Volunteer Spotlight: Deborah, Big Sisters Mentor

At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, our mentors help shape the future by simply showing up, listening, and making space for joy and connection.

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Deborah Corniel—a dedicated Big Sisters mentor who brings heart, humour, and an epic playlist to every hangout with her Little.

“We have similar senses of humour and my face usually hurts from all the laughing. Car karaoke is definitely a highlight!”

Creating Connection Through Joy

Deborah joined the Big Sisters program in March 2024 and was matched with her Little on October 8. Since then, she’s embraced the power of presence—whether that’s through car rides, laughter, or just being a consistent, caring adult in her mentee’s life.

“Making memories with my Little is what I love most,” Deborah shared. “Narrowing it down to one favourite moment is hard! But the drives stand out—car karaoke, weekly playlists, and hearing why a song matters to them is so special.”

Their time together is filled with shared jokes, random facts, and real conversations. It’s a reminder that mentorship doesn’t always need to be structured—it’s about building trust, having fun, and being there.

What Mentorship Means

For Deborah, being a mentor is deeply personal—and powerful.

“I believe every child needs and deserves to have adults in their lives to cheer them on, guide them, and allow them to just be kids. If I can be that person—if I can make someone feel seen and supported—then I’m honoured and incredibly blessed.”

Her experience reflects the heart of our mission at Big Sisters: to ignite potential by building supportive, meaningful relationships. Mentors like Deborah remind us that it doesn’t take perfection—it just takes presence.

Get Involved

Deborah’s story is a beautiful example of how small moments can lead to lasting impact. If you’re looking to support youth in your community, consider becoming a mentor with the Big Sisters program.

To learn more about becoming a Big Sisters mentor, click the link: bigsisters.bc.ca/become-a-volunteer-mentor or reach out to us at info@bigsisters.bc.ca.