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 […]