For more than 65 years, Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland has been championing the power and potential of young girls and gender diverse youth. Since 1960, we’ve matched young people facing adversity with caring, professionally supported mentors who help them build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Our work is grounded in prevention— ensuring youth have steady, caring relationships that strengthen them through life’s challenges.  

Mentoring changes lives. Our research shows that 96% of adults who had a mentor as a child report being happy, and 92% feel confident. Youth who are mentored are twice as likely to have strong mental health and three times less likely to experience social anxiety. In our group programs, 88% of school representatives see improved peer relationships. Every mentoring connection strengthens a young person’s ability to thrive at home, at school, and in their community.  

Your donation directly fuels these life-changing relationships. With one in ten youth in the Lower Mainland reporting they don’t have a single adult they can rely on, your support ensures they are matched with someone who shows up—consistently and with care. From the first hello to every check-in along the way, your generosity helps us provide the professional screening, training, and caseworker support required for safe, long-lasting matches. Because of donors like you, hundreds of young people each year gain the steady, caring support that can change the course of their lives.  

When you give to Big Sisters, you become part of a movement that empowers girls and gender diverse youth to discover strengths they never knew were possible. Your contribution helps create meaningful, enduring relationships that spark confidence, improve mental health, and open pathways to brighter futures. Together, we’re not just shaping individual lives—we’re strengthening the future of our entire community.  

Our Mentoring Programs & *Initiatives 

Big Sisters is a one-to-one mentorship that has a profound impact on Little Sisters. Through regular outings, a relationship is developed between the mentor and the Little Sister that is built on trust and common interests and is supported by our experienced caseworkers. The result is a life-changing experience for both the volunteer mentor and Little Sister.  

Study Buddy is a mentoring program connects girls, non-binary, transgender, and gender-diverse youth (aged 7-17) with caring adult mentors who act as positive academic role models. Through this one-on-one support, mentors help youth improve their academic performance, set educational goals, and build self-confidence.  

Go Girls! is a group mentoring initiative for girls and gender-diverse youth in grades 4-8. Through fun, active-living activities, and engaging health discussions, Go Girls! promotes positive self-esteem and encourages participants to build healthy habits and strong friendships.  

My Voice, My Power! (MVMP)  is a school-based mentoring program designed to help children build confidence and essential life skills early on. Through mentorship and meaningful conversations, MVMP creates safe spaces where youth can explore identity, rights, relationships, and community, long before challenges arise.  

Pumped for Post Secondary (PFPS) is a group-based post-secondary readiness program for high school students (Grades 9–12), with mentors who are current post-secondary students. Through campus-based sessions, hands-on workshops, and guided mentor support, the program helps youth – particularly those with limited access to post-secondary resources – gain confidence, build a network, and develop both academic and early job readiness skills needed for success beyond high school. 

*Bright Futures Education Fund (BFEF) is a donor-supported initiative that helps remove financial barriers for graduating high school mentees in Big Sisters programs who are interested in pursuing post-secondary education. Established in 2019, this fund has been investing in youth at a pivotal transition point, aiming to support long-term academic and career success.