Annual Report 2025

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (BBBSC) supports a strong Network of individual Big Brother Big Sisters (BBBS) service providers across Canada through our federated model. Children and families are at the heart of all we do. Individual BBBS agencies commit to igniting the power and potential of local youth through mentorship, aligned with our Theory of Change. BBBSC supports member agency efforts by igniting growth, innovation, and collective strength across the BBBS Network. BBSC is a not-for-profit leader that unites local mentoring providers from coast to coast to coast, in urban, rural, remote, and Indigenous reaching communities.

One of the most important areas of focus in 2025 was child safety and quality assurance through our co-created National Standards. While this work often happens quietly behind the scenes, it is foundational to everything we do. Families trust us with the well-being of their children, and maintaining that trust requires continuous attention, accountability, and investment.

31,329

Children & Youth Served in Mentoring Program

Big Sisters and Little Sister listening to music and laughing

17,871

Volunteer Mentors trained and supported by agency staff

99%

of Mentees feel their Mentors treat them with respect and create opportunities to take action and lead.

98%

of Mentees feel their mentor shows them they matter.

THE POWER OF MENTORSHIP

Here is what mentees reported as to how the relationship
had a positive affect on them

93%

of Mentees feel their Mentors help connect them with new people, places or ideas.

94%

of Mentees feel their Mentors help them complete tasks and achieve goals.

93%

of Mentees feel that their Mentors encourage them to do their best.

Tackling Adversity Through Mentorship

Local agencies track the needs of the children served, beginning with conversations with program participants during enrolment. This Needs Registry allows agencies to understand the needs and match young people with mentors who can best support those needs. The same needs across 13 factors are tracked across all agencies, and the data is aggregated. This allows programs to be developed that meet the unique needs in each community, as well as meet the consistent needs across Big Brothers Big Sisters
agencies in Canada. Many young people served in mentoring programs report three or more adversities.

Reported Adversities

Percentages of Mentees who reported experiencing the following adversities

The Effects of Mentorship are Lifelong

Frank and Peter’s Story

Frank reconnected with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada early in 2025. His story is a profound reminder that long after a mentoring match is over, the benefits linger. Frank’s strengths today include his resilience, his courage, and his generosity.

Frank met his Big Brother, Peter, in 1979. Back then, Frank was 10 years old. He described in detail how he was scared, displaced, and living in constant chaos.

Peter didn’t just change Frank’s life. He saved it.

All the memories came flooding back as Frank, his wife and son, met with Peter for the last time. You see, Peter, Frank’s childhood mentor was dying in hospital. Frank recalls that Peter was so very tired. He told Frank how proud he was of him. The family hugged Peter and told him that they loved him. Frank maintains that he is here and alive today because of Peter. Now, as two adults, they were able to fully appreciate and express how each of them meant so much to the other person.

When Frank was abandoned in a basement apartment and forced to work in a mushroom factory at age 12, Peter showed up. When Frank was sent to a group home, Peter found him. When Frank had no place to call home, Peter gave him one. When Frank had no hope, Peter reminded him of what it felt like to be human again.

Over the years, Peter became more than a mentor. He became a lifeline. Through every loss, every restart, every rite of passage, Peter stayed.

He wasn’t a father. He wasn’t blood. But he was the consistent presence that helped Frank build a life: a marriage, a child, a business, a sense of self. And now, after 45 years of showing up, Peter is gone.

Frank reflects on Peter’s memory because he wants people to understand that Big Brothers Big Sisters isn’t just a program. It’s not just about volunteering. It’s about being the difference between despair and possibility. Between being lost and finding a future.

And sometimes, it’s the only thing that keeps a kid alive.

If you’ve ever doubted how much one person can change a life, just think about Frank and Peter’s story. Recently, we received a message from Frank that he is enrolling with his local agency to become a Big Brother, and he knows just how powerful that gift will be for a young person.

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES

School-Based Mentoring: Reaching Youth Where They Are

School-based mentoring programs remain one of the most powerful ways Big Brothers Big Sisters connects young people with caring, consistent adult relationships. Delivered in partnership with schools across the country, these programs bring mentors directly into the spaces where young people spend much of their time, making mentoring more accessible and easier for families to participate.

