Every September, communities across Canada come together to celebrate Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, and here in Vancouver, we have incredible opportunities to make a real difference in young lives. Whether you’ve been thinking about getting involved or you’re already part of our community, this month offers special ways to show your support and help expand our reach. From lighting up the city in teal to rolling up your sleeves as a volunteer, there’s truly something for everyone who wants to be part of this movement.
Become a Big Brother or Big Sister Volunteer
The heart of everything we do comes down to one meaningful relationship at a time. When you become a Big Brother or Big Sister, you’re not just signing up to hang out with a young person – you’re becoming a consistent, positive presence in their life during some pretty formative years. Think of it like being that person who shows up reliably, whether it’s to cheer them on at a school event, help them navigate a tough decision, or just be there to listen when they need to talk.
The beautiful thing about mentoring is that it doesn’t require you to be perfect or have all the answers. Young people often just need someone who believes in them and shows up consistently. Our matching process takes time because we want to make sure personalities click and interests align, creating relationships that feel natural and enjoyable for both the mentor and mentee.
Ways to Get Started as a Volunteer:
- Attend one of our information sessions held monthly throughout Vancouver
- Complete the application process, which includes interviews and reference checks
- Participate in our comprehensive training program designed for new mentors
- Get matched with a young person based on shared interests and compatibility
- Commit to spending quality time together on a regular basis
Drop Off Items or Book a Free Pickup
Sometimes the simplest way to help is also the most convenient for your schedule and lifestyle. We’ve made donating clothing, books, and household goods as easy as possible through our donation bins located throughout Vancouver and our free pickup service. You can drop off items whenever works for you, or if you have larger quantities, our team will come directly to your home or office to collect everything.
Our donation bins accept gently used children’s and adult clothing, books for all ages, small household items, and toys that are still in good condition. The bins are strategically placed in accessible locations across the city, making it simple to drop off items during your regular errands or commute. For bigger donations or when you’re doing a major cleanout, booking a free pickup online takes just a few minutes.
How to Use Our Donation Services:
- Locate the nearest donation bin using our online map tool
- Drop off items during daylight hours when bins are accessible
- Book a free pickup through our website for larger donations
- Prepare items by sorting them into bags or boxes
- Schedule pickup appointments that work with your availability
Organize a Donation Drive in Your Community
One of the most practical ways to support families in our programs is through donations of clothing, household goods, and books, and September presents the perfect opportunity to rally your friends, coworkers, or neighbors around this cause. Kids grow fast, seasons change, and having access to quality items can make a real difference in a young person’s confidence and comfort. When we discuss donation drives, we focus on collecting items that families would genuinely appreciate and use.
Setting up a donation drive proves surprisingly straightforward, and it brings people together around a shared goal. You might be amazed at how generous people become when they know exactly where their donations are going and how they’ll be used. This approach also provides a great way to introduce your network to the work we do at Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver.
Steps to Organize an Effective Donation Drive:
- Choose a central collection location that remains easily accessible for donors
- Set clear guidelines about what types of clothing, books, and household goods are most needed
- Promote your drive through social media, email, and word-of-mouth
- Partner with local businesses or schools to expand your reach
- Coordinate collection with community organizations or faith groups in your area
Enjoy and Share Vancouver’s Teal Light Displays
You’ve probably noticed buildings and landmarks around Vancouver glowing teal during September, and there’s a beautiful reason behind it. Teal is the official color of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and when prominent buildings light up in teal, it creates a visible reminder of our mission throughout the city. It’s like having a community-wide conversation starter about youth mentorship and the importance of supporting young people.
Taking part in teal lighting celebrations is one of the easiest ways to show your support while helping spread awareness. When you spot these gorgeous teal displays around the city, snap a photo and share the story behind them. Many people walk by these lit-up buildings without knowing the significance, so you become an ambassador for the cause just by explaining what those beautiful lights represent. This year, you can find teal lighting at major landmarks including BC Place, Rogers Arena, Science World, Vancouver City Hall and the Burrard Street Bridge, plus the Vancouver Convention Centre’s Sails of Light. The displays extend beyond Vancouver to North Vancouver City Hall, New Westminster City Hall, Port Coquitlam City Hall, Surrey’s Civic Plaza, and the Lafarge Lake Fountain in Coquitlam.
Ways to Celebrate Teal Lighting:
- Take photos of teal-lit buildings and share them on social media with #BBBSMonth
- Explain the significance of the teal lighting to friends and family when you see it
- Plan a teal light tour around Vancouver to visit multiple illuminated landmarks
- Encourage your workplace or local businesses to participate in future teal lighting
- Use the displays as conversation starters about youth mentorship in your community
Support Through Corporate Partnerships
If you’re in a position to influence decisions at your workplace, exploring corporate partnership opportunities can create lasting impact beyond what any individual contribution might achieve. Corporate partnerships aren’t just about writing checks – they can involve employee volunteer programs, skills-based volunteering, or even hosting events that introduce more people to our mission.
Many companies are looking for meaningful ways to engage with their local community, and supporting youth mentorship aligns perfectly with values around development, growth, and investing in the future. The partnership possibilities are really limited only by creativity and mutual interest in making a difference.
