ANNUAL REPORT 2021/22
OUR VISION All children and youth are empowered to reach their full potential through mentorship.
OUR MISSION Enable impactful mentoring relationships where children and youth can discover their power and potential, in collaboration with our local communities.
OUR VALUES THAT GUIDE OUR WORK SAFETY
COMMUNITY
Safety is at the core of all our decisions and actions. We prioritize the protection of children, youth, families, volunteers and staff. We screen, coach and support to ensure safe, fun, and healthy mentoring relationships.
We bring community members together for the common purpose of mentoring children and youth, which cultivates a positive impact in our communities. We identify, understand and respond to community needs with innovative and inclusive mentoring programs and services.
COLLABORATION Our professionally trained staff members contribute toward building a culture of collaboration and teamwork, both within our organization and across the communities we serve.
INCLUSIVITY We are committed to creating inclusive spaces of belonging where all voices and experiences are welcomed and valued. We commit to take intentional actions towards advancing our commitments to equity, reconciliation and anti-racism across our policy, procedure and practice.
MENTORSHIP
We acknowledge that the land on which we work and mentor is the unceded and traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and TsleilWaututh; the Katzie, Kwikwetlem, Kwantlen, Qayqayt, Tsawwassen, Semiahmoo and Stó:lō Nation.
We facilitate reciprocal child and youth centred mentoring relationships. Using a strengthbased focus on empowerment and empathy, we engage through mentorship to inspire youth in shaping their own futures with confidence and positivity.
MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The past year of fiscal 2022 has seen a substantial return to the normalcy we were so badly missing, especially in the latter half. We served over 750 children and youth, a definite reduction from our normal 1,100 but a step on the road to the return of normal operations. Schools opened once again to our programming and we were able to run many of our programs on an in-person basis, although virtual programming continued in some cases. A number of families closed community matches this year for a variety of reasons and we are working hard to rebuild our case numbers. We know that children and youth suffered enormous stress during the pandemic and we are working hard to reach out to families who could benefit from a trusted mentor in their lives. We are also cognizant of the impact of the pandemic on academic achievement and have increased our Mentoring with Math program to respond to that. Toward this end, we are embarking on an urgent call for volunteers to assist us across all of our programs. Whether a volunteer has a few hours per week or a few weeks per year, we have exciting and engaging opportunities and would greatly value the commitment. The year also saw the appointment of one of our long-time staff to the position of Director, Programs and Operations. Working closely with other staff with many years of experience at Big Brothers, the program team has been reorganized to focus on the needs of our current and prospective families and to provide the types of programming that will bring the most value to our communities. We have also welcomed a number of new staff in recent months and they bring a host of new skills and talents which will greatly enhance our team.
matches and paid particular tribute to one of our longest-serving directors, Jim Timms. Jim was one of the founding members of Big Brothers and he was instrumental in setting up the funding model in partnership with Value Village that has served us so well over so many years. To Jim and to our other committed directors, I can only say a heartfelt thanks for all you do to support our organization. To our donors, you have stepped up to support our organization even in these challenging times. It was wonderful to host our full-program golf tournament again recently with the generous sponsorship of B2Gold. We have also benefitted greatly from the growth of our individual giving program and the support of many foundations. We are all deeply indebted to each of you for your steadfast support. And to our staff, it is such a pleasure to attend events and hear stories from our network about your caring, your skill and your commitment to our organization. Whether you are directly supporting families and volunteers or engaging with our funders and Renew Crew donors or keeping Big Brothers financially solid, I am so proud to count each one of you as a valued colleague. We have come through a very tough time, invigorated and ready for the next challenges. I cannot wait to see what we accomplish next. Thank you.
One of the great pleasures of the past few months has been the return of our time-honoured events that had to be postponed during the pandemic. Our staff came together with many families and volunteers for our annual Big Night of Stars. We celebrated the Valerie Lambert, CPA, CA, ICD.D
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MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR We are well underway in our progress toward achieving the goals laid out in our Strategic Plan (2021 to 2025). One of our key objectives has been to advance the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion imperative through staff and Board training. I am pleased to report that we held an excellent session of the Board and senior staff in September, 2022 to learn, to identify areas for improvement and to make sure we are an organization that welcomes the broadest cross-section of our diverse communities. We are currently actively engaged in Board recruitment to make sure we have the best ideas and the best community representation helping to inform our future plans. We are truly blessed as an organization to have such dedicated directors and I look forward to adding to their ranks at our upcoming Annual General Meeting on December 6th, 2022.
goals of our Strategic Plan to 2025. I applaud the efforts of our staff to display resilience and empathy during the past few years and on behalf of the Board, I thank them most sincerely for their efforts. I would also like to thank my co-directors for all of their contributions in the course of the year. Each one of you brought energy and commitment to your role as we worked through the challenges of the year. On behalf of our organization, I want to express my most sincere appreciation. Thank you.
