Each January, social impact organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada celebrate the work of volunteer mentors who show up and give their time so that a young person can feel seen, included, and supported.
At its core, the Big Brothers Big Sisters programs ensure that a young person who faces adversity and needs an additional consistent and supportive developmental relationship, can access one. Over time, the young person (“Little”) and the mentor (“Big”) navigate life’s highs and lows, together. The mentor teaches the mentee to express care and challenges their young mentee’s growth. The mentor provides support, shares power, and expands possibilities for their mentee. The mutual benefits of such an intentional relationship are profound and can grow to last a lifetime. When a young person graduates a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program, it is not unusual for them to be connected as adults, years after their first connection.
In Canada, over 18,000 trained adult volunteers mentored more than 33,000 young people. Their stories are as unique as each person. Frank and Peter’s story spanned more than four decades. That’s the power of mentorship.
