Annual Report 2018 / 19
Our Mission
EXECUTIVE ADDRESSES
We support child and youth development through essential volunteer-led mentoring programs.
Message from the Chair
Table of Contents Executive Addresses.. . . . . . . . . 1 Who. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 What. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 When.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Where.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Why. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 How. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Our Vision To put a mentor into the life of every child and youth who needs one.
It is with true excitement that I share with you my first Chair’s message. Since joining the Board of Big Brothers in 2010, I have served in a number of capacities. I have enjoyed working with all of my dedicated co-directors and together with the staff, we have achieved great results. Not only has our children served almost doubled since 2010, but our ability to financially support our organization has also. This has been accomplished by building our social enterprise aggressively, building a strong donor base and establishing a solid and loyal network of supporters and volunteers. The timing of my appointment is particularly exciting due to it coinciding with the development of a new strategic plan for the next 5 years. My first task as Chair will be to oversee, in concert with the rest of the Board, a comprehensive process that will be inclusive, curious and self-challenging. By mid-2020, our plan is to present to our communities a refreshed plan that represents the best ideas put forward by all of our stakeholders. We will also be presenting a new brand for Big Brothers in alignment with the rebranding efforts currently being spearheaded by our national organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. This will also include a theory of change for all of our programs and associated strategic plans for our other two associated charities, Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver Foundation and Renew Crew Foundation. I am personally looking forward to such a broad-based and comprehensive effort. There is substantial evidence that we need to do more as a society to support our children and we hope to build concrete plans for our part in this effort through our strategic planning. To my co-directors, it has been an absolute pleasure to serve with you on the Board so far and I look forward to continuing to engage you as Board Chair. Your creativity and passion for our cause knows no bounds and your dedication and willingness to invest in your communities is greatly valued. And to the Big Brothers staff, I have had the pleasure of working with many of you so far and will enjoy getting to know you even better in my role as Chair. Thank you for all of the incredible work you do to support the children and youth we serve.
Tony Miles
Message from the Executive Director The year 2019 brought some positive developments and some significant challenges. Chief among the former was that we served significantly more children and youth than in 2018 (1,211 versus 1,165). We achieved a success rate of 93% relative to our plan and our entire team is very proud of this. This means that over 1,200 families in the Lower Mainland and Sea to Sky received the benefit of an incredibly dedicated mentor in their lives and I am blessed to read their supportive testimonials on a regular basis. The number of teens served through Youth Leadership increased from 123 in 2018 to 168 in 2019. We initiated Youth Leadership training a few years ago in response to a request from our teen mentors. This program equips them to be better mentors, sets them up for success in early adulthood and prepares them to be better citizens. On the more challenging side, we suffered a significant decline in revenues due to our decision to recall our clothing donation bins pending a retrofit to ensure that individuals cannot access the bins, except to make donations. This was initially estimated to result in a projected decline in net revenues of $500,000. As a result of a focused marketing campaign to share our story, a most generous donor stepped forward with a $500,000 gift over 5 years to help us through this period of difficulty. A concerted effort to reduce costs and the purchase of a book bin operation caused us to reduce this projected loss substantially and the year ended with a consolidated deficit of $270,000 a portion of which we funded from our portfolio. This portfolio serves as a safety net when funding challenges present themselves.
Another accomplishment of 2019 was the focused effort of volunteer recruitment strategies and operations. We have significantly rethought our approach to recruitment and we are working closely with our existing volunteers to help us reach out to new prospects. Our marketing team is also hosting Big Appreciation Events to which Bigs are invited to bring a potential volunteer, word of mouth works! Our Big Brothers, In-School mentors and group program volunteers are the heart of our programs and we could not operate without you. Please know that your time and commitment are hugely valued by our staff and the families we serve. I wish to also give a special recognition to our amazing donors and event sponsors, many of whom have been with us for many years. As a predominately community-funded operation, your contributions are critical to our ability to provide such critical programming to children and youth as they grow into young adults. This year also marks a transition in the Board Chair position and I would like to welcome, Tony Miles as our new Board Chair, Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver. Tony brings many years of experience in the NFP sector and has served our organization for many years so far as a director and as Board Chair, Renew Crew Foundation. Thank you, Tony, for stepping up and contributing your time and expertise to Big Brothers. I am also pleased to welcome the new directors who joined us in 2019. Our Boards bring so much value to our organization and it is a pleasure to for me to work with each and every one of you. Thank you.
Valerie Lambert, CPA, CA
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2018/19
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WHO Even if you’re scared, you can keep going – don’t stop! That is one of the lessons that Game On! volunteer Mitch has learned over the last few years and one he tries to pass on to the boys in the program. Each week, Mitch meets with a group of boys to mentor them on communication skills, active lifestyles and healthy living. Part of the Game On! curriculum includes teaching young boys that it’s okay to express emotions – like being scared, in a healthy way. Thanks to volunteers like Mitch, boys in Game On! learn about physical and emotional health and develop skills like strong communication and respect for others. Mitch also hopes to demonstrate the power of a positive attitude and to show that role models come in all shapes and sizes. In 2018, Mitch was in an ATV accident and now uses a wheelchair. Volunteering for Game On! was a way of challenging himself to discover new opportunities that he could do in a wheelchair while inspiring others to overcome their challenges too. Fundamentally, Mitch is striving to be a positive male role model by inspiring children “to have fun but also try their hardest.” He hopes that sharing his experiences with boys can offer them insight about life and show that teamwork and leadership can have a positive influence on others. During his three Game On! programs as a mentor, he’s personally learned to “go with the flow.” It is a constant reminder to “take a moment to ask yourself and others, ‘how we can do this better?’”
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BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2019
He is proud to say that he has an ambition to carve his own path as a positive role model and achieve things he’s never done before; ultimately hoping to inspire others to get involved in the community and support others. A Game On! Mentoring Coordinator states “it’s amazing to see how wonderful volunteers like Mitch can make a difference in the lives of these boys in 1.5 hours each week. For many of these boys, this is the only time after school they have undivided, curated attention from an adult who cares about them. Those small, but important things that Mitch does makes a difference: remembering all the boy’s names, noticing if a kid gets upset because they lost and coaching them through those rough emotions. I see many of these boys come out of their shells and gain a new level of confidence during Game On! And it’s all thanks to our thoughtful and kind volunteers like Mitch.”
Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver enables lifechanging mentoring relationships to ignite the power and potential of young people. Since 1978, we have been matching children with adult role models in professionally supported mentoring relationships that help them achieve their biggest possible futures. We’re proud to share our results from this past year:
We stand with youth, because we know the simplest acts create the biggest impact – and these acts can empower potential everywhere.
1,211
54,160 volunteer hours
Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver Clothing Donation
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10
Renew Crew Foundation collects reusable clothing and
children and youth supported
communities served
mentoring programs
Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver Foundation
household items for resale, donating all proceeds to support Big Brothers’ mentoring programs for children and youth.
14.1 million
pounds of clothing and household items collected
The Foundation works collectively to raise funds to support the efforts of Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver. The Foundation hosts two major annual events, manages grants and major gifts, works with fundraising partners, as well as runs fundraising
737,253
pounds of books collected
campaigns throughout the year.
$690,000
raised from major events
249,313
FREE home clothing donation pick-ups
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2018/19
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Board of Directors
CHAIR, BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER
Tony Miles
CHAIR & TREASURER, BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER FOUNDATION
CHAIR, BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER CLOTHING DONATION
Not-for-Profit Director
Investment Counsellor – RBC Phillips, Hager & North Investment Counsel
Trevor O’Reilly
Tony Miles
Fred Haiderzada, Vice Chair
Guyle Tippe, Secretary
Lorne Federal, Secretary
James Goulden, Secretary
Steven Joe
Mark Quinlan, Treasurer
Mark Quinlan, Treasurer
Emil Khimji
Iain MacMillan
Lisa Blackham
Corbin Lowe
Gurv Brar
Harry Pokrandt
Manager, Implementation – TELUS
Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP VP, Finance – R2P Pet Ltd.
Director Human Resources – Sierra Wireless Manager, By-law Compliance – City of Vancouver
Partner – KPMG
Financial Planner – Assante Financial Management CEO – White Crane Capital Private Wealth Specialist – Hoovest Wealth Management Director – Sandspring Resources Ltd.
Jeff Cutler
President – Cutler
Gerry Egan
Vice President – Harbour Air
Kate Fitzpatrick
Manager, People and Development – Destination BC
Steven Joe
Financial Planner, Assante Financial Management
Neil Kennedy
RCMP – GRC Surrey RCMP NCO i/c (Sgt) Youth Unit & Bike Squad
Anthony Steinruck
Guidance Counsellor – Vancouver School Board
Guyle Tippe Partner – KPMG 4
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2019
Not-for-Profit Director
Retired Managing Partner – Valhalla Distribution Ltd. VP, Finance – R2P Pet Ltd.
Manager, Warehousing Services – BuildDirect Technologies
Gary Milne
Managing Partner, Business Development – Elton Media
Jim Timms
Retired Director, Appraisals Division – Maynards Industries Ltd.
Larry Velonic
Account Executive, Large Enterprise – Rogers Mobility
“I think I would have been a shadow of the person I am today if I didn’t have those mentors.” I can honestly say I get as much out of the Big Brother program as Nathan does. I learn new things every time I am with him just as much as he learns new things when he is with me. One of the biggest inspirations is being able to see Nathan evolve and grow into a thoughtful, intelligent, caring young man with wonderful morals and values who loves his mother and adores his little sister. Being involved in the program reminds me that you are never too old to learn new things, discover new joys, laugh out loud at something silly or let your inner child out! Nathan and I really enjoy going to sporting events and watching movies during the winter and riding bikes and swimming during the summer. Some of my favourite memories with Nathan are the times when he’s willing to go out on a limb to experience something for the first time and the look of pure joy on his face as I watch him discover how much he enjoys it. The two examples that come to mind are the first time he watched a Rugby 7s game, and when he ate his first Japadog hotdog. I come from a family of teachers and educators so from an early age I’ve always had an interest in teaching or mentoring youth in some capacity. I am now in my 4th year with Nathan (wow, time flies!). As cliché as it sounds, my greatest mentors were my parents and my grade school teachers. I think I would have been a shadow of the person I am today if I didn’t have those mentors.
Knowing that there are children in Greater Vancouver who are waiting upwards of 2-3 years for a Big Brother, it makes me wish that I could convince everyone I know to volunteer in some way, shape, or form.
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2018/19
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WHAT Our Programs
This program provides boys who have limited to no contact with a positive male role model with an adult male volunteer. Big and Little Brothers spend quality time together one-to-one building their friendship over sports, hobbies, cultural events, etc. Whenever possible, our organization provides activity ideas, free tickets, and admission vouchers to Big and Little Brothers.
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This program matches children with an adult male or female volunteer. The children have been identified by their teacher or other school staff as students who could benefit from some additional attention from a caring role model. Big and Little Buddies meet once a week one-to-one during school hours on school grounds and participate in fun based activities.
This program matches elementary-aged children with a teen Big Buddy from a nearby high school. The children have been identified by their teacher or other school staff as students who would benefit from some additional attention from a caring role model. Big and Little Buddies meet once a week on school grounds along with other Big and Little Buddy matches. While the focus of the program is to enhance the Little Buddy’s selfesteem, teen mentors benefit from improved leadership skills and interest in volunteerism. We encourage Teen Mentors to become Adult In-School Mentors upon graduation.
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2019 
Game On! uses a mentor approach to provide boys with information and support to make informed choices about healthy lifestyle practices. Through non-traditional physical activities, complemented with healthy eating information, participants are engaged in life skills, communication and emotional health discussions. Sessions are loosely structured around four themes: physical activity, healthy eating, self-esteem, and communication skills.
Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds is a group mentoring program that encourages physical activity, healthy eating and the development of a positive self-image, among pre-teen and teen girls. Adult female mentors spend two and a half hours a week for 10 consecutive weeks with the children, leading group discussions about healthy living and emotional, social and cultural issues. Each session is structured around the three themes: active living, balanced eating, and feeling good about oneself.
Young Spirit Mentoring This is a 10week program in partnership with SFU’s TD Community Engagement Centre in Surrey, McGill Library in Burnaby, and Burnaby Neighbourhood House. The program matches volunteers with elementary-aged students to build confidence in their math skills and build a strong friendship. Mentoring with Math is for children who need academic assistance in math at their grade level and who are not be able to access any other academic enrichment programs. The REACH Community Fund helps provides workbooks and tutor guides from the Jump Math curriculum to the program.
Volunteers provide academic support and friendship to teens in the ninth grade. The program aims to reach youth who cannot afford tutoring and who could benefit from added guidance and academic support. Participants engage in educational activities, complete homework together, and most of all—have fun, igniting a love for learning in a safe, supportive environment.
Similar to our Teen Mentoring Program, this is a group mentoring program designed specifically for Aboriginal youth. Aboriginal youth receive training and practical work experience in the field of youth work. The training focuses on leadership skills, boundaries and safety, heritage and diversity, working with children, healthy living, effective communication, and self-expression. Throughout the training, these youth are matched with elementary school-aged children in programs where they enact the mentorship skills they learn in the training.
Young Spirit Youth Mentoring
Leadership
Volunteers are matched with 2-3 children in small groups to learn the tools of leading a healthy lifestyle. Youth mentors receive training and gain valuable leadership skills. This supplementary training is designed to help the youth improve their confidence and public speaking skills, resolve conflicts, become better negotiators and strong facilitators. Additionally, the program aims to provide the mentees in the program with consistent role models they can build healthy relationships with, as well as a space for increased positive peer relations.
This program aims to further support teens in our programs and to offer them additional opportunities to develop leadership skills that they can apply in their everyday lives. These leadership skills include: conflict resolution, activity planning, career planning, mindfulness and child development. We have seen these youth who are given additional training able to mentor more effectively and receive more life skills through a higher level of participation in their program.
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2018/19
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Annual Service Summary Total Children Served by Area Community
ISM
Teen
Game On/ Go Girls
Focused
Youth Leadership
Actual
Burnaby / New West
38
21
26
45
58
34
222
Tri-Cities
27
3
19
6
3
5
63
Richmond
24
0
10
0
6
14
54
North Shore
35
9
22
0
2
29
97
Surrey
48
28
65
44
70
40
295
Vancouver
164
36
43
70
27
46
386
Squamish
10
8
23
19
10
0
70
Whistler
2
7
6
9
0
0
24
2018/19 TOTAL
348
112
214
193
176
168
1211
2017/18 TOTAL
360
108
171
207
196
123
1165
City
Match and Volunteer Anniversaries Big Brothers and Big Sisters 5 YEAR COMMUNITY BIG Jeffrey Cutler Amit Manhas Corbin Lowe Ozgur Ay Kenneth Leung
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5 YEARS MATCH Elijah Borrelli & Sam Siddharth Gautam & Phillip Barry Kas & Neema Carsen Chant & Suhwan Andrew Senay & Howard Chris Raeside & Andy Gavin Hoekstra & Darius Harper Price-Brown & Arsal
Sean Jager & Carlos Cody Hillhouse & Keenan Matthew Siemens & Max Steven Oldhamstead & Erik Greg Rojem & Aidan Lory Fairfield & Michael Mark McLean & Ruben
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2019
GRADUATING MATCHES Chris Mul-Howard & Reace Demijan Savija & Stanislav Chris Palliser & Peyton Chris Birkett & Matthew Howard Kwan & Mark Shane Gill & Mohammad Kyle Kozak & Jacky
Roderick Van Vianen & Georgij Stanley Chiu & Austin Thomas Ha & Victor Kosi Stobbs & Matthew Derek Brzoza & Damien James Dubois & Andy Nicolas Herman & Joshua Scott Albrechtsen & Talib Winnie Wong & Grace
2018-19 Achievements Family Support Program
Surrey Expansion
The Family Support Program is a pilot project created in 2018. The program provides free services to BBGV clients (children/ youth), their guardians/families, and their mentors; and aims to support them through mental health awareness, counselling, coaching, group sessions, psychoeducational workshops and training sessions. For the youth and their families involved in the program, many are in more vulnerable situations due to systemic barriers or adverse life experiences.
This past year, we opened our new office in Surrey so we can better serve the families and youth in the community. As a high-need area with kids waiting two to three years for a mentor, we have seen great strides with an increase of volunteer applications since the opening. Volunteers and families are able to visit our Mentoring Coordinators in closer proximity, and we are able to build stronger partnerships and relationships with Surrey businesses and institutions.
40 Years of Bowling
Success of Our Golf Tournament
2019 marked 40 years of the Bowl for Big Brothers event and over 600 participants joined us for a Rock and Bowl theme at various bowling centres across Greater Vancouver. Through your participation and support over the past 40 years, over 650 companies bowled with us and over 11 million dollars has been raised for important mentorship programs.
This past September, our B2Gold Big Brothers Golf Classic raised $510,000! In light of our financial challenge with the donation bins, Title Sponsor B2Gold Corp. increased their sponsorship to $100,000. Furthermore, Calibre Mining Corp. surprised all the attendees and staff onsite at the tournament with an extra $100,000 donation! A sincere thank you to both companies for your tremendous support.
School-Based and Group Mentors 15 YEARS IN-SCHOOL MENTORING Steve Fooks 10 YEARS IN-SCHOOL MENTORING Gaye Hartt 5 YEARS IN-SCHOOL MENTORING Benjamin Friedman Wayne Adams Chris Ferris Cody Perrin
3 YEARS GROUP PROGRAM Rachael Sandri – Quest Club
3 YEARS TEEN MENTORING Andrew Lee Barleen Grewal Alfonso Sare Amina Mohamed Harnoor Grewal Jamie MacDonald JoJo Zhang
Mariam Hakimi Nidhin Biju Parneet Virk Shahbaz Chahal Shoya Ueno Tardiff Thomas Ha
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2018/19
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WHEN The Mentoring Effect on… Child
Youth
Adult
CHILDREN WHO ARE MENTORED ARE LESS LIKELY TO:
YOUNG ADULTS WHO HAVE/HAD MENTORS ARE MORE LIKELY TO:
ADULTS WHO WERE MENTORED AS CHILDREN OR YOUTH ARE MORE LIKELY TO:
•H ave social anxiety or to be depressed •C onduct negative behaviours like bullying • Skip a day of school
•P ractice smart daily behaviours like finishing homework, having healthy social interactions, and
saying no when it counts
• Obtain post-secondary education
•B e employed and hold senior leadership positions • Earn $315,000 more income over their lifetime • Pursue healthy lifestyles
• Volunteer in their communities Results from community-based mentoring programs through Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across Canada. Sources: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and the Centre for Addition and Mental Health Longitudinal Study, Dr.David DeWit, Dr. Ellen Lipman, January 2013; Boston Consulting Group Social Return On Investment of Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Programs in Canada, 2013; Public/Private Ventures study of Big Brothers Big Sisters; Search Institute Survey
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BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2019
WHERE Q&A with Rose Higgins, Assessment & Inclusion Specialist How are we advancing the principles of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver? The principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are fundamental priorities for our agency. Commitments to advance these principles across the agency are supported by our Board of Directors and our Management Team, and are in alignment with the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. In practice, the Inclusion Specialist role was created to inform on current research and trends in EDI and to innovate and guide growth and change, in collaboration with multiple voices and perspectives across the agency. Inclusion is a process that evolves over time, with intentional change that happens through actions and behaviours at all levels of the organization. At BBGV, we continue to advance our knowledge and adapt our programs so that they remain relevant for the youth, families, and mentors we serve. As we strive toward the creation of a more equitable environment at BBGV, our efforts focus on actions and behaviours that promote and advance inclusion. An example of this is the creation of the BBGV Inclusion Committee in 2019. We have drawn from the expertise and experience of our members to identify current challenges and opportunities facing the children and youth, families and mentors that we serve. We create a
space for open and critical dialogue and bring key learnings forward to enhance the knowledge and capacity of our staff, mentors, and families. The committee shapes intentional and informed solutions that advise on agency policies and procedures. This year, the three focus areas most relevant and critical for our work are: 1. Truth and Reconciliation, and empowerment and support of Indigenous families
Agency Service Area Vancouver Burnaby New Westminster Coquitlam Port Coquitlam Port Moody Delta Surrey
White Rock Richmond Tsawwassen North Vancouver West Vancouver Squamish Whistler
Squamish + Whistler
Service Area
2. LGBTQ2S+ mentor and family empowerment and support 3. Newcomer, Immigrant, and Refugee family empowerment and support The committee builds upon the strengths of these communities and works to identify critical and relevant changes needed to create more inclusive and equitable programs and/or policies within BBGV. The committee is in place to ensure that BBGV is accountable and responsive to the communities we serve. In collaboration with staff, leadership and management across the agency, we will continue the process of advancing the principles of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver. BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2018/19
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WHY When our children are emotionally, socially and physically Education
Mental + Physical Health
THE CHALLENGE:
THE CHALLENGE:
Youth who do not graduate high school are at a serious disadvantage in terms of personal and economic success.
There is a negative association between bullying and child/ youth health and well-being, such as psychological wellbeing, academic achievement, and later substance abuse.
THE SOLUTION: Mentoring
THE SOLUTION: Mentoring
• Students who meet regularly with their mentors are less likely than their peers to skip a day of school and less likely to skip a class.
• Mentored youth are more likely to experience higher levels of self-esteem, coping skills, pro-social behavior, more positive school adjustment and higher quality relationships with peers and parents.
• Boys with a Big Brother are two times more likely to believe that school is fun and that doing well academically is important. • Children with mentors are more likely to have a postsecondary education, and more likely to be employed.