Notwithstanding the challenges of fiscal 2022, I am pleased to share that we ended the year in solid financial shape. We served the number of children and youth in line with our projections except to the extent that schools were unable to accommodate our programming due to the pandemic. The Finance committee of our Board put in particular effort assisting management in making critical decisions in the course of the year and I thank them for their hard work and willingness to go the extra mile. I think we have finally turned the corner on these difficult few years and I look forward to planning growth and renewal of our programs going forward as we build out the
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BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2022
Tony Miles, Board Chair
THE BROTHERLY BOND OF MAX & MATT Little Brother Max and Big Brother Matt are celebrating. After seven special years of friendship, support, and mentorship, Max is turning 18, and they have come together – via Zoom – to celebrate their graduation from the Big Brothers Community Mentoring program. Straight away, it is clear to see that they have developed a brotherly bond over the years. Reflecting on the first time they met, Max remembers that his first words were, “WOW, he looks so old.” Matt – 24 at the time – accepts that he looks “really old now” seven years later.
Max and his mother, Felisa, joined the program when Felisa realized she was “not running fast enough to catch the Frisbee anymore – and it felt like something was missing.” Felisa said she was “a bit nervous at first, but Big Brothers made it feel so comfortable, so safe.”
Matt was first drawn to the mentoring program because it provides a real opportunity to make a long-term impact on a child’s life. “With Big Brothers, you are not just giving a little bit of money or showing up to events; instead, you are investing your time in one person, and hopefully making a bit of a difference to their life.”
It didn’t take long for Max to begin showing the impact of having a Big Brother. Felisa explains that “when he was younger Max would imitate Matt, he would come home and speak the same way Matt did. I was really happy to see him copying Matt as a role model.” The foundational support from Matt has had a hugely positive effect on Max
over the last seven years. Matt took Max to his first-ever sports game and even helped him see the importance of school. Max says he “was the type of kid who complained about school, who thought all of the courses were dumb. But over time – and with Matt’s help – I started to see the importance of some of them. I still think some of them are dumb, though.” As Max prepares to move abroad for University, it is an exciting moment to reflect on Matt’s role in reaching this point. While this is the end of their time with Big Brothers, Matt and Max agree this is not the end of their friendship.
Pictured: Parent of Max, Felisa, Little Brother Max, and Volunteer/Big Brother Matt
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Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver enables life-changing mentoring relationships to ignite the power and potential of young people. Since 1978, we have been matching children and youth with role models in professionally supported mentoring relationships that help them achieve their biggest possible futures.
We stand with youth, because we know the simplest acts create the biggest impact – and these acts can empower potential everywhere. Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver Foundation works collectively to raise funds and recruit adult volunteers to support the efforts of Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver. The Foundation hosts major annual events, manages grants and major gifts, works with fundraising partners, as well as runs fundraising campaigns throughout the year. The Foundation also supports the marketing efforts for Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver Clothing Donation.
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BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2022
Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver Clothing Donation also known as Renew Crew Foundation, collects reusable clothing and household items for resale, donating all proceeds to support Big Brothers’ mentoring programs for children and youth.
455
723
MENTORS
ENGAGED
7
289
25 ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS
30,719
SERVED
132
216
through school based mentorship programs
through group mentorship programs
with parents and guardians
7.45 MILLION 2.41 MILLION CLOTHING
HOUSEHOLD items collected
2.5 MILLION 242,000 BOOKS collected
$315,000
2021 B2Gold Big Brothers
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2022
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OUR PROGRAMS Our Mentors and Mentees represent a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and identities. Our programs welcome volunteers, children, youth, and families of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, including trans, non-binary, and gender-fluid individuals.
Big Brothers Community Program This program provides supportive one-to-one mentoring for children ages 7-17 with an adult volunteer role model. A Mentor is a person that a Mentee can talk to, learn from, and share experiences with. Through regular weekly outings, a relationship builds on trust, common interests, and fun! The relationship is monitored and supported by our experienced Mentoring Coordinator staff as well as the Parent or Guardian. Together we ensure the development of a positive and meaningful relationship. This is a one-year commitment, meeting weekly for 2-4 hours in your local community. Big and Little Brothers spend quality time together doing free or low cost activities. We provide activity ideas and free tickets to community events. The result is an impactful experience for both the Mentor and the Mentee.
