Big Brothers Mentoring Program
“My son looks forward to seeing his ‘Big’ each week. He has a male role model to spend time with and that means everything to me.”
— Shelley, Mom of a “Little Brother”
The Big Brothers Mentoring Program supports boys who have limited to no contact with a positive male role model by providing them with an adult “Big Brother” mentor. Big Brother mentors are volunteers who spend quality time one-to-one with their Little Brother, building their friendship over sports, hobbies, cultural events, etc. Whenever possible, our organization provides activity ideas and free tickets and admission vouchers to Big and Little Brothers.
Racy Sidhu met his Big Brother Randy over 30 years ago; the two remain close friends. Read their story.
There is currently a list of children in Greater Vancouver who are waiting for a Big Brother. You can help change that by volunteering or making a donation today.
In-School Mentoring
“On numerous occasions, I’ve seen Little Buddies standing at the door of their school or staring out the window anxiously awaiting the arrival of their Big Buddy. The smile on the Little Buddy’s face upon the arrival of his or her Big is absolutely priceless.”
— Tammie Manson, Program Manager
Our In-School Mentoring Program matches children with an adult male or female volunteer. The children have been identified by their teacher or other school staff as students who could benefit from some additional attention from a caring role model. Big and Little Buddies meet once a week during school hours on school grounds to play games, bake cookies, read, or just hang out.
Click here to read the story of how Constable Karen Baker volunteers as a Big Buddy through a special Surrey RCMP program.
There is currently a list of children in Greater Vancouver who are waiting for a Big Buddy. You can help change that by volunteering or making a donation today.
Teen Mentoring Program
“All in all, being a Teen Mentor for three consecutive years has been an amazing experience; for the both of us. I would not only highly recommend, but encourage anyone interested in making a difference to do so.” Read Ryan’s story.
The Teen Mentoring program matches elementary-aged children with a teen Big Buddy from a nearby high school. The children have been identified by their teacher or other school staff as students who would benefit from some additional attention from a caring role model. Big and Little Buddies meet once a week on school grounds along with other Big and Little Buddy matches. While the focus of the program is to enhance the Little Buddy’s self-esteem, teen mentors benefit from improved leadership skills and interest in volunteerism. Many Teen Mentors even continue to volunteer as In-School Mentors after high school.
There is currently a list of children in Greater Vancouver who are waiting for a Big Buddy. You can help change that by volunteering or making a donation today.
Game On! Mentoring Program
“I’m so thankful and happy that I reached out to your organization. My son has come a long way and grown positive in
just a couple of years with his Big Buddy.”
— Linda, Mom of a Little Buddy
Game On! is a group mentoring program that teaches boys about physical, mental, and emotional health. This after-school program incorporates sports, a healthy snack, and weekly discussions on topics like self-esteem and video games to encourage healthy lifestyle choices.
Game On! is offered free of charge to families in Greater Vancouver thanks to the support of our volunteers and donors. You can help by volunteering or making a donation today.
Go Girls! Mentoring Program (Sea to Sky Corridor Only)
“The best thing about the Go Girls! Program is that I can make a bunch of new friends and no one there was a bully.”
— Sarah, a Little Buddy
Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds is a group mentoring program that encourages physical activity, healthy eating, and the development of a positive self-image, among pre-teen and teen girls. This program is offered through our Big Brothers Big Sisters office in the Sea to Sky Corridor.
During the 10-week Go Girls! program, the Little Buddies learn about emotional, social, and physical health with their Big Buddy volunteer mentors. Physical activities, games, and group discussions are structured around the three themes: active living, balanced eating, and feeling good about oneself.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is proud to partner with Squamish Recreation Services to offer this program.
Mentoring with Math
“The Little Buddy has a special friend who visits them once a week and this can help with peer relationship development as well. Kids in these programs start seeing school as a more positive or happy place, which can enhance their enjoyment of school, and can even help with grades and attendance for some students.”
— Tammie Manson, Program Manager
Mentoring with Math is a 10-week program in Surrey, and Burnaby which matches volunteer mentors with children to build confidence in their math skills and build a strong friendship. The children are elementary students who need assistance in math at their grade level but who do not otherwise have access to academic assistance outside of school. This program is offered free of charge.
Space for the program is generously provided by SFU’s TD Engagement Centre at the City Center Library in Surrey and the North Burnaby Neighbourhood House in Burnaby.
Local children benefit from the friendship and academic assistance provided by Mentoring with Math thanks to the generosity of volunteers and donors. You can help by volunteering or making a donation today.
Quest Club Mentoring Program (Squamish)
“…even when my daughter missed school the same day, she still got herself together to go to Quest Club. As a parent, I am extremely grateful that my daughter had this opportunity.” — Mom of a Little Buddy
The Quest Club Mentoring Program provides Squamish youth with academic support and friendship by matching them up with Big Buddy mentors (mostly students from Quest University Canada). The teens are ninth grade students who cannot afford tutoring and who could benefit from added guidance and support in math and sciences. The Big and Little Buddies engage in educational activities, complete homework together, and, most of all, have fun together — igniting a love for learning in a safe, supportive environment.
Co-ed students participating in yoga at Quest University
Learn more about how you can get involved in Quest Club.
Young Spirit Mentoring
Open to Indigenous students at select schools in Grades 9 – 12. The Big and Little Buddies meet once a week for one hour after school. The program runs during the school year from September to June.
The Big and Little Buddies have the opportunity to explore and share their culture together through Indigenous crafts and games. They also spend time playing in the gym or outside in the playground. At times, honoured guests from the Indigenous community are invited to share their culture and expertise through activities like dance and storytelling.
We’re currently offering this program to students at Killarney Secondary in Vancouver, and New Westminster Secondary located in New Westminster. Students will volunteer at Champlain Heights Elementary, and Lord Kelvin Elementary respectively.
To Apply:
Please contact Danielle at danielle.olson@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca, and we’ll send you an application that you can send back to us. We look forward to hearing from you.
The Benefits to You
- Gain volunteer hours towards graduation
- Develop leadership skills and build your resume
- Make new friends
- A fun way to make a huge impact in your community
The Benefits to the Child
- Increased self-confidence and self-esteem
- Improved decision-making skills
- Improved ability to express feelings
- Less likely to bully or be bullied.
There is currently a list of children in Greater Vancouver who are waiting for a Big Buddy; you can help change that by volunteering today.
For Partnerships:
We are committed to building partnerships with the Indigenous community as we continue to engage with Indigenous children, youth, and their families. For inquiries about partnerships, please contact Joanne at 604.876.2447 x301 or joanne.kautz-allard@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca