Celebrating 40 Years and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern BC

Since 1979, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been providing proactive youth mentoring programs to children and youth living in Prince George. The last four decades have had its share of highs and some lows. But thanks to the incredible number of sponsors, donors, volunteers, and supporters who help out, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince George made it through some serious financial challenges and have made commitments to ensure that children in Prince George who need a mentor, get a mentor. Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to thank this community from the bottom of their hearts for stepping up and rallying for the agency, its families, and the kids. In preparation for the next 40 years, there are some exciting changes to come.

THE BBBS BRAND

September 18^th was National Big Brothers Big Sisters Day. Across the country Big Brothers Big Sisters unveiled and celebrated a new look for the organization. The new brand is modern and exciting, and the dream is that with more people, more volunteers, and more donors involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters, they can ignite the power and potential of thousands more young people across Canada. Because “When we stand together, we’re #BiggerTogether”. The new Big Brothers Big Sisters creates life-changing mentoring relationships to ignite the power and potential of young people.

REGION

Big Brothers Big Sisters is standing up for youth not just only in Prince George, but throughout the region. Their vision is to serve communities who may be underserved at times, and may feel forgotten. That is why they are now going by the name Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern BC, and they are ready to spark the biggest possible future, together. The complete expansion will not be immediate, to ensure that it’s done in a sustainable way by working with communities to build relationships, create trust, and lay down a strong foundation.

PARTNERSHIPS

Non-profit partners are encouraged to work within these new communities and with organizations who already call these communities home. Help them build capacity, grow their sustainability, and together ensure that children who may be facing adversities have the opportunity to achieve more. “Together, we are stronger.”

Big Brother Big Sisters of Northern BC is excited to announce that they are working with Valemount Learning Centre to offer Big Brothers Big Sisters programming throughout the Robson Valley. They look forward to working with the staff of Valemount Learning Centre to initiate and execute BBBS programming in Valemount, and hopefully soon after, in McBride.

LOOKING FORWARD

The demand for mentoring programs throughout the North is great. In the months and years ahead programs will expand work with more community partners and families in a thoughtful and sustainable way. Funds raised under each partnership agreement will stay in their community to support their kids. This means money that is donated in Prince George will support Prince George youth; money donated in the Robson Valley will be targeted for Robson Valley programs.

Over the next few months you will see and hear more from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern BC as they roll out a new brand, new programs, and the 2020 fund development plan. Exciting things are planned including the return of events introduced this year and annual favourites, as well as some never before seen initiatives. Growing our Community Shuttle Program and Child Care Programs is a high priority.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has accomplished a lot over the past 40 years, and they cannot say thank you enough. We truly are #BiggerTogether, and it’s so exciting to see the next chapter as #BigsNBC. Let’s create change together for children living throughout Northern BC. Volunteer, donate, stand up for our youth and make a difference in our region.

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