In-School Mentoring This program matches children with adult volunteers to provide supportive and meaningful one-to-one mentoring relationships. The Big and Little Buddies meet for one hour per week during the school day to build a connection through play-based, child-led activities. Little Buddies are nominated by school staff as students who could benefit from an extra layer of support. Big Buddy volunteer opportunities are open to any adults aged 18+ who can express care, challenge growth, provide support, and expand possibilities with a child or youth.
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BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2022
Teen Mentoring This fun after-school program matches elementary-aged children with a teen Big Buddy from a nearby high school. Little Buddies are nominated by school staff as students who could benefit from an extra layer of support. The Big and Little Buddies meet once a week on school grounds (or virtually) to engage in fun-based activities within a group setting. The program has been shown to improve self-esteem, confidence, social skills and connectedness to school for the Little Buddy, whilst the Big Buddy is able to develop practical skills such as communication, facilitation, reliability, and consistency.
Youth Leadership The goal of the Youth Leadership program is to provide teen mentors with additional opportunities to grow as well rounded mentors and build practical skills that enable them to become leaders in their communities. The program has grown over the years from individual workshops offered to the teens through the Teen Mentoring program, to monthly interactive and engaging sessions that are open to all teens across our mentoring programs. The skills developed through Youth Leadership include conflict resolution, leadership skills, career planning, resume building, activity planning, mindfulness, post-secondary education applications, and much more.
Game On! The Game On! program is a group mentoring program that provides information and support to make informed choices about a range of healthy lifestyle practices. Through fun physical activities and active play, complemented with balanced eating support and snacks, participants are engaged in life skills, communication, and social-emotional health discussions to encourage a life-long healthy lifestyle. Game On! is an 8-week program, once a week for 90 minutes, and is offered throughout the year at schools and community centres throughout Greater Vancouver.
Squamish + Whistler
Mentoring with Math The Mentoring with Math program enhances the impact of tutoring by adding in the element of mentorship. Learning from a Mentor as a positive role model and friend encourages self-esteem and confidence building for the Mentees as they work through math problems together. Mentoring with Math is for children who need academic assistance in math at their grade level and who are not be able to access other academic enrichment programs. Mentoring with Math is a 10-week program, once a week for 90 minutes throughout the year. During the height of pandemic restrictions, the program became very successful in a virtual format, which has allowed us to serve children in communities across the lower mainland.
Roots Mentoring A fun after-school program where Big and Little Buddies connect and share knowledge through mentorship. This program amplifies and celebrates Indigenous cultures while learning from the experiences and teachings of Indigenous Community Leaders and honoured guests. We welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth to take part in fostering an environment of curiosity and dialogue to learn from one another and from our honoured guests. The Roots Program is inspired and informed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Mentors are in in grades 9-12 and Mentees are in Kindergarten to grade 7.
SERVICE AREAS
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THE IMPACT OF MENTORSHIP Children and youth who have access to strong mentoring relationships are more likely to report a wide range of social-emotional strengths, have strong mental health and well-being to demonstrate resiliency in the face of stress and trauma; and show signs of increased educational motivation and increased connection to learning.
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL COMPETENCE
MENTAL + PHYSICAL HEALTH + WELLBEING
THE CHALLENGE:
THE CHALLENGE:
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the social-emotional learning of children and youth. Research shows they are experiencing an increased lack of connection and belonging among peers and in their local communities, resulting in slower social and emotional development.
The mental health of children and youth has declined during the pandemic. Stress, anxiety, and depression associated with the interruption to supportive connections and activities has posed extensive mental health challenges for children and youth.
Approximately 1 in 3 Canadian youth report being bullied, which can result in long-lasting emotional effects.
Physical activity and play has deteriorated throughout the pandemic due to school closures and limited extracurricular programs.
THE SOLUTION: Mentorship
THE SOLUTION: Mentorship
• Children and youth who have a mentor feel like they belong in their local community.
• Mentored youth are 53% more likely to report good mental health than non-mentored youth.
• Mentored youth are more likely to experience higher levels of self-esteem and confidence, ways to process and express emotions, and higher quality relationships with peers and adults.
