“I’ve learned how important I can be to a child and it’s kind of shocking!  But it feels so good - the school tells me how Ashley’s practically bouncing with excitement waiting for me.  Believe me, it’s wonderful for my self esteem too.  I have total support from my workplace, which is great. "
Lorena, In-School Mentor

“Ashley has a lot of energy and it takes a lot of energy to keep up with her and sometimes that’s hard when I’m juggling three jobs.  Since her Big Sister Lorena came along she’s calmer and she’s allowed me to get closer to her.  Our relationship’s gotten much stronger.”
Michelle, Parent

“If you haven’t been a Little Brother it’s really hard to explain adequately how one person can have such a huge impact on your life.  I had my Big Brother for 3 years before he moved away - I like to think he’d be pleased that I’ve just been accepted to MedSchool.  Now, as an adult, I have a really busy schedule, but it’s important for me to be a volunteer.  The In-School Mentoring Program is perfect for me.  We get closer every day - it’s an amazing experience.”
Chad, In-School Mentor & former Little Brother

“Being part of Big Bunch is a great release from school responsibilities.    I’ve really learned a lot about problem solving and leadership from our Group Mentors and I get a great feeling doing something for someone else.  We do things my Little Brother Bruce doesn’t get a chance to do.  He’s shy and this really helps him.”
Jacob, BigBunch Member, Grade XII student

“When I received you as a Big Sister I realized how lucky I was but I never told you.  You helped me through the worst days of my life and shared the good days with me.  You are my best friend and that will never leave my heart.”
Little Sister, Angela in what she describes as a  “long overdue thank you”, 11 years after
being matched  with her Big Sister, Annette

“Big Brothers Big Sisters gave me the learning experience of a lifetime.  They invited me to a conference in Ottawa concerning youth at risk.  This gave me the opportunity to learn something about myself that I didn’t really know.  It brought up my self-confidence and self-esteem and desire to succeed.  I was impressed by some of the programs other people were talking about.  I think programs should enhance young people’s self-esteem, giving them responsibility and trusting them to make their own judgements.  It’s like Big Brothers Big Sisters - it’s better to prevent problems than to fix them later.”
Angela, former Little Sister, delegate to Youth Partnership, Youth at Risk (1999)