Through regular meetings at school, mentors support youth in building confidence, strengthening social skills, and developing positive coping strategies. Research consistently shows that young people in school-based mentoring programs demonstrate improved self-esteem, stronger relationships with peers and adults, and greater engagement in school.

These programs also benefit educators and families. Teachers often report improved classroom behaviour and stronger student engagement, while families appreciate the additional layer of support for their child’s social and emotional development. Across the federation, school-based mentoring has provided an effective and scalable model for reaching more young people, particularly those who may not be able to access traditional community-based programs.

By embedding mentoring in schools and adapting programming to meet the evolving needs of students, Big Brothers Big Sisters continues to ensure that more young people have access to supportive relationships that help them learn, grow, and thrive.

Thank You National Youth Mentoring Advisory Council

Eight amazing years of contributions to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada

The Big Brothers Big Sisters National Youth Advisory Council (NYMAC) ran from 2017 until December 2025. During that time, NYMAC provided consultation, undertook projects, and took a leadership role in supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada on issues related to youth mentoring, ensuring the voice of Canadian youth authentically informed the work of BBBSC. We recognize the significant contributions of NYMAC including representing BBBSC at Hill Days in Ottawa, representing youth at National Conventions, growing BBBSC’s online presence and recruiting mentors.

View the video of the NYMAC crew over the years>

OUR 2025 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2025 was a year about building — building stronger systems, stronger partnerships, and stronger connections across the Big Brothers Big Sisters federation.

2025 Financial Statements

NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

McCall MacBain Foundation: Enhancing Access to Mentorship

With the vision and investment of the McCall MacBain Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada launched the Enhancing Access to Mentorship initiative to address a growing challenge across the country: long waitlists and extended wait times for young people seeking mentorship.

Through two national cohorts of agencies, the initiative focused on strengthening waitlist management and expanding pathways into mentoring programs. Participating agencies examined their intake and referral processes, tested new volunteer recruitment strategies, and created clearer access for youth to both 1:1 and group mentoring programs. As a result, agencies are beginning to move more youth off waitlists through a range of options—including faster matching, earlier engagement in group programs, and stronger referrals to community supports when appropriate.

For Kim Megyesi, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon and area, McCall MacBain’s investment funded a position focused on volunteer recruitment. “We were able to reopen the waitlist, decrease wait time, and match many more youth. Our grant was focused on recruiting Indigenous volunteers,” said Megyesi. The agency created a new partnership and Indigenous program called Nikaniwin, for which the pilot ran in the fall of 2024.

“We now have a separately funded staff person to focus on Nikaniwin and have 3 groups running with students from First Nations University of Canada (FNUC), building on the initial investment. Our focus on recruiting Indigenous volunteers increased our presence at FNUC, and we are regularly getting practicum students from there at our agency.”

The project has also strengthened how agencies track and respond to waitlist pressures. By improving data collection on inquiries, waitlist movement, and youth demographics,
agencies can better understand where barriers exist and adjust strategies to more equitably reach the young people who need mentorship most.

Just as importantly, it is generating valuable learning for the entire federation. As these approaches continue to be refined, they will inform broader practices and tools that can beshared nationally – helping more agencies reduce wait times, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that more youth and families can access the life-changing power of mentoring.

TD Bank Group: Raise Resiliency

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada launched the Raise Resiliency Project with investment from TD Bank Group, to strengthen mental health and wellbeing for young people facing challenges at home. Grounded in research showing that youth exposed to mental health challenges within their household face increased health risks, this initiative focuses on early intervention through high-quality mentoring relationships.

Through the project, participating agencies deliver community-based one-to-one mentoring for youth aged 10–18 who have experienced household mental illness. Across participating sites, agencies connected young people with trained mentors who provide consistent support, encouragement, and guidance. Early data shows strong engagement among participating matches and positive gains in Developmental Relationships, with youth reporting increased feelings of support, belonging, and confidence.

Beyond individual outcomes, the project is strengthening the federation’s ability to respond to youth mental health needs. Participating agencies are also enhancing wraparound supports for mentees and families through stronger connections with community service providers, including referrals to local supports and partnerships with mental health organizations to provide specialized training and resources for staff, volunteers, and mentors. Each year, BBBSC tracks 13 of the adversities young people are consistently facing (see page 7 of this report). In 2025, 2 in 5 young people reported that they or a member their household experienced mental illness. Three in 10 mentees report having seen or heard violence. Agencies are building deeper partnerships with community mental health providers, improving referral pathways for families, and strengthening data collection to better understand how mentoring can buffer adversity.