• The addition of a caring adult relationship in the life of a child or youth with mental health needs creates space to talk about struggles and to role model coping strategies and ways to handle stress. These mentoring relationships help youth feel valued, cared for, and important.
• Children and youth who are mentored are less likely to conduct negative behaviours like bullying and fighting, and are less likely to be bullied.
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BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2022
EDUCATION + SCHOOL EXPERIENCES THE CHALLENGE: During the pandemic, the closure of schools has led to a learning gap which increased by half a year of schooling. School closures have impeded education and learning outcomes, as well as compromised critical connections to additional caring adults that are essential to achieving learning outcomes.
THE SOLUTION: Mentorship • Children with mentors are more likely to have a post secondary education, and more likely to be employed. • Children with mentors feel more connected to school, less likely to miss a day of school, and are more likely to believe school is fun. • Mentored children and youth are twice as likely to be interested in mentoring others in the future compared to their non-mentored peers.
Children First Canada. Top 10 Threats to Childhood in Canada: Inequity and the Impacts of COVID-19. 2022. Mentor Canada – Mapping the Mentoring Gap: The State of Mentoring in Canada. March 2021. Royal Society of Canada Policy Briefing, Children and Schools During COVID-19 and Beyond: Engagement and Connection Through Opportunity, 2021. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Student Learning and Social-Emotional Development, Nick Woolf, 2020. Handbook of Youth Mentoring, Second Edition, David DuBois, Michael Karcher, 2013. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Longitudinal Study, Dr. David DeWit, Dr. Ellen Lipman, 2013. Public/Private Ventures Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Boston Consulting Group Social Return On Investment of Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Programs in Canada, 2013.
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ANNUAL SERVICE SUMMARY Total Children Served by Area
10
Youth Game On Leadership
Community
ISM
Teen
Burnaby / New West
41
4
16
9
20
0
34
124
Tri-Cities
26
1
17
0
9
0
50
103
Richmond
21
0
7
0
7
5
3
43
North Shore
28
0
3
0
6
1
0
38
City
Roots
MwM
Actual
Surrey
41
6
21
3
26
24
42
163
Vancouver
129
33
10
3
18
43
14
247
Squamish / Whistler
3
N/A
2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5
2021/22 TOTAL
289
44
76
12
86
73
143
723
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2022
HIGHLIGHTS + ACHIEVEMENTS
Highlights and achievements from 2021-2022 that advanced our vision that all children are empowered to reach their full potential through mentorship: • We reduced barriers for service and increase accessibility to our programs for parents and guardians by continuing to provide interactive virtual programs developed during the pandemic, and returning to in-person programs at community partner sites and schools. • We ran a successful Youth Leadership Summit full of workshops and learning opportunities for youth, with focus on financial literacy, mental health and selfdiscovery, and school and career readiness. • We underwent a restructure of our program team organizational chart, with new roles and clarified portfolios, which has resulted in a stable structure for growth and enhancement of our programs and services.
• We have lowered our environmental impact by moving toward being a paperless organization. This in turn has created opportunity for increased efficiencies and stronger data security. • Our ongoing commitments to equity, inclusion, antiracism, and reconciliation are put into practice across all programs and operations as we promote dialogue and advance knowledge in these important areas, through conversation and education, to build toward informed and intentional actions and allyship for our clients, staff team, and throughout the communities we serve.
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GIVING MENTORING AN EARLY START Five matches and their families, from two of our programs, joined us on a chilly November day in a cozy Gastown studio in downtown Vancouver. It was a fun-filled event where we, Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver (BBGV) staff, got to meet our Littles, Bigs and their families while they in turn got to meet and mingled with each other! Throughout the day, the two girls couldn’t contain their joy. They continually filled the room their contagious giggling and ear-to-ear smiles. Typically in their virtual one-on-one sessions, Cora and Gisele love playing word puzzle games and drawing magical creatures, but on this day the two stepped into their modeling shoes and took the stage. Though only a teenager herself, Gisele is already no stranger to giving back to her community. She first began volunteering in our Teen Mentoring program three-years-ago after hearing great things about it from older peers in school who previously took part in the Teen Mentoring program.
For one match in particular this was an extra-special day. Little, Cora, and her Big, Gisele, are from our Teen Mentoring program have been matched for two years. “We’ve been meeting virtually and this is our first time meeting in-person,” Gisele said. It was an exciting moment for the two girls to meet for the very first time face-to-face. The pair naturally stepped right into playing with our blue and yellow balloons like they were long-time siblings reuniting at a family reunion.