• Boys with a Big Brother are three times less likely than boys without a mentor to suffer peer pressure related anxiety. • Children and youth who are mentored are less likely to be depressed and less likely to conduct negative behaviours like bullying, and are less likely to be bullied. • Boys and girls who participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters group mentoring programs Game On! and Go Girls! reported an increase in leisure activity and an improvement in healthy eating habits.
Results from community-based mentoring programs through Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across Canada. Sources: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and the Centre for Addition and Mental Health Longitudinal Study, Dr.David DeWit, Dr. Ellen Lipman, January 2013; Boston Consulting Group Social Return On Investment of Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Programs in Canada, 2013; Public/Private Ventures study of Big Brothers Big Sisters; Search Institute Survey; Is “Good”, Good Enough? the Health & WellBeing of Children & Youth in BC - A Joint Report by Child Health BC & BC’s Provincial Health Officer, 2016; Canadian Health Measures Survey, 2012-13
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BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2019
healthy, everyone in the community benefits. Crime THE CHALLENGE: More than 70% of those who enter federal prisons have not completed high school; 70% have unstable job histories, four out of five have substance-abuse problems when they are convicted; and two out of three youth in the criminal justice system have been diagniosed with two or more mental health problems. The social and economic costs of crime are approximately $31.4 billion annually across Canada.
THE SOLUTION: Mentoring • Teens who engage in mentoring are half as likely to engage in binge drinking, drug use, daily cigarette use, or alcohol use. • Boys with a Big Brother are two times less likely than non-mentored boys to develop negative conducts like bullying, fighting, lying, cheating, losing their temper or expressing anger. • By sharing their own life experiences, mentors provide students with a clear vision of what their future could look like, encouraging further education.
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2018/19
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HOW Treasurer’s Report Revenue TOTAL
$
2,575,200
83%
$
2,140,000
$
17%
435,200
Grant from Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver Foundation [raised through various fundraising initiatives]
Other grants/donations [including United Way, Community Gaming and municipal governments]
Expenses 2,608,000
TOTAL
$
83%
$
2,164,000
11% 5% 1%
$ $
280,000 137,100 $ 26,900
Direct Services to Children & Youth
Administration Recruitment and Community Outreach Training and Development
Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver is a community-supported organization that raises funds from multiple sources in order to meet the growing needs of the children and families we serve throughout the Lower Mainland and beyond. We received funding for 2019 fiscal year totalling $2,575,200. Our primary sources of funding are from donations, events and corporate and government grants. Our expenses for the year increased compared to last year primarily due to the increase in number of children and youth served. Expenses in Direct Services to Children & Youth, and expenses in Administration increased from prior year by approximately 15%, and 13%, respectively. This was mainly due to temporary hiring gaps in prior year as a result of maternity leaves and staff transition that did not occur in 2019. The increase in expenses were offset by a decrease to Recruitment and Community outreach expenses, and Training and Development expenses by approximately 18%, and 29%, respectively. Recruitment and Community outreach expenses decreased due to cost saving efforts as a response to the removal of our clothing donation bins from City property, and the resulting decrease in revenues. Training and Development expenses decreased as the bi-annual Regional Conference held by Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada, which our staff attended in 2018, did not occur in 2019. Although it was a tough financial year with the interruptions to our clothing bins operations, we were able to increase the number of children and youth supported through our programs, compared to 2018. We continue to feel the financial pressures from the clothing bin interruption, which highlights the need for increased funding as we continue to expand our programs to reach even more children in need of mentors. As we progress through a new year, we will continue to develop our funding relationships with existing and new partners, and we will continue to work with our community for new funding opportunities.
Mark Quinlan, CPA, CA Treasurer 14
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2019
What Funding Supports Direct Services to Children and Families
Recruitment and Community Outreach
Administration
» Safety – Qualified staff
» Advertising – Paid
imperative to ensure efficiencies and
Administrative and financial staff are
thoroughly screen applicants,
advertising is used to
accurate reporting. Professional fees
train successful candidates
attract volunteers.
and an annual audit are necessary
» Promotional Material
as well to maintain our charitable
and monitor matches to ensure child safety. » Match Engagement – Staff remain involved in matches to ensure safety and match success. » Office Space – Our Kingsway and satellite offices ensure
– Help stakeholders make
registration. Daily operations also
informed decisions about
incur the following administrative
involvement in our programs.
costs:
» Signage and Displays – We attend many community events in an effort to build awareness.
» Banking fees and insurance » Office supplies and equipment/ maintenance » Postage and courier expenses
we assist families in the communities where they live.
Training and Development
» National Affiliation Fees – Big Brothers Big Sisters
» Volunteer Training
of Canada regularly audit
– to equip volunteers with
compliance to their standards
the required skills.
to ensure agency excellence.
» Staff Professional Development – to keep current with social trends and professional expertise. » Staff and Board Collaboration – to ensure informed governance.
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2018/19
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Funding Partners Superstar $50,000+
Hero $25,000+
Family $10,000 +
Role Model $5000+
Big Buddy $1500+ BC Housing Catherine and Tom Seltzer Christine Dixon City of Burnaby City of North Vancouver Clause for a Cause Clive Johnson David Lyall David Stobart Dennis Stansbury Enterprise Rent A Car Foundation Gunnar Eggertson Jeff Cutler John Willett Maxwell & Gaylene Munday Michael Eddy
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Buddy $500+ Mike Cinnamond Microsoft Vancouver PwC Management Services RBC Global Asset Management RGF Integrated Wealth Management Roger Richer Rotary Club of Squamish Stephen Kamachi Soon Family Fund Ted Hirst The Peter Young Foundation Tim Hortons - Squamish Valerie Lambert Vancouver Templeton New Century Lions Club
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2019 
Adina Dragasanu Anthony Garcia BCRPA (British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association) City of Surrey Brian Scott Bryan Hansen Coast Capital North Vancouver Daisy Brown Darin Germyn Personal Real Estate Corp Dynamite Basketball Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Ian MacLean IKEA Richmond Keith Henderson Kevin Carter Kurt and Else Maurer Fund Louise Koo Cha Martin Austin
Murphy Battista LLP Paul Mancuso Philip Record Race & Company LLP Roanne Liew Royal Canadian Legion No.2 - New Westminster Royal Canadian Legion No. 8 - White Rock Royal Canadian Legion No. 83 - South Burnaby Royal Canadian Legion No. 263 Coquitlam Salesforce.org Scott Cummings Seamus Carroll Shaw Communications Inc. Sing Tao Canada Foundation Squamish Days Loggers/Gryphon Race The Hamber Foundation
Community Partners RCMP & VPD Volunteers Our existing partnerships with the Burnaby, Surrey, North Vancouver, and Vancouver Police Department detachments continue to strengthen. Our partnership with the Surrey School District, Surrey RCMP, and City of Surrey Parks and Recreation resulted in our innovative Game On! WRAP Program to support boys in the community.
School Districts BBGV is proud to partner with various school districts to deliver our Site-Based Programming, including the In-School Mentoring Program, Game On!, Youth Leadership, Focused Programming and the Teen Mentoring Program across 7 municipalities: Vancouver, Sea to Sky Corridor, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, Burnaby, and North Shore.
Boys & Girls Club A partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs across Greater Vancouver continues to be integral to the success of BBGV’s Game On! group mentoring programs. This partnership continues to allow us to reach more boys that could benefit from Game On! programming than ever before.
TD Community Engagement Centre Since 2014, SFU Surrey’s TD Community Engagement Centre has provided space in the library for BBGV to run weekly programs such as Mentoring with Math, and other focused programs for the community. In addition, they recruit and pre-screen SFU students to become volunteers in the program, allowing BBGV to focus on supporting even more children in Surrey.
Burnaby Neighbourhood House Our partnership with the Burnaby Neighbourhood House has provided space for the Mentoring with Math program. They also help connect us with children that could benefit from the program.
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2018/19
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April – May 2019 $290,000 Raised
TITLE SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
LANE SPONSORS
Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel | Panago Pizza | David’s Tea
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BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2019
September 2018 $400,000 Raised TITLE SPONSOR
PLATINUM SPONSOR
DIAMOND SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
AIR CANADA FOUNDATION • BUREAU VERITAS COMMODITIES • CANWEL BUILDING MATERIALS GROUP CIBC • EY • FLSMIDTH USA INC. • GOLDCORP • HUB INTERNATIONAL LIMITED • METSO MINERALS PI FINANCIAL • PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP • SAMSUNG C&T CORPORATION • SGS TD SECURITIES • THOMAS O’NEILL & ASSOCIATES INC. • TRG GROUP BENEFITS AND PENSIONS INC.
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2018/19
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Q&A with Iain MacMillan, Big Brother and Board Member Q. What would you say to someone
Big Brothers?
who is ‘on the fence’ about volunteering?
A. Initially, I wanted to be able to have a positive impact on someone who might be in a tough situation. Now that I’ve been involved for a couple of years I understand that many of the kids in the program don’t necessarily have a tough situation but they are just missing some friendly mentorship. I continue to volunteer because my Little Brother and I have an awesome time whenever we hang out and we get to learn a lot from each other. I know it also means a lot to his family that he has the support of myself and the Big Brothers organization.
A. While I would caution that it’s a big commitment and a really important undertaking – I couldn’t recommend the experience more highly. It’s a challenge that has so many amazing benefits and allows you to enjoy a bunch of different experiences. Overtime, it’s also incredibly rewarding to be able to intensively offer guidance and mentorship. The staff at Big Brothers are also fantastically supportive and make sure you have all the help you need to be a great big brother.
A. It’s something I wanted to get involved
Q. How has your life changed since
Q. In some areas of the Lower
with for some time, so once I gained Canadian Permanent Residency* and my work situation got to a suitable stage, I finally applied. I had volunteered with other charities and organizations in the past, but I saw Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver as an opportunity to make a more direct impact over a longer period of time. As of February 2019, my Little Brother and I have been matched for 2 years.
being involved with Big Brothers?
Mainland, children can wait up to two years to be matched with a Big Brother. How does knowing that make you feel?
Q. How did you become involved with Big Brothers? How long have you been involved?
*You don’t need to be a Canadian permanent resident to apply, we only ask for applicants to be within the Greater Vancouver area for 6 months prior to applying.
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Q. What inspired you to volunteer with
A. It’s been a tremendously enjoyable experience that has offered me the chance to enjoy so many amazing activities with my Little Brother. After a busy week in the office it’s actually really great to know that I have a fun activity coming up at the weekend so there’s definitely a psychological benefit. I also believe that between the responsibility of being a Big Brother and the public speaking work I have done for the organization my confidence has really continued to improve. It is also really cool to be able to get a glimpse of life as a 10 year old is like at this point in time – very different to 20 years ago!
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2019
A. I think that while it is very easy to be frustrated with the shortage of volunteers, I’m also very aware that my situation of being away from my family easily allows me the time to dedicate to being a Big Brother. That is obviously not the case for many men who might otherwise be eligible. However, my awareness of the long waits and frequency with which kids age out of the program is a strong motivator for me to get involved with more public speaking engagements and other Big Brother events.
Awards Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver Frank Rigney Big Brother of the Year Jeffrey Cutler In-School Mentor of the Year Mary Karyula Group Mentor of the Year Aareet Shermon – Game On! Teen Mentor of the Year Solly Mohammed
John Perpich Award Tyson Shmyr A school liaison whose dedication exceeds supporting the schoolbased programs.
Cecil S. Walker Award Iain MacMillan An individual who has shown outstanding support of our agency.
Murray Goldman Award New Westminster School District, Aboriginal Education Department An organization or company who has shown outstanding support of our agency.
Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver Foundation President’s Commendation Coast Capital Recognizes a company or individual who has demonstrated outstanding support to Big Brothers fundraising efforts.
B2Gold Award Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club
JEFFREY CUTLER, RECIPIENT OF THE BIG BROTHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Recognizes a company of individual who has made a significant contribution to the success of The B2Gold Big Brothers Golf Classic.
Griffins Boxing & Fitness Award Blue Light Sessions
Ignite Marketing Award Sing Tao
Recognizes a company or individual who hosts exceptional third party event with proceeds donated to Big Brothers.
Recognizes a company or individual who has provided significant marketing and communications support.
Ralph Jordan Award Chris Palliser The Ralph Jordan Award is named in honour of Ralph Jordan, who devoted his life to being a Mentor with BBGV. In his 25 years of being a BB, Ralph mentored 5 Little Brothers. This award recognizes an organization or individual who has offered us support in pursuit of our dream of providing a mentor to every child who needs one.
Ted Ticknor Award Telus Recognizes an organization or individual who has made a significant contribution to Big Brothers in the areas of financial support or organizational development.
CURTIS ROWE AND KELLI ERICKSON FROM TELUS, RECIPIENTS OF THE TED TICKNOR AWARD
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2018/19
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The truth about mentoring youth when you already have kids “I would have done this no matter what.” In Victor’s words, as a Big Brother, you’re not a parent, you’re “a patient friend to lean on, and you approach things differently as a friend and mentor.” He’s discovering that there is a distinct difference between parenting his children. Ultimately though, he’s building a set of skills and talents that he believes will make him a better Dad to his children too.
We spoke to Victor – one of our newest Big Brothers in Squamish to learn more about what made him want to volunteer, and despite being a young father, why now is the right time to get involved with our organization. Growing up in Ontario, Victor’s Father and Uncles were also volunteers at the local Big Brothers agency at the time. Giving back is simply part of the culture in his family and now following in his family’s footsteps with 2 children (aged 4 and 8), Victor feels as though he’s in a stable position to give back and support his local community.
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By listening and talking without leading the conversation, he encourages his Little Brother to speak up and think independently. “Mentoring taught me to understand different opinions and I gained a new way of looking at things and a different way to parent.” While writing this, Victor is only 5 weeks into the Big Brother experience, but he’s positive about the future of the relationship and he’s enjoying the process so far. “There was no jealousy or resentment from my family as we recognize we’re fortunate to be in the position we’re in, my wife and kids were supportive during the application process.” Victor believes that it’s
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2019
important to teach his children the benefits of supporting others and being a positive role model. “All adults need to spend time with children.” The ability to be present, to see the beauty in the small things and to appreciate what we have in our lives. Being involved in our volunteer opportunities typically provides as much value to the ‘Littles’ as it does to the Big Brothers. When asked what he would say to someone who is considering volunteering, Victor replied “everybody has the time to listen and talk – it’s about prioritization. Choose this rather than sitting in front of the TV; although the time may sound daunting, it’s so achievable!” Looking into the future, Victor hopes that his “children see a way to give back and a way to help others too, hopefully, one day they’ll volunteer and share what they’ve learned from me.”
Staff EXECUTIVE TEAM Valerie Lambert, CPA, CA, ICD.D | Executive Director
Bailey Hartnell | Interim Program Director
Keltie Dow | Senior HR Generalist
Mandy Wong | Manager, Development and Marketing
Slav Gudelj | General Manager, Big Brothers Clothing Donation (Renew Crew)
Emily Yung, CPA, CA | Director, Finance and Systems
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER Program Managers
Mentoring Coordinators
Shannon Huynh | Interim Community Program Manager
Navkiran Brar | Senior Mentoring Coordinator
Program Support Team
Kelsey Makihara
Shelley McCluskie | Intake Coordinator / Program Assistant - Sea to Sky
Heidi Brewer
Pamela Marin | MC and Assessor
Libby Swift | Volunteer Intake Coordinator
Krystle Cassar
Alice Ng
Supervisors and Specialists
Kevin Chau
Danielle Olson
Rose Higgins | Assessment and Inclusion Specialist
Patrice Clair
Marina PĂŠault
Kelly Humphrey | Supervisor / Mentoring Coordinator
Adriano Clemente
Bobby Juco | Game-On Supervisor / Coordinator
Kiran Deol
Hilda Sam | Family Intake Coordinator
Miranda Lane | Mentoring Coordinator Supervisor
Shey Husini
Annie Pham | Mentoring Coordinator Supervisor
Ray Khan
Cynthia Tensuan | Family Support Specialist
Raj Khungorey
Kimiko Yamada | Senior Program Administrator
Victoria Lo
Loreen Kishor | Program Manager - Surrey
Ale Vega | Administration and Events Assistant
Talya Shore Heather Smith Leanne Yeung | MC and Assessor
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER FOUNDATION Nathan Butz | Events Assistant
Shannon Griffin | Marketing and Events Specialist
Wes Martin | Marketing Officer, Volunteer Engagement
Will Chambers | Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Vincci Li | Marketing and Communications Specialist
Dennis Topp | Accounting Administrator
Catherine Dubinsky | Office Administrator
Airi Nakamoto | Development and Marketing Assistant
BIG BROTHERS CLOTHING DONATION (RENEW CREW FOUNDATION) Doug Hamilton | Operations Manager, Vancouver Ops.
Reyna Maravilla | Partnership Programs Coordinator / Supervisor
Jennifer Liban-Amistad | Operations Manager, Call Centre Ops.
Eloisa Verzosa | Administrative Assistant
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2018/19
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A 20-year Halloween Tradition of Pumpkin Carving
“I really like the values that Big Brothers subtly passes on through the relationships: consistency, responsibility, respect, friendship, trust.” When Bill Crow moved to Vancouver from Ottawa, he had to say goodbye to his first Little Brother. “I told him I was going to have to leave, and he wasn’t saying anything. I told him that the Big Brothers organization could find him another Big Brother. He looked up at me and said, ‘I already got a Big Brother.’ I still cry when I tell that,” says Bill, tearing up as he relates the memory. He is still in touch with his first Little Brother, who is now an engineer with kids of his own.
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Bill’s experience as a Big led him to apply to be a Big Brother again when he got to Vancouver, and he was matched with 10-year-old Shaun, whose father had recently moved out of the country. “Shaun was really sensitive, it was a really hard time,” recalls Shaun’s mom, Barbara. Having volunteered as a Big Sister in university, Barbara knew about the Big Brothers program and signed up both her sons – Shaun and his 7-year-old brother, Devon – for Big Brothers. She felt that it was very important for her kids to have positive male role models and didn’t want those relationships to come from someone she was dating. “I wanted it to be their own relationship with someone who has really good values and really is concentrating on them,” she says. “Shaun was very tentative – he wasn’t rude or anything but it would’ve been a challenge for Bill to crack through that tentativeness. But he really needed that; he really was struggling,” says Barbara.
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2019
Bill confirms that things got off to a slow start with Shaun. “I remember Shawn being a quiet, solemn little kid. It was really tough – he wasn’t mean or anything, he wasn’t lashing out, he just didn’t say anything; he was really quiet…He’s 3 years older and he took the fact that his father left much harder than his little brother. He was just really mad at the world and not happy at all. A few times I’d go over there and he’d hardly say anything; you’d ask him some questions and nothing was coming out.” “But just like it was supposed to, we got more comfortable with each other and after a while, we hit it off. We hung out once a week without fail for probably 8 years.” In their first two years together, Bill and Shaun sometimes spent time with Devon and his Big Brother, playing tennis or other sports together. When Devon’s Big Brother had to quit volunteering, Bill stepped up. “He just sort of adopted Devon, too,” laughs Barbara. Even after the boys’ father
moved back to Canada and became part of their lives again, Bill continued his relationship with Shaun and Devon. Neither Bill nor Barbara remembers how or when their tradition of Halloween pumpkin carving began. “Bill’s an artist and he loves doing that. It was probably just Halloween rolling around and we were going to carve the pumpkins, so we probably made it one of the once-a-week nights,” she says. For Bill, pumpkin carving has been a highlight of his time with his Littles. Shaun and Devon were always excited about it, and they quickly picked up on Bill’s artistic ability and used their own competitive nature to make more and more elaborate designs. “They just blossomed,” says Bill, “and their styles are not like mine at all, if you saw the 3 pumpkins you could pick out who did which one every year… We always line up the 3, take a picture of them, lit and everything.” “Several years ago when they’re men, I’m saying ‘Guys, you know you don’t have to do this’ and they’re going
‘Are you kidding?’ They make me do it, they will not miss it, and they call me now and say ‘When are we doing it?’” Bill says with a laugh. Their tradition still continues after more than two decades! “It doesn’t seem as if they have any intention of giving it up,” Barbara confirms, noting that all three are fiercely competitive. Looking at this life-long friendship, Barbara is happy her sons had a Big Brother like Bill. “I really like the values that Big Brothers subtly passes on through the relationships: consistency, responsibility, respect, friendship, trust. It’s a great organization.” Barbara has shown her support for Big Brothers by donating both used clothing and funds, and is volunteering to teach resume writing skills to our Youth Leadership participants. “The kids are 33 and 36 now,” says Barbara proudly. “Shawn’s got his own production company, he’s a videographer; Devon is a corporate executive. They turned out well – good job, Bill.”
For his part, Bill is grateful to have been a part of Shaun and Devon’s lives. His Little Brothers know his wife and kids well, and Bill was honoured to attend events like their high school graduations and Devon’s wedding. After so long together, they truly feel like family. “When the boys got older, it became more like a real brother relationship,” says Bill. “I never had a brother growing up, so I finally got two! I feel that was something I was missing in my life. I really feel as if Shaun and Devon are my brothers now.” When asked what he’d say to someone thinking about becoming a Big Brother, Bill says, “What I’ve told people is don’t do it because you want to do some charitable work; just do it because it’s really fun. I never saw it as a burden. Because we did stuff I liked – you find stuff they like that you like, too – it was never a problem fitting it in. You’re not a hero for doing it, you do it because it’s fun. You know you’re doing good but it’s just really enjoyable.”
102 – 1193 Kingsway Vancouver, BC V5V 3C9 T: 604.876.2447 F: 604.876.2446 E: mail@bigbrothersvancouver.com Charitable Registration Number 106793722RR0001 bigbrothersvancouver.com bigbrothersvancouver.com