Story

We’re showing some love for our Big Sister alumnae! Over the next while we’ll be sharing a series of interviews that feature our alumnae and their involvement with Big Sisters. Kicking us off is our interview with a Big Sister of 7 years, Alex Gens! Read on to find out why mentoring matters to Alex, and her advice on how best to get involved.  MEET: ALEX GENS, FORMER BIG SISTER “It’s such an honour to watch her grow into a young woman  and feel like I’ve had a small part in that development.”    Why were you interested in becoming a Big Sister?   I believe mentorship is one of the most valuable contributions to our society. Especially now, as our […]

“When you bring girls together at such a crucial age, you create a strong bond and develop unique connections that create friendships”. Kate, our Go Girls! program coordinators had the chance to witness girls come together over her career as a volunteer mentor. She became a Go Girls mentor while in university. Having struggled herself as a young teen, she found value in the opportunity of offering the guidance to girls in need: “It’s such a tough age, connections are really important”. Through Go Girls! Kate realized the positive impact of the program on her groups: “When the girls were brought together, they didn’t know each other. They really got to know each other through the activities. I think that […]

1.Why did you want to become a Big? A friend of mine was a Big Brother, and he spoke so highly of the program, I was convinced to join. 2. Tell me about your match. What do you do together? We mostly just hang out and talk. Sometimes we get groceries and cook together, sometimes we watch Netflix, sometimes we go for a hike or special event, and sometimes we go to Sephora and check out makeup. 3. What is your favourite thing about your Little? She’s funny and sweet and super cool. 4. What have been some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned about yourselves in your match? I’ve learned that what you do is more important than what […]

1. Why did you want to become a Big? I became a Big Sister because the timing  was right.  I had heard about being a Big Sister because a single mom I worked with told me her son was involved  in this mentor program and what change it had made in his and her lives.  That same weekend,  I walked into the mall to purchase something and I left with a Big Sister brochure.  It happened  to be, that that weekend, the mall I ran into was having  a volunteer fair. I knew this was a sign.  I was to give back to a young girl what so many people gave to me growing  up.  Love, support, and an excitement […]

1. Why did you want to become a Big? I love being with my nieces, seeing them grow has been my life’s greatest joy.  They live in different provinces and I was missing having children and youth in my life.  I also wanted to give back to my community, particularly to women and girls, and the Big Sisters program seemed like the perfect volunteer opportunity for me. 2. Tell me about your match. What do you do together?  Our match is quite new, but we’ve already done so much together and have celebrated some pretty significant milestones.  We enjoy going to the library, choosing recipes, and then cooking them together.  We sometimes go for bubble tea and play games at the […]

1. Why did you want to become a Big?  Growing up I had a very close relationship with my older cousin. She was like a big sister to me and was a very positive influence in my life. I also work as a pediatric nurse and enjoy spending time with kids. Both of these things lead me to Big Sisters. I first volunteered with Go Girls! but then wanted a more long term connection so decided to become a Big.  2. Tell me about your match. What do you do together? My Little Sister and I have been a great match, we have many common interests and enjoy being outside, baking, swimming, and sewing together.  3. What is your favourite […]

Today, we’re sharing an interview with Big Sister Edwina. She’s been matched with her Little Sister for three and a half years. Here’s how it’s made a difference in her and her Little’s lives. 1. Why did you want to become a Big? I was looking to volunteer and I’d heard that there are many young girls signed up with the Big Sisters program who are waiting for a match. The thought of any young girl having to wait for someone to show they cared was hard. My volunteering meant one less girl would be waiting. 2. Tell me about your match. What do you do together? We bake a lot. It is wonderful to watch my Little Sister learn […]

At Big Sisters, we believe that mentoring matters. Hearing from our matches that they believe in this impact too demonstrates that it’s not just a slogan, it’s true. Here’s why Big Sister Randi—who has been matched with her Little for six years—believes in the power of mentorship. 1. Why did you want to become a Big? I knew I wanted to get involved in a volunteer program, but ultimately chose Big Sisters because of the direct impact you have on a girl’s life. You will change her life forever, just by being there for her and having fun together. It’s not about money that you donate or fundraisers, but the direct impact and influence to change one girl’s life. What […]

In 2017, our team took part in the United Way of the Lower Mainland Project Impact course where we tested new evaluation methods to better capture why and how matching a female mentor with an at-risk girl leads to extraordinary outcomes. As we hoped, this new evaluation method brought us richer and more valuable data than past tools. Here’s a snapshot of what we learned. Tools of Change Big Sisters mentoring imparts four powerful tools of change to Little Sisters: consistency, building confidence, positive role modeling, and trust. With these tools, Little Sisters are set on a path to achieve more. Relationship Ripple Effect By forming and maintaining a healthy relationship with her Big Sister, she improves her interpersonal skills, […]