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BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2022
The experience Gisele had mentoring was even more positive than she had initially anticipated. “It was a really, really good program and I really enjoyed my first year,” she said, adding it motivated her to continue in the program in the following year with another mentee. “That’s how I got matched with Cora in the second year. Overall, I have to say it has been such a memorable experience because I have learned a lot,” Gisele said. “You learn new lessons along the way in terms of communicating, having fun, and respecting and listening to each other.”
TREASURER’S REPORT Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver is a communitysupported 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. We received funding for 2022 fiscal year totaling $2,253,814. Our primary sources of funding are from donations, and government grants. Our expenses for the year increased compared to last year primarily due to inflation, the return to in-person programs and a resumption of certain volunteer recruitment and outreach efforts which were on hold during the uncertain periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we continued to feel the financial pressures the COVID-19 pandemic had on our fundraising events, and the ability of our related parties to provide funding, we recognized there was a need to continue growing our services in our communities and worked towards rebuilding our programs and partnerships to reach more children in need of mentors. Overall expenses increased by approximately 9%. General and Administrative (G&A) costs increased by approximately 34% from last year, due to our concerted efforts to reduce costs in Administration during uncertain financial times
in 2021. When compared to our G&A expenses prior to the pandemic, the increase is only 8%, mainly attributable to the increase in cost of living. We continue to monitor our Administrative costs closely to ensure as much of our funding goes directly to program costs as possible. Recruitment and Community Outreach expenses increased by 24% as we invested in outreach programs in order to rebuild our volunteer pool which were negatively impacted during the pandemic. As we progress through a new year, we will continue to develop our funding relationships with existing and new partners and will work with our community for new funding opportunities. In 2023, we will look to utilize our funding to continue rebuilding our programs to reach more children in need of mentors.
Revenue
Expenses
TOTAL $2,253,650 82% — $1,857,000 Grant from Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver Foundation [raised through various fundraising initiatives] 14% — $308,329 Other grants/donations [including Community Gaming and municipal governments] 4%
Mark Quinlan, CPA, CA Treasurer
TOTAL $2,194,428 77% — $1,691,326 Direct Services to Children & Youth 15% — $327,521 Administration 7% — $163,253 Recruitment and Community Outreach 1% — $12,328 Training and Development
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2022
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WHAT FUNDING SUPPORTS Service Delivery to Children, Youth, Families, and Mentors:
Recruitment and Community Outreach
• Intentional recruitment of volunteer mentors based on the needs of the communities we serve.
• Advertising – Paid advertising is used to attract volunteers.
• Safety: To ensure child safety, volunteer mentors are professionally screened by qualified staff.
• Promotional Material – Help stakeholders make informed decisions about involvement in our programs.
• Relationship Building: a professional caseworker works alongside each mentoring partnership to support the building of a fun and positive relationship, while monitoring for healthy boundaries. • Engagement: Ongoing support and care to the mentor, mentee, and family. Expand possibilities through opportunities for participation in community events and activities. Referals and connections made to other services and supports in the community, as needed. • Training: For volunter mentors, mentees, and parents/ guardians to equip everyone with the knowledge and required skills to create and maintain a successful mentoring relationship. • Staff Professional Development: to keep current with developing and changing community need and professional expertise. • Affiliation with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada National network of agencies across Canada: Ensured agency excellence and compliance to the national standards through a regular accreditation process.
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BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2022
• Signage and Displays – We attend many community events in an effort to build awareness.
