Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers of Victoria has been creating friendships since 1969 and Big Sisters came to the region in 1970. The two groups set a national precedent by amalgamating in 1977.Later partnered as the only two amalgamated BBBS agencies in Canada, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dartmouth/Halifax, were advocates at both the provincial and national levels for a process to allow for combined Big Brothers and Big Sisters agencies.During the late 1970's until today, the amalgamation of agencies has continued. As a result of encouragement at the provincial level, over 80% of BC agencies have amalgamated. Across Canada, the number of combined agencies averages closer to 40%, but a major breakthrough occurred in 1985 with the formation of a working association between Big Brothers of Canada and a major support group in the Big Sisters network, Big Sisters of Ontario.In 2008, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria served more than 630 children in schools and communities across Greater Victoria. In 2010, more than 600 local children and youth have reached out to Big Brothers Big Sisters to ask for a mentor. With more than 35 years of experience, we know that kids need help to build confidence, resiliency and self-esteem, to be engaged in positive risk-taking and learning, and to be introduced to ideas, activities, skills, and tools that will help them succeed in school, at home, and in our community.We recruit, assess, and train volunteer mentors who meet weekly for a minimum of one-year with a child or youth either at a designated school or at an agreed upon destination in the community. We closely monitor the child and volunteer matches to ensure that goals and needs are being met, and that supports and resources are provided. You don't have to change your life to help change the life of a local child or youth. Participate, Volunteer, or Donate to help a child today!Our Mission Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria positively affects our community by providing mentoring programs for children and youth, which enhance their sense of belonging, self-worth, resiliency and capacity to make healthy, well-informed choices.Our Vision Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria envisions a future where the organization provides sustainable quality mentoring experiences for every child or youth who expresses a desire to have a mentor that starts within 2 months of the request and has an impact that lasts a lifetime.