Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver facilitates life-changing mentoring relationships that inspire and empower children and youth to reach their potential. In our fast paced world, children need stable positive influences more than ever. When our children are emotionally, socially and physically healthy, everyone in the community benefits. Having an additional caring adult in a child’s life can curb issues like bullying and crime, so that children can grow into more resilient, more giving, and more compassionate adults. But not every child is lucky enough to have a mentor. Your support of Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver can change that. Big Brothers is committed to building strong friendships because healthy relationships create long-lasting change. Together, let’s strengthen our communities, one child at a time.

Learn more and get involved at bigbrothersvancouver.com

1Up Single Parent Resource Centre

Each year through our school supplies drive, 1Up provides free, grade-specific back packs fully stocked with supplies to over 150 children of our single parent members. We know that back-to-school ought to bring excitement and eager anticipation to families, but for our single parent members working hard to stretch their dollars and meet their children’s needs, thoughts of approaching September and the expense it represents can simply mean a lot of extra stress. Every parent wants their child to be able to look forward to heading back to the classroom, to feel prepared, and to be optimistic about the new educational and social experiences that lay ahead of them. But a backpack full of supplies can cost nearly $100, and that just scrapes the surface of September expenses; gym clothes, shoes, transportation, club and field trip costs – it can all add up to a big pile of anxiety for a single parent on a tight budget. And imagine that multiplied by 3, 4 or 5 kids, as some of our members have!

Closer to Home Community Services

Supporting over 1,500 children and parents annually, Closer to Home empowers families to stay together every day. Working tirelessly to ensure every child has a place to call home, Closer to Home is a leader in providing specialized services for families at risk of being separated or experiencing a crisis.

Tools for School

In some areas of Alberta, as many as 80% of students need backpacks filled with school supplies. Tools for School aims to reduce this barrier holding children and youth back from successful learning and participation in school.