Thanks to TD’s generous five-year investment, the Raise Resiliency Project is helping young people build the relationships and resilience they need to navigate challenges and thrive—while advancing a more coordinated, evidenceinformed approach to youth mental health across the Big Brothers Big Sisters network.

RBC Big Possibilities: Preparing Youth for Their Future

Youth aged 18 to 25 experience the dual role of young adult mentors as both contributors and beneficiaries of mentorship through RBC’s Future Launch investment in Big Possibilities Mentoring.

RBC’s multi-year investment helped Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies equip young people with the confidence, skills, and relationships needed to prepare for their future. Through mentoring programs that focus on leadership, financial literacy, and career exploration, youth are gaining practical tools while building supportive connections with mentors who encourage them to dream big and plan for what comes next.

Programs supported through RBC funding create opportunities for youth to explore career pathways, develop workplace readiness skills, and strengthen their sense of agency, in dozens of communities across five provinces.Participants report increased confidence in setting goals, improved problem-solving skills, and greater awareness of educational and career possibilities. For many young people, these experiences provide their first exposure to mentors working in fields they aspire to enter.

At the same time, RBC’s investment has helped agencies strengthen partnerships with schools, employers, and community organizations, creating pathways for youth to access broader opportunities. Across the federation, the initiative has contributed to the development of scalable program models that combine mentoring with futurefocused skill building—helping ensure young people are supported not only in who they are today, but in who they aspire to become.

CIBC – Serving Youth in Rural and Remote Communities

Since 2019, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada has partnered with CIBC to strengthen access to mentoring programs for children and youth living in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.

Through sustained investment in the Strengthening Reach Project, CIBC’s investment has supported the scale-up of promising practices, helping local sites build and sustain programs that promote educational engagement and connectedness for young people facing geographic and systemic barriers to support.

The project provides direct support for agencies delivering school-focused mentoring programs, including In-School Mentoring (ISM) and Post-Secondary Mentoring (PSM). Fifteen agencies with limited access to consistent funding for school-based programming are receiving targeted support to strengthen and expand services in their communities, with more than 150 mentees expected to participate during the school year.

Beyond supporting individual matches, CIBC’s investment is helping agencies strengthen partnerships with schools, improve access to mentoring in underserved communities, and build local capacity to deliver high-quality, evidenceinformed programming. With 73% of BBBSC agencies reporting service delivery in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, the Strengthening Reach Project is helping ensure more young people can access consistent developmental relationships and the supports they need to stay engaged in school and connected to their futures.

Cenovus Energy Investment Powers BIG on STEM

What if one conversation could open the door to a lifetime of possibilities in science and technology?

In 2025, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and Cenovus Energy partnered for a third year to provide over 200 youth across Canada with the chance to explore career opportunities they once thought were out of reach.

BIG on STEM was designed to connect youth with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) professionals and local Cenovus employees to provide hands-on learning experiences – bringing science, technology, engineering, and math to life. These moments opened doors that felt distant; turning possibilities into something tangible and real. STEM learning events sparked curiosity, built confidence, and opened new doors. Planning for the future can feel overwhelming for young people. BIG on STEM helped make that journey more exciting and achievable. In fact, 90% of participants reported that BIG on STEM maintained or increased their belief that an education or a career in STEM is accessible to them.

One agency staff member shared, “We were excited to bring these opportunities to youth in our community. Many had never met someone working in STEM before and seeing that connection spark curiosity and confidence was incredible.”

Every conversation, every new experience, every interaction sparked a sense of belief – one that will carry these young people forward as they shape their futures.

Mercedes-Benz Canada

Through Mercedes-Benz Canada’s Driving Your Future initiative, young people are discovering what is possible when their voices are heard and supported.

Through this collaboration, three national youth leadership engagements with NYMAC were supported, reaching over 550 participants through forums and events. Youth had the opportunity to connect directly with Mercedes-Benz employees and other professionals. This created space for honest conversations about life, careers, and education – encouraging young people to see new possibilities for their future.

