. Sure, you love yoga! But why else are you participating? Share why helping young girls reach their full potential matters to you. Find stats on how Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland helps transform girls lives here and sample social media posts here. 2 – Dolla Dolla Bills Y’all! Take Your Pledge Form Everywhere You Go. If you run into someone you know, tell people how excited you are for this Saturday’s event and let them know every dollar […]
Your day, your way… to namaslay for Big Sisters!
Just one week until Big Yoga for Big Sisters in North Vancouver- how will you create your day? On July 8th Heywood Park will be buzzing with positive energy as solo yogis and teams of varying sizes get ready to shake their asanas for a good time and a good cause. The full yogathon offers six classes in six different styles. Each class is only 45 minutes, perfect for both beginners and experienced yogis to explore and enjoy, with the extra freedom and flow of practicing outside. Ease into Big Yoga for Big Sisters North Vancouver with Katie Keating of Studio 202’s, Slow Flow. The morning also features an Intro to Moksha Yoga with Hannah Johnson and a Power Yoga […]
How a Casino Night Supported Big Sisters Mentoring
Did you know that your next event can support our mentoring programs? Our friend Alex Chisholm from Merchant Advance Capital recently hosted a casino fundraiser for Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland. She raised over $2,000 with the help of her friends and colleagues. Thank you Alex for taking the time to support Big Sisters. Your donation is helping to improve the lives of young girls. “When my partner and I first decided to host a casino night, we had envisioned a couple close friends, a bottle of whiskey and a rainy Vancouver night. As our little get-together seemed to pick up traction from our poker enthusiast friends, the premise behind the event grew as well. What a wonderful opportunity […]
Seva – Being of Service. What Does That Even Mean?
Seva means selfless service in Sanskrit. Seva is doing something for others without a need for something in return. In the yoga community we talk about this often. Many teachers believe that being a yoga teacher is a form of Seva, I would agree. However, there are many different ways to be of service in the community. You can choose to do something large, like start a non-profit or volunteer to mentor someone as with Big Sisters. You can do something small, like give a blanket to a homeless person. Just like when a pebble is dropped in a lake and the ripples reach all the way to the shore, all actions have lasting effects. We can’t even begin to understand how […]
Rachel Scott – The Power of Community
Last year, I had the privilege of setting the intention for Big Yoga for Big Sisters. Our theme was that we were better together. And during class, as we joined hands in tree pose, or all toppled over in attempt at a group chair, I was reminded that coming together as a community to participate in a heartfelt cause truly does reveal the best of our human spirit. The world needs more lightworkers. Light comes when we look beyond the limitations of our own needs, wants, and desires, and take a pause to act for a cause greater than our own convenience. We express our light through simple everyday acts, such as taking the time to listen to a friend, […]
How Big Sister Anna helped Little Sister Olimpia Reach her Potential
“She makes me feel that I matter and that I have an important role to play in her life” Study Buddy Anna and Little Sister Olimpia were matched for nearly four years, until Olimpia graduated out of the Study Buddy program. They were first matched when Olimpia was in grade 9 and as she describes it, a “rebellious teenager.” “I dropped bombs on Anna, testing her to see if she would stick around,” Olimpia said about their first year as a match. Anna stuck it out with the help of her caseworker and the two of them developed a strong bond. Anna says, “At the end of the day, Olimpia had self-perceptions that weren’t true,” said Anna. “Olimpia’s teachers and […]
Meet the 2017 Big Heart Award Winners
We can’t do the important work we do without our amazing volunteers. That’s why, every year, we choose three Big Heart Award winners. At this year’s annual Spring Lunch fundraiser, two winners took home the Big Heart Awards. These awards recognize volunteers and businesses or foundations that make outstanding contributions of time, energy and financial support to Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland. The 2017 recipients were Carmen S. Thériault for Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer and Amir and Yasmin Virani Family Foundation for Outstanding Contribution by a Business or Foundation. Carmen Thériault is a senior partner at Norton Rose Fulbright. She has been actively involved in the community for a number of years. Her many activities involve being a […]
Get Loud for Mental Health
Did you know that about 1 in 7 young people in BC—or 14%—will experience a mental illness at some point? Many mental illnesses—between 50% and about 70%—show up before the age of 18, so they can have a huge impact on a child’s development. Mental illnesses can affect how well kids do in school and how they form relationships with other kids and adults. Caring adults provide young people with a sense of belonging, acceptance, empowerment and connection- factors that are known to foster mental health and emotional well-being. While there are many ways to go about treatment for mental illness, one thing remains: everyone needs support which can include family, friends, counselors or mentors. Our research has found that […]
