Mentoring Matters Blog

We sat down with Bhwandip – a devoted Game On! volunteer since 2017. Game On! is our shortest commitment program out of all our volunteer opportunities, amounting to only 6-8 weeks at a local community centre or elementary school, during generally, after-school hours. Each Game On! session is traditionally split into 75 minutes of physical … Read more

Did you know that the volunteers involved in our flagship program, Big Brother or Community (one-on-one mentorship) simply dedicate 2-4 hours a week, which amounts to anywhere between 108-216 hours of quality time within a year with a local child or youth? A small act really can amount to a big impact. Meet Dan, at … Read more

Our staff at Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver were first introduced to Manuel (Manu) at our first Big Appreciation Night where we celebrate our current volunteers for their time spent with their Little Brothers/Buddys, and to create an opportunity where “Bigs” can share their experiences with other volunteers. We also ask our existing volunteers to … Read more

“I really like the values that Big Brothers subtly passes on through the relationships: consistency, responsibility, respect, friendship, trust.” When Bill Crow moved to Vancouver from Ottawa, he had to say goodbye to his first Little Brother. “I told him I was going to have to leave, and he wasn’t saying anything. And I told … Read more

“I would have done this no matter what.” We spoke to Victor – one of our newest Big Brothers in Squamish to learn more about what made him want to volunteer, and despite being a young father, why now is the right time to get involved with our organization. Growing up in Ontario, Victor’s Father … Read more

A brief interview with one of our remarkable Big Brothers, Ivan Evelyn. I can honestly say I get as much out of the Big Brother program as Nathan does. I learn new things every time I am with him just as much as he learns new things when he is with me. One of the … Read more

  “Even if you’re scared, you can keep going – don’t stop!” That’s one of the lessons that Big Brothers volunteer Mitch has learned over the last few years and one he tries to pass on to the boys in the Game On! Program. Each week, Mitch meets with a group of boys to mentor … Read more

How did you become involved with Big Brothers? How long have you been involved? It’s something I wanted to get involved with for some time, so once I gained Canadian Permanent Residency* and my work situation got to a suitable stage, I finally applied. I had volunteered with other charities and organizations in the past, … Read more

Have you ever wondered what happens when a match closes between a Big and Little Brother?  For Eric and Shane – their friendship never stopped; one might even say that they became family. Eric was at a stage with no kids and heard about the Big Brother program from his friend Bill. He viewed it … Read more

Brodan needed a positive male role model while overcoming some hurdles early in his life. His school grades were as low as his self-confidence, and his home was a place of unrest and turmoil. Realizing the need for another positive role model, Brodan’s mom signed him up for the Big Brother program. It was there … Read more

Our amazing 2018 Clothing Donation Sweepstakes Grand Prize Winner, Hilary was presented with a voucher to book her dream vacation for two earlier in February. Hilary said “I was so surprised, I never seem to win anything!” Hilary’s experience with Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver began 25 years ago through a family friend whose son … Read more

My Big Brothers journey started 8 years ago. I remember vividly attending a volunteer orientation at my high school, a staff member from Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver presented on a mentorship opportunity – for us to become teen mentors for elementary aged children. I was intrigued by the organization, and I knew right away … Read more