One Mercedes-Benz employee volunteer shared, “Connecting directly with youth was incredibly rewarding. A simple conversation about careers and life experiences can build confidence and spark motivation.”

Amplifying youth voices and encouraging developmental relationships not only supports communities overall but helps each young person discover their potential.

“Driving Your Future is an extension of how Mercedes-Benz leads and accelerates change. We are taking positive action by uplifting and empowering the next generation of Canadian
youth to help them reach their full potential.”
-Andreas Tetzloff, CEO, Mercedes-Benz Canada

DoorDash Canada Invests in the Power of Connection

Human connection, shared experiences, and belonging are essential to how families and young people thrive.

Through our partnership with DoorDash Canada, these moments were brought to life for over 100 families at 28 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across Canada. Through innovative campaigns and community initiatives, this partnership delivered dignity-driven solutions to address the needs of many families in Canada. “Community Credits”, used like gift cards, reduced barriers to accessing groceries, meals, and household essentials, giving families the freedom to choose what best supports their wellbeing.

For many, the impact went beyond food security. DoorDash also created opportunities for youth to attend live sporting events through the Northern Super League initiative. For many young girls, seeing women compete in high-level athletic positions built a greater sense of confidence and increased aspiration to achieve their own goals.

Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies emphasized that support in any capacity can have a meaningful effect on families facing adversity, with one staff member sharing: “For some families this meant sitting down together for a proper dinner for the first time that week. It wasn’t just about food. It was about feeling normal again.”

Together, we can create meaningful impact, helping families today while empowering young people to see what’s possible tomorrow.

Rogers Communications - Connecting Teen Mentors and Mentees

Across Canada, young people are discovering the power of connection, one relationship at a time.

In 2025, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada teamed up with Rogers Communications to support over 400 Teen Mentoring matches across 25 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies nationwide.

This investment created spaces for youth to build meaningful relationships during one of the most formative times in their lives. The fact is, when youth facing adversity experience strong developmental relationships, they can build stronger social-emotional skills, mental wellbeing, and increased engagement in education.

Through the Teen Mentoring program, youth were able to connect with mentors in a way that enabled trust, belonging, and growth. The impact is clear: 92% of mentees formed meaningful relationships with their mentor, and 91% reported improved self-esteem.

One youth participant shared, “It got my grades up. Now I have a person to speak to, and I feel more confident about high school.” Having a safe, non-judgmental space to talk and connect with someone allows youth to feel more prepared as they move through the next phase of high school and beyond.

Mentors, too, built empathy, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of their ability to impact someone’s life. The impact goes far beyond the classroom. Having even one consistent, caring person to look up to during some of the most pivotal years of a young person’s life can shape their future. Rogers’ support helped make these life-changing relationships possible.

OUR 2025 NATIONAL PARTNERS

We are deeply grateful to our donors and partners for making our work possible. We recognize our Circle of Support donors who contributed $10,000 or more in 2025. We sincerely appreciate the local contributions that our partners provide to our local agencies.

Chair’s Circle

($250,000 +)

Cenovus Energy

Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada

RBC Foundation

Scotiabank

President’s Circle

($100,000 – $249,999)

Bain & Company
Cadillac Fairview
The Keg Spirit Foundation
McCall MacBain Foundation
Mercedes-Benz Canada
Rogers

Leader’s Circle

($50,000-$99,999)

Bowl Canada
CIBC

Champion’s Circle

($25,000-$49,999)

Crocs

Builder’s Circle

($10,000 – $24,999)

Airlie Foundation
Neora Ripples Foundation

Please visit us online at bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/national-partners for more details about the contributions of our partners.

THANK YOU!

2025 Board of Directors

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada’s strategy and vision is guided by the insights and expertise of its volunteer Board of Directors. We gratefully acknowledge the following individuals:

Breanne Oliver, Chair
James Sliter, Vice-Chair
Gunvir Kalra, Treasurer
Daria Hobeika, Secretary
Ian Cascagnette, Director at Large
Danisha Bhaloo-Shivji, Director at Large
Laetitia Gill, Director at Large
Jay Green, Director at Large
Shaun Jeffrey, Director at Large
Raheela Khan, Director at Large
Peter MacKay, Director at Large
Michael Rosen, Director at Large
Jordan Thompson, Director at Large