Every Connection Counts: Celebrating 65 Years of Mentorship at Soirée 2025

Supporters, mentors, and friends came together to raise funds for life-changing programs that help young people build confidence, connection, and brighter futures.

Celebrating 65 Years of Mentorship

Soirée present by Scotiabank, was a night to remember — celebrating 65 years of connection, community, and the life-changing power of mentorship.

The evening opened with an inspiring welcome from Her Honour, The Honourable Wendy Cocchia, 31st Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, who shared her personal commitment to

funding a mentorship match for a year — underscoring how collective support can transform young lives.

Guests were deeply moved by Little Sister Haleluya, who shared how having a Big Sister helped her believe in herself, stay motivated in school, and dream bigger for her future — a powerful reminder of why mentorship matters.

CEO Chantelle Krish reflected on Big Sisters’ 65-year journey and the growing need for mentorship, while Stephen Gaskin, Senior Vice President, BC & Yukon Region at Scotiabank, spoke about how mentorship strengthens communities and builds a more inclusive future.

Mentorship Works

At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, we say every connection counts — because each one has the power to change a life.

A $3,000 gift funds a full year of mentorship, including volunteer training, case management, regular check-ins, and monthly activities that foster confidence, belonging, and growth.

Mentorship comes in many forms. Our 1:1 Big Sisters and Study Buddy programs build deep, lasting connections that help young people grow emotionally, academically, and personally. Group-based programs like Go Girls! and My Voice, My Power foster strong peer relationships, build confidence, and promote wellbeing. And through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, we help youth pursue their educational goals and transition successfully into post-secondary opportunities.

The Impact

95% of Little Sisters report increased confidence and self-esteem.
90% feel more connected to their community.
85% say their mentor helps them stay engaged and motivated in school.
Each mentorship lasts an average of four years, creating meaningful, lasting change.

A Night to Remember

From the elegant champagne reception to the lively Fund-A-Need paddle sweep, guests filled the room with energy, laughter, and generosity. The atmosphere was electric as supporters raised their paddles high — helping fund new mentorship matches and programs that will change young lives.

The celebration continued well into the evening at the after-party, where guests, volunteers, and partners came together to toast 65 years of connection, growth, and community. It was a night that truly captured what Big Sisters is all about — people coming together to lift one another up, one meaningful connection at a time.

Thank You

Thank you for joining us for Soirée 2025 presented by Scotiabank in celebration of our 65th anniversary. Your generosity and enthusiasm helped us raise over $715,000 (and counting). Your support fuels life-changing mentorship for girls and gender-diverse youth, helping them build confidence, connection, and brighter futures.

Together, we’re creating a community where every young person feels seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

You can donate here or reach out to Julia Shibazaki, Events and Partnerships Lead, at jshibazaki@bigsisters.bc.ca to learn more about how you can support Big Sisters.