Spring Lunch: A Beautiful View for a Great Cause
Located on Vancouver’s waterfront with a gorgeous mountain backdrop, the Level II Ocean Foyer will host the 2017 Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland Spring Lunch this March. With maximized natural light and local BC wood productsfrom sustainably-managed forests used throughout the facility, this is set to be a beautiful event made for a great cause. To join us in celebration of mentorship, Dr. Shimi Kang will be our keynote speaker. Shimi believes in the powerful role and impact of mentorship on the lives of young girls. In fact, she “prescribes” Big Sisters. As Benjamin Franklin said, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” A good mentor breaks you out of […]
Mentoring Matters: Help Us Change Statistics
In a world where 50% of girls wish they were someone else, mentoring matters. That’s where Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland comes in. Research shows that mentoring has a powerful impact on the lives of young girls. We know that 96 percent of adults who had a mentor as a child say they are happy and 92 percent feel confident. On March 8th we’re celebrating International Women’s Day by sharing what makes us feel strong and bold. You can join in too. Share your own personal story or use one of the social media post templates below! Download our social media graphics too. Let’s change these statistics. Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn It’s #InternationalWomensDay on March 8. Can you #BeBoldForChange? […]
From Shyness to the First in her Family to Graduate Post-Secondary
Heidi’s Story Twelve years ago I was fortunate enough to enter the amazing Big Sisters Mentoring Program. I was only 10 years old and growing up with a single mom. I wanted a Big Sister after seeing my brother’s relationship with his Big Brother, Andrew, as I’d seen how much fun they were having and what an amazing role model Andrew was to him. My mother had seen the success in my brother’s experience and knew what a great opportunity it was for a child to grow up with another adult to talk to and connect with. I remember meeting my Big Sister Shelley for the first time and realizing we shared a love for lip gloss, baking and all […]
Meet the Doctor Who “Prescribes” Big Sisters
Our annual Spring Lunch fundraiser is coming up on March 30th at the beautiful Vancouver Convention Center West Building. Along with a spectacular view, delicious meal and celebrating mentorship we are excited to feature Dr. Shimi Kang as our keynote speaker. Shimi is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, award-winning academic and #1 best selling author who routinely “prescribes” Big Sisters to many girls to help them achieve optimal health and well-being. Shimi believes that mentoring has a powerful impact on the lives of young girls, mentors and our community as a whole—and our research proves it. Through her treatment, research, speaking and writing, Shimi has helped thousands of children, adolescents and adults move towards better health and more positive lives. Join us […]
How Alana’s Mentor Taught her to Overcome her Fears
In 1997, eleven year old Alana was living with a father struggling with addiction. Her mom had passed away when she was only seven. Although Alana was still young enough to not fully realize the disadvantages she was facing, she was shy and didn’t see many possibilities in her life. That all began to change when she met Gina through Big Sisters that year. “When I became a Big Sister I said to myself, I’m never going to do things for her, but I’m going to teach her what she can do,” says Gina. “All I tried to teach Alana was, if you want it, that’s enough.” Gina started small. On one of their earliest outings, Gina asked Alana where […]
Mentoring Matters, Here’s Why
It can be rough out there. Big Sisters provides supportive mentoring relationships to young girls who may be facing challenges like bullying, isolation, poverty, abuse, social anxiety, low self-esteem and more. Research shows that mentoring has a powerful impact on the lives of young girls. We know that 96 percent of adults who had a mentor as a child say they are happy and 92 percent feel confident. Plus, girls who have a positive mentor are less likely to engage in destructive behaviour such as bullying, fighting, binge drinking or drug use. Since 1960, Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland has been changing the course of young girls’ lives. Our experienced caseworkers carefully match Little Sisters with female adult mentors […]
Meet the Women Helping Us Spread the Word Online
We have a great community of influential digital media women who support Big Sisters BCLM. From lifestyle to book writing, these women continue to inspire us with their work. To spotlight some of the great bloggers we have connected with, here is a bit of information about them. Miss 604 Rebecca Bollwitt, more commonly known as Miss 604 , is an award-winning blogger who has also been our wonderful volunteer recruitment and blog sponsor for three years. Rebecca champions many community initiatives and campaigns, including Big Sisters BC Lower Mainland. With her wide-reaching audience and informed postings, Rebecca is an inspiration to us all. Find Miss604 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Becca Clarkson Another great blogger with whom we’ve had […]