Administration Administrative and financial staff are imperative to ensure efficiencies and accurate reporting. Professional fees and an annual audit are necessary as well to maintain our charitable registration. Daily operations also incur the following administrative costs: • Banking fees and insurance • Office supplies and equipment/maintenance • Postage and courier expenses
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP Ten years ago when we were all still dancing to the world-wide viral hit Gangnam Style in our schools, streets and offices, Roland and Alex met for the first time as Little and Big Brothers. Now, a decade later, this dynamic duo is celebrating an extra-special anniversary: ten years of friendship through the Big Brothers Community program. “I’ve seen him since he was seven-yearsold. Now, he’s all grown up,” Roland proudly said. And all grown up he now is. This year, a not-so-little Alex will be graduating from high school, as well as from the Big Brothers Community program, and stepping into the beginning of the next chapter of his life. Alex, now 17, met Roland for the first time at David Lam Park, in Vancouver’s Yaletown neighbourhood, but it didn’t get off to a stellar start. Back then, the younger Alex had mixed feelings about the new encounter. His mother had enrolled him in the program, with his consent, but it was still a meeting with, what was then still, a stranger. “I just wanted to go home because I was so young and I missed my mom,” he remembers. However, all that changed very quickly. The pair quickly bonded and became
besties. The two now enjoy jumping into the local swimming pool, playing soccer at the neighbourhood parks, going to see the latest blockbuster films at the movies, hitting the streets to discover the next best restaurant to eat at, and so much more at each weekly hangout. Watersports, in particular, are one of their favourite things to do, should the weather permit it. “Stand-up paddle boarding is the ‘funnest’ because you can push him off,” Alex jokingly said. Since then, the two have formed a strong bond and have left a lasting mark in each other’s lives. “He’s someone I can rely on and depend on,” Alex said. As Alex turns steadily and walks toward the world of adulthood, Roland has been there to give him all the financial pointers to give him a head-start. He’s learned all about the world of investing and finance from Roland and it has become one of his favourite hobbies to keep on learning about outside of his inschool academics. “It’s a real fun and funny friendship,”
Big Brother Roland and Little Brother Alex Roland said. “I’d like to say it’s kept me younger to some degree.” Both Alex and Roland have also been able to take part together in activities and events they would not have been able to otherwise such as sporting events and concerts; thanks to organizations donating tickets to Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver for our Littles and Bigs. Their friendship has been more than just fun and games through and has made a big impact on the person Alex has grown up to be. “I don’t know who Alex would be without Roland,” Alex’s mother said, adding that the two have become such a great team together over the past decade. What’s absolutely crystal-clear to her, though, is that Alex’s future is brighter than ever before thanks to his Big Brother, Roland.
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A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR FY2022 SUPPORTERS Your support means the world to us and all the children and youth who participate in our mentorship programs. SUPERSTAR CIRCLE ($50,000+)
HERO CIRCLE ($25,000+) Diane Harwood Memorial Foundation
FAMILY CIRCLE ($10,000+) Al Roadburg Foundation Moffat Family Fund
Alaric Gair
Ames Family Foundation
Bridges Family Memorial Foundation
Provincial Employees Community Services Fund
ROLE MODEL CIRCLE ($5,000+)
Derek Gibson Memorial Tournament
Hoeschen Family
BIG BUDDY $1500+
Maxwell & Gaylene Munday
O’Sullivan Family
Rick and Sandy Young Foundation
BUDDY $500+
Abbas Barodwalla
Kevin Rabang
Sten Tillberg
Ledgir House Ltd.
BC Housing Management Commission
John Wong
BC Whiskey Wizards
Keith Lambert
Stephen Kamachi
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada
Lyon Lifts Ltd.
BC Hydro
Ken Arnold
Steven Joe
Oakwyn Realty
Belron Canada Inc.
Kyle Farquharson
Studio Brewing
Carol Roitberg
Olympic Industries
Margaret Veenhoven-Joe
Trevor O’Reilly
Celia Meade
The Hamber Foundation
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada
Tyler Unger
City of Surrey
Vancouver Foundation
Rick Floer
City of North Vancouver
Chris Stokes and Kathy Bolton Private Giving Fund
Olé Cocktail Company
Visier Solutions Inc.
Roland Wood
United Way of the Lower Mainland
Conam Charitable Foundation
Daisy Brown
Wiklow Corporate Services
Devony Baugh
Salesforce
Direction(s) Consulting Inc.
