"I would like to share with you why I’m so glad Hugh and Kim are my ‘big buddies’. We do a lot of fun things together, like ‘glow-in-the-dark’ golf, watching the newest movies - always with a dinner in one of our favorite restaurants, and getting to check out Canada’s Wonderland before it even opens to the public. Just hanging around their house on the river with their friendly dogs Brody and Alex, is really cool - especially the nights we soak in their outdoor hottub! Actually, this past winter, while soaking, we each stuck our faces in the snow beside the tub. We really looked silly with our frozen hair sticking up. During the summer, after playing some frisbee with Brody and Alex, we’ve gone down the river in their boat. We’ve built sun shelters in the bushes and taken the dogs for many walks. We have shared the smiles and the tears, the laughter and the heart-aches. Through all this, I believe we are the best of friends."
Nicholas, Little Brother with Big Couple

“I’ve learned how important I can be to a child and it’s kind of shocking!  But it feels so good - the school tells me how Ashley’s practically bouncing with excitement waiting for me.  Believe me, it’s wonderful for my self esteem too.  I have total support from my workplace, which is great.  I’m apt to give everything I’ve got to my job but this gives me time for something that means a lot to me, something that provides balance in my life.”
Lorena, In-School Mentor

“If you haven’t been a Little Brother it’s really hard to explain adequately how one person can have such a huge impact on your life.  I had my Big Brother for 3 years before he moved away - I like to think he’d be pleased that I’ve just been accepted to Med School.  Now, as an adult, I have a really busy schedule, but I received such a benefit from my Big Brother that it’s important for me to be a volunteer.  The In-School Mentoring Program is perfect for me.  My Mentee is so much like I was - too much energy, short attention span. I really understand his frustration.  We try to do things that are a bit different.  Last week we made nanaimo bars which made him very popular with his teachers.  We get closer every day - it’s an amazing experience.”
Chad, In-School Mentor & former Little Brother

“Steven took to Craig & Linda (Big Couple) right away...which is unusual for him.  Steven has never had a man in his life.  Craig and he share a lot of interests and since they’ve been matched Steven is trying new things with them.  Steven’s self confidence has grown too.  What might seem like a small benefit to most but is a huge benefit for me is seeing the happy faces my kids have after being out with their Bigs.”
Bev, Parent

“I am writing to thank you and everyone else for getting me a Big Brother, Mark.  We have lots of fun together. We have gone fishing, I’ve seen some airplanes with him, we went to the park and the beach.  Mark even came to my spring concert. I was Papa Bear.”
Little Brother, David

“My father died when I was about 8 years old.  I knew I missed something special.  I’m retired now and have some time so I think it’s my responsibility to be a decent role model to a child.  It costs nothing but a bit of time - and it’s lots of fun!”
Alston, In-School Mentor