5:30 – 7:00 PM – Kick-Off Reception featuring cultural pavilions with exciting activations, electric soccer freestyler and pop-style violinist performances, silent auction, and passed hors d’oeuvres
7:00 PM – Program Begins
Segment 1 | Welcome Remarks
Segment 2 | Award Recognition
Segment 3 | Cause & Impact
Segment 4 | Award Recognition & Finale
9:30 PM – After Party featuring live entertainment and dancing, late-night bite stations, and cocktails
Our cultural pavilions were thoughtfully curated to celebrate the rich diversity, traditions, and backgrounds of the Littles we proudly serve. We invite you to explore each pavilion and discover how it reflects and honours the unique cultures and communities within our program.
While you’re exploring, don’t forget to check out our Live Auction by scanning the QR code below for an exciting selection of exclusive experiences and items — all in support of empowering young people through mentorship.
A message from the President/CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto Stachen Frederick
A message from Big Night Out’s 2026 honourary chair
Welcome to Big Night Out 2026: Uniting Toronto, One Match at a Time. Tonight is a celebration of the power of mentorship and the incredible community that believes in the potential of young people across our city.
I want to thank all our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and supporters for making this evening possible. Special thanks to our Board of Directors, Honorary Event Chair, the Big Night Out Committee members particularly Sam Petras, and Alexandra Achkarian for their special contributions, event champions such as Creed Atkinson, our dedicated BBBST staff team, and valued partners including Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex, , Power Play, and the many individuals and organizations who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this event to life.
For over 114 years, BBBST has connected young people with caring mentors who help ignite confidence, possibility, and belonging. Tonight, your presence and support help ensure that more youth across Toronto can get matched with a caring adult and experience the life changing impact of mentorship. Thank you for believing in our mission and for standing with us as we continue building brighter futures, one match at a time.
Joey St-Aubin, President & CEO - CANLAN SPORTS
It’s a privilege to serve as this year’s Honourary Chair for Big Night Out in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto. At Canlan Sports, we believe we’re in the connections business, creating spaces where people come together through sport, community, and shared experiences.
That’s why this year’s theme, Uniting the City: One Match at a Time, resonates so deeply with me.
Mentorship is one of the most powerful connections we can create, and tonight is about building brighter futures for young people across our city. Thank you for being part of the fun, the generosity, and the impact. Together, we’re creating meaningful connections that truly change lives.
A message from Presenting Sponsor Scotiabank’s Chief Strategy and Operating Officer
Anique Asher
*Insert Message Here*
MENU
Salad
Green Salad - Mixed Greens, French Beans, Cucumber, Grape Tomato, Strawberry, Mandarin, Balsamic Dressing
Espresso dipped lady fingers, mascarpone cream, chocolate cup
MATCH LENGTH: 1+ YEAR
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MEMORY:
John: My favorite memory was when we were at the Blue Jays game and the lounge. It was one of my favourite memories because we also got to be on TV on Sportsnet when the Blue Jays won. I also loved eating pizza, chicken wings, and mac and cheese at Rogers Centre as I never attended a game before. We also got a print out of our photos at the photo booth and got to play video games as well, I had so much fun. I also liked going to the allyoucaneat buffet because the food was great and the view was really nice.
Gerald: My favourite memory was during our time at the Rec Room. An anonymous donor had donated a significant amount that allowed the various Bigs and Littles to play all the games and to win prizes. It was great to see my little strategize the best methodology in winning tickets that allowed him to have a fun day!
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM EACH OTHER:
What has your Little taught you: My little has taught me to really take things in and enjoy the moments in life. Working and living in the financial sector, sometimes you forget the moments that actually matter. He reminds me to slow down and appreciate them.
What has your Big taught you: My Big has taught me that if you want to do well in life, you need to work hard in school because nothing is free. He taught me to be curious because it helps you learn more. I learned that it doesn’t matter who you are, you should always be yourself and not be distracted by the mean students at school. I learned that you need to work hard to pay for things and to build a stable life. My big also brought me to the library, where I learned that reading and learning are important for my future.
NAMES:
BIG: CHARLOT / LITTLE: KATHERINE
MATCH LENGTH: 1+ YEAR
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MEMORY:
Charlot: Doing puppy yoga together, seeing her so centred from the yoga and blissful from cuddling with the puppies.
/ When I asked what she is grateful for, and she said having me as a big sister and hugged me / Katherine performing, dancing and singing, for me at a picnic we did.
WHAT HAS YOUR LITTLE TAUGHT YOU:
What has your Little taught you: A little goes a long way, the smallest things — can mean so much. And that this is two-way giving, she also brings me so much joy!
BIG MOMENTS
MATCH MEAL - $50
Whether it is going out to eat at a nice restaurant or preparing a meal, BIGS and Littles have used food to engage and start conversations. With rising food costs in Toronto, food insecurity is a BIG issue for our Littles. The opportunity to cook a meal or eat out is often a BIG moment for our youth. Help support this moment for a match!
ART OF A MATCH - $100
Matching a Little to the right BIG is truly a science, and some can urge an art. But when you see the crafts, drawings, dances, sewing and all things creative that matches do together, there is definitely an ART of a match. Help support the artistic direction of our youth.
GAME.SET.MATCH - $250
NAMES:
BIG: CRYSTAL / LITTLE: MONICA
MATCH LENGTH: 6+ YEAR
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MEMORY:
Monica: My favourite memory is us going to the Casa Loma Haunted House to celebrate her birthday. I think she just enjoyed seeing me scared!
Crystal: My favourite memory is the Taylor Swift concert and being able to see the joy and excitement it brought to Monica. It was such an incredible experience for us!
WHAT HAS YOUR LITTLE TAUGHT YOU:
Monica has taught me patience, how to slow down and appreciate small things in life, and she’s taught me to be my true self!
A common and exhilarating moments for matches are playing sports together or attending a game in Toronto. Whether it’s a Raptors, Maple Leafs or a Blue Jays game, fun is always had! Being together with other fans, enjoying game day snacks and seeing the sport live is always a cherished moment.
STEMING FROM A MATCH - $500
Help create a big moment through science, technology, engineering and math activities. Participating in STEM activities sparks curiosity. Having a tablet to learn to code or creating rainy day activities such building a volcano and seeing it erupt are all part of this moment.