Seamus Carroll
EJ Lambert
Shahab Soltani
Hong Li
Shirley Loi
James Lee
Shou-Fang Hu-Moore
Jatinder Parhar
Silvina Moscato
David Stobart Emil Manchulenko Fabian Navarro Barocio Harmi Shu James Neill
Stellar Recruitment
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BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2022
United Way Toronto & York Region Wendy Oberlander Victoria Brydon Vinay Bakale
SUPPORTERS Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada
Oakwyn Realty
Donate a Car Canada
United Way of Lower Mainland
IKEA
Value Village
2021 B2Gold Big Brothers Golf Classic TITLE SPONSOR
PROGRAM COMMUNITY PARTNERS City of Vancouver – Sunset and Britannia Community Centres
City of Surrey - Strawberry Hill Library
Simon Fraser University + TD Community Engagement Centre
GOLD SPONSORS
SCHOOL PARTNERS Anderson Elementary
Martha Currie Elementary
AR MacNeill Secondary
Maywood Community
Bayview Community School
Miller Park Community
Bear Creek Elementary
New Westminster Secondary
Beaver Creek Elementary
Newton Elementary
Burnaby Mountain Secondary
North Ridge Elementary
Carson Graham Secondary
Panorama Ridge Secondary
Centennial Secondary
Princess Margaret Secondary
Central Elementary
Rochester Elementary
Clayton Elementary
Sir Wilfred Laurier Elementary
Edmonds Elementary
Stoney Creek Community School
Frank Hurt Secondary
Tamanawis Secondary
Hastings Elementary
Walter Moberly Elementary
Henderson Elementary
WE Kinvig Elementary
Hjorth Rd Elementary
Westview Elementary
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
MEDIA SPONSOR
ADOPT-A-MATCH SUPPORTERS
KB Woodward Elementary
Ian MacLean
John Willett
Lord Kelvin Elementary
Roger Richer
Vernon Shein
Nicholas Campbell
Dale Craig
Mike Cinnamond
Victor King
Brian Scott
Neil Reeder
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER TONY MILES, CHAIR Technology and Operations Consultant
MARK QUINLAN, TREASURER Director of Finance - Vessel Packaging Co.
GERRY EGAN Owner - GME Global Management Inc.
FRED HAIDERZADA, VICE CHAIR Manager, Implementation – TELUS
SYDNEE REECE BENNETT Youth Board Director
JAMES GOULDEN, SECRETARY Partner - Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
GURV BRAR Senior Manager, Business Services & Strategic Compliance, By-law Compliance – City of Vancouver
STEVEN JOE Senior Financial Planner, Assante Financial Management GUYLE TIPPE Partner – KPMG
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER FOUNDATION TREVOR O’REILLY, CHAIR Investment Counsellor – RBC Phillips, Hager & North Investment Counsel GUYLE TIPPE, SECRETARY Partner – KPMG
STEVEN JOE, TREASURER Senior Financial Planner – Assante Financial Management CONNOR AYLWIN Director of Partnerships - Revelate
JEFF CUTLER President - Cutler. EMIL KHIMJI CEO – White Crane Capital Corp. SHIRLEY LOI Senior Manager, Social Impact
CORBIN LOWE Private Wealth Specialist – Hoovest Wealth Management HARRY POKRANDT Director – Sandspring Resources Ltd.
BIG BROTHERS CLOTHING DONATION
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TONY MILES, CHAIR Technology and Operations Consultant
MARK QUINLAN, TREASURER Director of Finance - Vessel Packaging Co.
GARY MILNE Managing Partner, Business Development – Elton Media
LORNE FEDERAL, SECRETARY Retired Managing Partner – Valhalla Distribution Ltd.
IAIN MACMILLAN Manager, Warehousing Services – BuildDirect Technologies
JIM TIMMS
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2022
Retired Director, Appraisals Division – Maynards Industries Ltd.
LARRY VELONIC Account Executive, Large Enterprise – Rogers Mobility
STAFF EXECUTIVE TEAM VALERIE LAMBERT, CPA, CA, ICD.D Executive Director
ROSE HIGGINS Director, Programs and Operations
EMILY YUNG Director, Finance and Systems
SLAV GUDELJ General Manager, Big Brothers Clothing Donation (Renew Crew)
MANDY WONG Manager, Development and Marketing
SHARON LAMB Senior HR Generalist
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER Program Leadership Team
Program Staff Team
NAVKIRAN BRAR Manager, Family Engagement
HINA BUTT Mentoring Coordinator
RAY KHAN Mentoring Coordinator
ANGIE DUBÉ Manager, Community Program
CINDY CHAN Mentoring Coordinator
MELISSA KO Mentoring Coordinator
LUKE COAD Manager, School Programs
KEVIN CHAU Mentoring Coordinator
KHAREN LUCHTENBERG Intake Coordinator
LOREEN KISHOR Manager, Group Programs
ADRIANO CLEMENTE Mentoring Coordinator
GURKIRAN PANDHER Mentoring Coordinator
PAMELA MARIN Assessment Lead & Supervisor
KIRAN DEOL Mentoring Coordinator
DANIELLE OLSON Roots Program, Curriculum Lead and Supervisor
NEERU GILL Mentoring Coordinator
ANGELA RODRIGUEZ Teen and Youth Leadership Coordinator
NAMARTA GREWAL Mentoring Coordinator
ANNIE PHAM Quality Assurance Director
SHEY HUSINI Mentoring Coordinator
KIMIKO YAMADA Administrative Services Manager
KUDRET SEKHON Mentoring Coordinator SHINTARO TACHIHARA Mentoring Coordinator LEANNE YEUNG Assessment Lead
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER FOUNDATION
BIG BROTHERS CLOTHING DONATION (RENEW CREW)
ANDREA BECERRIL Events Coordinator
TERESA QUACH Development Officer
DOUG HAMILTON Operations Manager, Vancouver Ops.