Corporate Partnership Opportunities:
- Employee volunteer programs that encourage staff to become mentors
- Workplace giving campaigns during Big Brothers Big Sisters Month
- Skills-based volunteering like marketing, accounting, or IT support
- Hosting information sessions or events at your workplace
Make Financial Donations
Let’s talk about money for a minute – because while financial donations might not feel as personal as volunteering or organizing events, they’re absolutely crucial for keeping programs running and accessible to families who need them. Every dollar donated goes toward things like matching mentors and mentees, providing training and support, organizing group activities, and ensuring our staff can provide the ongoing support that makes these relationships successful.
What I love about financial donations is that they can fit any budget and any level of involvement. Whether you can contribute $25 or $250, that money directly supports young people in Vancouver who are looking for connection and guidance. And during Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, many donors find it meaningful to make their annual contribution as part of this community-wide celebration.
Financial Support Options:
- One-time donations during Big Brothers Big Sisters Month
- Monthly giving programs that provide consistent support throughout the year
- Memorial or tribute donations in honor of someone special
- Legacy giving through wills and estate planning
Volunteer for Special Events and Programs
Beyond one-on-one mentoring, there are tons of ways to get involved with the special events and group programs that bring our community together throughout the year. These volunteer opportunities are perfect if you want to contribute regularly but aren’t ready to commit to the ongoing relationship that comes with being a Big or if you’re already a mentor and want to get involved in additional ways.
Group events and special programs serve a different but equally important function in our work. They provide opportunities for mentors and mentees to connect with other participants, try new activities, and build a broader sense of community. As a volunteer at these events, you become part of creating those memorable experiences that participants talk about for years.
Event Volunteer Opportunities:
- Help with registration and setup for community events
- Assist with group mentoring programs and activities
- Support fundraising events through various volunteer roles
- Help with administrative tasks that keep programs running smoothly
Big Brothers Big Sisters Month is really about recognizing that supporting young people is something we can all do together, each in our own way. Whether you decide to become a mentor, organize a clothing drive, or simply share a story on social media, you’re contributing to a movement that believes every young person deserves someone who sees their potential. The beautiful thing about getting involved during September is that it often leads to year-round engagement and lasting connections with our community here in Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is September designated as Big Brothers Big Sisters Month? September was chosen as Big Brothers Big Sisters Month to create a dedicated time for communities across Canada to celebrate and raise awareness about youth mentorship programs. This timing allows organizations to highlight their impact, recruit new volunteers, and engage the community before the busy holiday season begins. In British Columbia, October 18th is officially recognized as Big Brothers Big Sisters Day, providing an additional focal point for advocacy and celebration.
What does the teal lighting around Vancouver represent? Teal is the official brand color of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, representing hope, growth, and the positive impact of mentorship relationships. When buildings and landmarks light up in teal during September, they’re showing community support for youth mentorship and helping raise awareness about the programs available in Vancouver. This visual display helps spark conversations about the importance of supporting young people in our community.
How long does it take to become a Big Brother or Big Sister volunteer? The process typically takes 2-3 months from initial application to being matched with a young person. This includes completing the application, participating in interviews, undergoing background checks, attending training sessions, and waiting for an appropriate match. While this might seem lengthy, the thorough process ensures successful, long-lasting mentor relationships that benefit both volunteers and young participants.
What types of donations are most needed? We’re always looking for gently used or new clothing in children’s and teen sizes, as well as books and household items that families can use. Particularly valuable are everyday items like jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, seasonal outerwear, age-appropriate books, and practical household goods. We focus on quality over quantity, as these donations directly impact the confidence and comfort of young people and families in our programs.
Can I support Big Brothers Big Sisters Month without becoming a long-term volunteer? Absolutely! There are many ways to show support during September and throughout the year without committing to ongoing mentorship. You can organize donation drives, attend fundraising events, share stories on social media, celebrate teal lighting displays, make financial donations, or volunteer at special events. Every form of support contributes to strengthening our community’s ability to serve young people.
How do corporate partnerships with Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver work? Corporate partnerships can take many forms, from employee volunteer programs and workplace giving campaigns to skills-based volunteering and event sponsorships. We work with businesses to create partnership arrangements that align with their values and capacity while supporting our mission. Many companies find that supporting youth mentorship resonates strongly with their employees and customers, creating meaningful engagement opportunities.
What happens after Big Brothers Big Sisters Month ends? While September provides focused attention on youth mentorship, our programs and volunteer opportunities continue year-round. Many people use Big Brothers Big Sisters Month as a starting point for deeper involvement, whether that’s beginning the mentor application process, organizing ongoing fundraising efforts, or joining volunteer committees. The relationships and awareness built during September create lasting impact throughout the entire year.
How can I stay connected with Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver after September? You can stay connected by following our social media accounts, signing up for our newsletter, attending regular information sessions and events, and joining our volunteer database even if you’re not ready to commit immediately. We regularly communicate about new opportunities, success stories, and ways to get involved, ensuring that anyone interested in supporting youth mentorship can find meaningful ways to contribute.