Every Connection Counts

Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland’s 2024 Annual Report highlights a year of transformative impact, community engagement, and future focused growth. Through the lens of Big Sisters mission to ignite, inspire, and unleash the potential of youth, the report showcases how Big Sisters has been working to empower girls and gender-diverse youth to reach their full potential. IGNITE – Building a foundation for the future Big Sisters strives to enable life-changing mentoring relationships that help youth realize their power and potential. In the first section of our Annual Report we share highlights from the year messages from Big Sisters 2024 Board Chair Carol Robinson and CEO Chantelle Krish Here and key figures from the last twelve months, including the following: […]

“I find Chelsea really fun and easygoing. I feel comfortable talking to her about things and appreciate her being such a good listener” Shaniya, Little Sister. Shaniya was just 8 years old when she was matched with her Big Sister Chelsea. Living with her Mom in Richmond, Shaniya, like many girls of her age, was referred to the Big Sisters program so she could find connection and support outside of the family unit as she moved through the journey from childhood to adolescence, navigating a pandemic and the transition to high school all along the way. Chelsea had just finished her studies in Halifax and was attending a Women in Business event in Vancouver when she first heard about Big […]

Introducing My Voice, My Power! We are very excited to announce that Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland has been awarded funding by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) for Power in Prevention, a gender-based violence prevention project. As part of the Project, Big Sisters is launching a new school-based group mentoring program for self-identified girls, non-binary and transgender youth called “My Voice, My Power!.”   The development of this program has included sector specific research, applied learnings from existing group mentoring programs at Big Sisters, and community consultation through focus groups, surveys, and the support and insight from a Community Advisory Council and Youth Advisory Council. The program will enable age appropriate, hands on learning activities that engage youth in […]

Help youth reach their full potential Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland harnesses the power of mentorship to ignite the potential of self-identifying girls and gender-diverse youth, helping them to reach their full potential. This Summer, we are calling on women, non-binary, transgender or gender-diverse individuals from across the Lower Mainland to take the first step to becoming a mentor so they can be ready to Mentor in the Fall. Note: We have a particular need for mentors in Richmond, Surrey, Tri-Cities (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody) and Burnaby or anyone who can help youth with High School Math and Science!

Become a Study Buddy – Just one hour a week can help a Little Sister reach their full academic potential.  Spring break is a time for students to knuckle down and take some time away from the regular pressure of school and prepare for the final push before exams. For some youth however, it can be a time of stress, confusion, and isolation. Unfortunately, not all girls and youth have access to adequate support when it comes to working on school projects, completing homework or getting the extra bit of encouragement needed to solve a math equation. We know that every student is different with unique skills, learning styles and challenges and we are on a mission to make sure […]

By: Chantelle Krish. As we commemorate another International Women’s Day, the theme of ‘Inspire Inclusion’ reminds us of the ongoing need to create spaces where every woman feels a sense of belonging and empowerment. From boardrooms to classrooms, the call for inclusion echoes through every corner, urging us to embrace the role we all play in advancing gender equity.In business, fostering a culture of inclusion isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a strategic advantage, and mentorship, both formal and informal, can help pave the way. Mentorship fosters inclusion by providing women with access to networks, guidance, and opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible, breaking down barriers and empowering them to advance professionally. Through mentorship, women can receive valuable advice, support, and advocacy, […]

“We need to empower young women so they can feel confident, safe, informed and supported in a world that can unfortunately come with significant challenges and threats”, Chantelle Krish, CEO of Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland. Big Sisters is thrilled to announce the launch of its groundbreaking campaign, ‘Power in Prevention,’ generously supported by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE). This initiative, funded through WAGE’s Women’s Program, aims to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across the Lower Mainland, empowering girls and youth to forge healthy relationships, challenge gender stereotypes, and practice the safe use of the internet and online technologies. The Power in Prevention ProjectAt the core of this campaign lies a commitment to preventative measures and education to make […]

  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 […]

Big Sisters is delighted to announce the appointment of our newest Board Director, Hayley Woodin. HAYLEY WOODIN Editor-in-Chief, BIV Hayley Woodin is the Editor-in-Chief of Business in Vancouver Media Group, a division of the largest business news group in Western Canada. She is a North American correspondent for BBC Radio’s Business Matters program, an Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholar, a Pulitzer Travelling Fellow, a Pulitzer Center Fellow and a Gumshoe Reporting Fellow. Hayley holds a Master of Science degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, and is proud to be a board member of Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation, the KPU Alumni Association and the White Rock Youth Ambassador Program. Why is mentorship […]

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.

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!.

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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.

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. Click to read the announcement.

[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 […]

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 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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

  [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 […]

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 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 […]

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!

September marked Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada Month, which brought some exciting changes for the future. Click to read the Fall 2019 Newsletter.

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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

                    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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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: […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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? […]

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 […]

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 […]