SHALINI SINGH Bin Program Coordinator
NORMAN GALIMSKI Marketing and Communications Coordinator
JULIA SHEPEK Marketing & Recruitment Officer
JENNIFER LIBAN-AMISTAD Operations Manager, Call Centre Ops.
ELOISA VERZOSA Administrative Assistant
SHARLENE KUMAR Senior Accountant ANDRÉE NASH Events Officer
DENNIS TOPP Accounting Administrator
REYNA MARAVILLA Partnership Programs Coordinator / Supervisor
BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2022
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“I think the impact of just having a healthy and consistent male in a boy’s life can be underestimated. There doesn’t need to be a grand difference. It’s the feeling that someone wants to spend time with him, just being him. Genuine care. That’s what makes the difference.” – GUARDIAN OF LITTLE BROTHER
“Honestly, getting to know the Little and seeing them develop. I believe the Big gets as much out of these matches as the Little; from day 1, I was reminded of the importance of presence & curiosity that only a younger person can guide an adult back toward!” – VOLUNTEER BIG BROTHER
“My son’s Big Brother has become the perfect friend to my son. My husband died when he was 4 and having a Big Brother in his life has given him someone to hang out with and do fun things with, when I often don’t have time. My son looks forward to their meetings so much and I love the way his face lights up when he sees him. His Big Brother is never far from his thoughts - he will ask me to send the odd funny text to him (using my phone) - and it is easy to see how important their friendship is to him.” – GUARDIAN OF LITTLE BROTHER
“Getting a chance to mentor a mentee whom I would never have a chance to meet in any other way was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had as a Teen. Sharing connections and building a rapport with them, helping them develop their self-confidence and communication skills, offering them encouragement, support and friendship, was incredibly rewarding. I learned to appreciate even more the importance of human interactions and that showing a little kindness to someone else can be life-changing.” – VOLUNTEER TEEN MENTOR
“Seeing the change in the Little highlights how important these connections are. Having someone that has a main purpose of supporting, encouraging and at times teaching new things, shows the little there are moments in life that are just meant to be fun and positive.” – GUARDIAN OF LITTLE BROTHER
“The most rewarding experience as an In School Mentor was to feel the warmth in the relationship grow with my mentee, the games, the laughter, the stories, the interesting questions and the learning. It is amazing to be a part of someone’s life and to let someone be a part of your life. For someone to tell you that they look forward to meeting with you, that’s precious. My mentee was absolutely a joy to connect with and made my life that much more interesting and I too had always looked forward to meeting with my mentee.” – VOLUNTEER IN-SCHOOL MENTOR
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BIG BROTHERS OF GREATER VANCOUVER | ANNUAL REPORT - FISCAL 2022
HOW TO HELP
Together we can do big things. You too can empower young people in realizing their full potentials and dreams. Donate at BigBrothersVancouver.com and your generosity will go towards supporting our vision and mission. Funding goes towards: • DIRECT SERVICES TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
• TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
• RECRUITMENT AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH
• ADMINISTRATION
VOLUNTEER with us. We’re always looking for
SPONSOR OR PARTNER with us. Join our community
awesome mentors to work directly with mentees
of corporate partners to make an impact through
and making a lasting impact on their lives. Visit our
opportunities like becoming a sponsor for a Big
website or email us at volunteer@bbgvf.com to learn
Brothers event, involve your work in volunteering for
more on joining our Big Brothers community.
a program, or sponsor a mentorship program.
DONATE CLOTHING and your donations will
LIKE US on Facebook and follow us on LinkedIn,
be turned into funding that goes directly to
Instagram, Twitter @bigbrothersyvr to stay up to
our mentorship programs. Book a pick up at
date with our latest news, photos, and videos.
BigClothingDonation.com.
For more ways to get involved, email us at marketing.communications@bbgvf.com or call us at 604.876.2447.
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102 – 1193 Kingsway Vancouver, BC V5V 3C9 T: 604.876.2447 E: mail@bigbrothersvancouver.com @bigbrothersyvr
Charitable Registration Number: 106793722RR0001
bigbrothersvancouver.com
