Today is International Mentoring Day, a celebration of the incredible power of mentorship. This day recognizes the invaluable contributions mentors make to the lives of others and promotes the idea that mentorship is a two-way street—an opportunity for growth, learning, and inspiration for both mentor and mentee.
The Global Watch Company (GWC) is one of Vancouver’s leading watch and jewelry retailers. Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver they have been supporting Big Sisters Soirée presented by Scotiabank for a number of years at both Diamond and Gold level.
Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland’s Soirée presented by Scotiabank brought together over 400 passionate supporters to The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver for a one-of-a-kind gala event in celebration of girls and gender-diverse youth. The even began with a reception which featured a Wine Mall, Make-Up Station from International Makeup + Hair Artist / Stylist Red Carpet Ready by Christina, a Photobooth from Dang Good Photo’s and even a Retro Gaming Hub. An evening celebrating Big Sisters The main event began with a stunning performance of Christina Aguilera’s Beautiful by Little Sisters Zaya and Nirvana which set the tone for a spectacular evening. The evening was hosted by CBC Vancouver’s Michelle Eliot, award-winning journalist and host of weekday call-in show BC […]
Every year, on October 11th, the world comes together to celebrate International Day of the Girl Child, a day dedicated to recognizing the unique challenges that girls face globally and advocating for their rights. This day is particularly significant for us at Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, where our mission is to enable transformational mentoring relationships that help self-identifying girls, non-binary, transgender, and gender-diverse youth to reach their full potential. The theme of International Day of the Girl Child aligns with our core values: championing potential, building connections, and supporting youth. It’s an opportunity to highlight the work still needed to achieve gender equity. Girls face barriers both here in Canada and around the world, and we’re here to […]
As we reflect on Truth and Reconciliation Day, we honor the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlil̓wətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, on whose lands we are privileged to live and work. At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, we are deeply committed to fostering connections and showing up for one another. On this day, we recognize the importance of reconciliation, acknowledging the lasting impacts of colonialism on Indigenous Peoples, especially the youth we mentor. We honor their stories, cultures, and strengths, and pledge to continue learning, listening, and taking meaningful steps toward healing and reconciliation. May we all walk the path of reconciliation with honesty, respect, and open hearts. […]
Youth today are filled with big dreams and hope for a better world. However, with the significant barriers standing in their way, it is difficult for a large portion of students to receive the academic support they deserve. Among them are over 300,000 young Canadians in low-income communities who are faced with numerous obstacles that make it more challenging to complete high school (Pathways to Education, n.d.). What’s equally alarming is elementary students are testing below historical trends in reading and math – vital skills that contribute to their academic success and personal development (CBC, 2023). The question remains how can we support youth in the wake of academic challenges? The answer lies in mentorship – a solution that not […]
What do you think happens when you donate to a charity? What are you supporting and are you really making a difference? For many people, the decision to support a charity is a deeply personal one led by a desire to give back to something that is truly meaningful to them. The mission of an organization will align with their values, a touching story will speak to their heart or an injustice will spur them into action. Whatever the motivation, that feeling has been sparked. What usually comes next is a review of the credibility and impact. The equivalent of looking under the hood before buying a car. Is this organization transparent and trustworthy? Does my contribution matter and what […]
We are so excited to share our first newsletter of 2024. In this publication, you’ll find the following: CEO Address: A word from our CEO Chantelle Krish Power in Prevention: Big Sisters Launches Initiative to Combat Gender-Based Violence Special Shout-out: Thank you Glenda Donor Profile: The Houssian Foundation – Trust-Based Collaboration Match Spotlight: Big Sister Sharon & Little Sister Zaya’s Story Upcoming Events…and 2023 highlights
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 […]