Volunteer Spotlight: Tina, Big Sisters Mentor

September is Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, a time to celebrate the mentors who show up with care, consistency, and heart, and the meaningful relationships that grow from that commitment. At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, we’re proud to spotlight the volunteers who make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.

This month, we’re highlighting Tina, a dedicated Big Sisters mentor who has been volunteering with the program for eight years. Tina was matched with her Little, Tula, when she was 23 and Tula was just seven. Eight years later, they continue to celebrate their match anniversary every year and have grown through many of life’s changes together.

“We’ve basically grown up together at this point.”

A Desire to Give Back

Tina signed up to volunteer shortly after graduating from university and moving out with her best friend. She wanted to give back, but did not have much money to donate at the time. Volunteering her time was something she could offer. Growing up with an older brother, she was also drawn to the idea of becoming a Big Sister herself.

“The idea of getting to be a Big Sister to me was very appealing.”

What started as a desire to give her time to someone else would eventually become a relationship that has lasted eight years and counting.

The Moment She Knew They’d Have Fun Together

One of Tina’s favourite memories with Tula happened about a year after they were matched, when the two won tickets to watch Stars on Ice from a booth at Rogers Arena. At the time, Tula was still very young, and the two were continuing to get to know each other’s personalities. During intermission, the other matches left the booth to get snacks, but Tina and Tula stayed behind.

As Tina was coming out of the bathroom, she heard Tula yell over the railing and into the arena, completely by herself:

“My name is Tula! And I’m awesome!”

For Tina, that spontaneous moment captured something she would come to know well about her Little. It was not just that Tula was fun because she was young. Her personality itself was full of energy and joy.

“That was the moment I knew our match would always be fun first. She wasn’t just fun because she was little, her personality is very fun. She’s still the most fun person I know.”

Growing Together

After eight years together, it is the relationship and bond Tina and Tula have built that she finds most rewarding. Their match has continued through major life changes, breakups, COVID, and all the everyday experiences in between. Through it all, they have continued to learn from each other, share what they are going through, and grow together.

“Mentorship to me represents growing together. We are totally different people than when we first joined the program.”

One of the most meaningful parts of their relationship for Tina is that she can talk to Tula about what is happening in her own life, too. Over the years, Tula has become someone who knows her well and whose advice she genuinely values. For Tina, that two-way relationship is one of the most special parts of mentorship.

“Being able to talk through things going on in my life with Tula is definitely the coolest part about the whole program. She gives the best advice and knows me so well, I’ve definitely gained a sister for life.”

A Relationship for Life

Eight years of shared experiences have given Tina something she never expected when she first signed up to volunteer: a relationship she believes will continue long after their time in the program. She knows they will continue to be part of each other’s lives, carrying with them the memories and experiences they have shared along the way.

“I know we’ll be in each other’s lives forever.”

Looking back, Tina is grateful not only for the opportunity to mentor Tula, but for everything Tula has brought into her own life.

“I am forever grateful to Big Sisters for bringing Tula into my life and allowing me to be in hers.”

For Tina, mentorship has become more than simply showing up for someone else. It has been about building a relationship, making memories, learning from each other, and growing side by side.

Ready to Become a Mentor?

Tina’s story is a reminder that mentorship can grow into something that lasts far beyond a program. Through consistency, shared experiences, and eight years of being there for each other, Tina and Tula have built a relationship that continues to evolve as they do. This Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, we’re celebrating mentors like Tina who make space for connection, show up year after year, and become an important part of a young person’s life.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer mentor, learn more at bigsisters.bc.ca/become-a-volunteer-mentor or email us at info@bigsisters.bc.ca.