"Bigs", and "Littles", spend time together doing activities that they have decided on together. The amount of time they spend together is flexible. It may be once a week, every two weeks or twice a month. It all depends on the needs of the "Little" and the commitment the "Big" is able to make.

Regular, consistent contact is important for the children we provide service to. We strive to provide them with the stability from an adult, that they may have been or are presently lacking. "Bigs and Littles" do a variety of things together such as going for picnics, playing street hockey, tossing a frisbee or playing baseball in the park, working on school projects together, baking, sewing, attending community events...the list is endless. Our agency also provides ongoing group activities such as barbecues and tickets to a Toronto Blue Jays game or Canada's Wonderland.

Occasional Big Brother/Big Sister Program

"Occasional Bigs" are people who want to be a Big Brother or Big Sister but are unable to make the regular commitment. An "Occasional Big" is someone who would take a child from our waiting list to a special event. They may be called upon three or four times per year. Our agency is often the recipient of complimentary tickets (ie: the circus, Petes games, etc.) and these would be examples of what an "Occasional Big" would take a waiting-list child to.

Being an "Occasional Big" appeals to people who aren't quite sure if they want to be a Big Brother or Big Sister and this is a way of trying it out first. It is also ideal for people who want to be a Big Brother or Big Sister but just don't have the regular schedule to provide the consistency to a child.

In-School Mentoring Program

A fun and rewarding program, In-School Mentoring matches an adult (Mentor) with a child (Mentee) in a school environment. Building a positive, new friendship strengthens a Mentee's self-esteem and school performance, and provides a Mentor with the chance to re-experience the adventure of childhood.

This program is a true cooperative effort between the local school board, business communities and our Big Brother, Big Sister agency. School boards allow breaks from regular programming for children to take part.

In-School Mentoring is ideal for people who enjoy spending quality time with a child and want to volunteer, but don't feel they have the time or resource to spend with a child. Your time spent at the school as an In-School Mentor can be the same day each week or can vary depending on your schedule. All of the school facilities and resources are available to you. Activities are not necessarily of academic nature. Working in the library or playing basketball in the gym are just two of many activities you may participate in.

In-School Mentoring is an exciting new program that will have tremendous benefits for the children involved and for the volunteers...the knowledge that you are making a difference in the life of a child.

Couples Matching

One unique program that allows you to involve a significant other as well as members of your family if that is applicable, is something called "Couples Matching". This program matches one child to a couple.

This program benefits those who want to be involved but are concerned it will take time away from their own family life. If you have a variable work schedule and are afraid that you many disappoint a child by not being available some weeks, this can allow you to use your partner to pick up the meetings at these times. Couples Matching can benefit "Littles" by exposing and involving them in healthy and fun family activities.