1.          We are the leading youth mentoring organization in Niagara
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (BBBSC) is the leading youth mentoring organization in Canada. It is committed to serving children and youth across the country by providing them with the highest quality one-to-one relationships with screened, caring volunteer mentors. In Niagara there are currently 5 agencies serving 2,500 children. Another 500 children are eagerly waiting to be matched.
At our agency, we serve more than 1,300 children and families annually with 250 more anxiously waiting to be matched.

2.            We are NOT funded by the government
Big Brothers Big Sisters receives NO sustainable government funding.
United Way is our major funder and we are proud to be a member agency. 
We MUST still fundraise over 80% of our total budget to maintain and grow our quality mentoring programs.

3.            Programs and services are FREE to the community 
We do not charge any fees to recruit, screen, monitor, and support the over 600 volunteers, youth, children and their families that we interact with every year.

4.            Our programs and services are cost effective
We have been named one of Forbes Top 10 "GOLD SEAL Charities" for our outstanding cost-effectiveness in the non-profit sector. 
Through the recruitment and development of caring, intelligent, giving volunteers, we can effectively make your funds go further.
Bottom line ... we use money wisely!

5.            Our mentoring programs have life-long, positive impacts
Big Brothers Big Sisters program research shows the benefits to our children include:
- 91% feel better about themselves
- 65% have improved self-confidence
- 67% have a better sense of right and wrong
- are more likely to attend a post-secondary institution

6.            We have a mandatory National Accreditation Program
Big Brothers Big Sisters St. Catharines – Thorold & District received its accreditation in April 2008. As we and learn from research and practice, we need to ensure the Standards continue to reflect our collective knowledge and future direction, particularly in light of the many mentoring innovations being implemented throughout the BBBS network.

7.            Professional Caseworkers deliver our programs
Professional, accredited caseworkers provide the volunteers, youth, children and their families with the highest quality support.

8.            We provide flexible, exceptional and fun volunteer opportunities
Our volunteers are provided with a safe, well-supported experience that will build their life skills and self-esteem and give them the joy of making a difference in the life of a child.

9.      Volunteer Safety Standards are unparalled
Big Brothers Big Sisters St. Catharines – Thorold & District’s National Standards address all types of safety and security measures.

10.       Positive outcomes make stronger communities
Our program outcomes go beyond the children and families we serve. Our programs are about intervention, prevention and building resilience in children and youth. As a result, young people embrace our programs and mature to become more productive, contributing members of society.  These positive impacts last a lifetime. It’s a win-win for everyone.

We Create Success One Child at a Time!