Land Acknowledgment
As visitors on this land, we would like to begin by acknowledging that we are gathering on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Haudenosaunee (Hoe-dee-no-show-nee), Anishnabe (Ahn-ish-in-awbe), Huron Wendat (Huron-Wen-dat) and Mississauga (Mi-suh-saw-guh) First Nations. We acknowledge that this land is traditional in its original occupation and use by Indigenous peoples of Canada; ancestral, in how it is passed down generationally; and unceded, in that this land was not given up by indigenous folks of Canada, but rather taken from them. It is important for all of us to acknowledge our own unique, personal truth and relationship to this land. From our view, as settlers on this land, it is important to recognize the history and origins of the land including the long-standing presence of Indigenous Peoples of this area as a first step towards reconciliation. At Big Brothers Big Sisters we aim to help youth reach their full potential by giving them tools to overcome adversity and societal barriers by connecting them with a positive role model through our mentorship programs. We strive to support the healthy development of all children, which has long been denied to the Indigenous children of Canada through the intergenerational effects of colonial practices such as the Residential School System and the Indian Act. We acknowledge the connection and contributions of the Indigenous peoples of this region to the work we strive to do at Big Brothers Big Sisters. We are committed to using our voice to fight against systems of oppression, and towards Indigenous rights and self-determination.
Positively changing Canada
SERVING CANADA’S COMMUNITIES
This year alone Big Brothers Big Sisters impacted over 26,400 youth in over 1,100 communities across Canada.
REPUTABLE AND ACCOUNTABLE
Providing life changing mentoring experiences since 1912, Big Brothers Big Sisters was named One of Financial Post’s Top 25 Charities in 2016.
IMPROVING SOCIETY
Every $1 invested in our programming returns between $18-$23 to society through taxes, higher incomes, volunteerism, and charitable donations.
VISION
All young people realize their full potential
MISSION
Enable life-changing mentoring relationships to ignite the power and potential of young people
STRUCTURE
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada is a Federation comprised of 108 member agencies servicing more than 1,100 communities across the country.
ISSUE
Many children and youth in Canada struggle with societal barriers and face adversities in their lives.
IMPACT
Facing prolonged adversity creates toxic stress in the brain that can negatively impact development.
SOLUTION
With the support of a mentor, these risks can be reduced or even avoided, and youth can reach their full potential.
Our Solution
Many children and youth in Canada struggle with societal barriers and face adversities in their lives like detrimental living conditions, family violence, risk factors for mental health, school issues and identity challenges.
These circumstances have nothing to do with the value of who they are or who they can become, but because of these situations, children and youth risk not having the opportunity to live up to their full potential.
Even worse is the possibility of continuing cycles of poverty and crime or developing mental health issues.
This comes at a cost to the young person, and to society.
With the guidance and support of a mentor, these risks can be reduced or even avoided, and youth are reminded they can be anything they dream of being.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada is a Federation comprised of 108 member agencies servicing more than 1,100 communities across the country. Together we mobilize over 21,300 volunteers who in turn mentor 41,700+ children and young people. That works out to nearly:
2.2 million volunteer hours each year
Each Big Brother Big Sister agency provides direct service to children by matching volunteers and youths in quality mentoring relationships. Our agency staff members are experts at screening volunteers and matching them with a mentee having similar interests.
The national organization provides services and programs to our member agencies to assist them with their work with parents, mentees, and volunteers. Ranging from staff training workshops to our leading Child Safety Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada works diligently to ensure we have superior quality programming in all parts of the country.