Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cranbrook

You have what it takes to become a part of something Big! Our volunteers come from all walks of life but have the common goal of wanting to help a child. It’s easy to get involved…you don’t have to change your life, you just have to make a bit of room for a new friend.

Common Myths about Mentoring (Volunteering):

You need lots of time:Big Brother Big Sister volunteers average 2-3 hours a week depending on the activity you decide to do together with your little brother/little sister. In-School Mentor volunteers spend 1 hour a week during school hours with one student.

The screening process takes too long:The world has changed so that we can't trust everyone who tells us they want to help children. We must look carefully at everyone who applies in order to help safeguard children. The screening process usually takes less than one month to complete. The idea is for us to get to know you so we can choose the best match for you, a compatible child and friend.

The kids are difficult or unmanageable:This is a preventative program. Although many children who need mentors have had some big life challenges, it doesn't necessarily show when they get one-on-one time with a caring adult. The most successful matches are fun for both the mentor and child.

You have to fix a child's problems:We ask volunteer mentors to just be a friend to a child. Through building a relationship with a child, their self-esteem improves and they tend to cope better with all aspects of their life. You do not need to counsel the child or solve family issues. Just be there and care!

You have to be young: We have mentors of all ages from 19 years to into their sixties.

You must be active or athletic: We prefer to have a wide range of people to volunteer, as not all children are active or athletic either. If you can read with a child, play board games, listen to a child, or make a craft, you could be a mentor.

It costs too much money: Money can't buy friendship. Children & parents are asked to contribute to the cost of activities however we strongly suggest low cost activities. Children need your time, not your money. We highly recommend that the volunteer has access to a motor vehicle as local transit is limited.

	Volunteering
			Quick Facts Our Stories and Testimonials Become a volunteer Inquiry Form Inquire Now »
	You have what it takes to become a part of something Big! Our volunteers come from all walks of life but have the common goal of wanting to help a child. It’s easy to get involved…you don’t have to change your life, you just have to make a bit of room for a new friend. Common Myths about Mentoring (Volunteering): You need lots of time:Big Brother Big Sister volunteers average 2-3 hours a week depending on the activity you decide to do together with your little brother/little sister. In-School Mentor volunteers spend 1 hour a week during school hours with one student. The screening process takes too long:The world has changed so that we can't trust everyone who tells us they want to help children. We must look carefully at everyone who applies in order to help safeguard children. The screening process usually takes less than one month to complete. The idea is for us to get to know you so we can choose the best match for you, a compatible child and friend. The kids are difficult or unmanageable:This is a preventative program. Although many children who need mentors have had some big life challenges, it doesn't necessarily show when they get one-on-one time with a caring adult. The most successful matches are fun for both the mentor and child. You have to fix a child's problems:We ask volunteer mentors to just be a friend to a child. Through building a relationship with a child, their self-esteem improves and they tend to cope better with all aspects of their life. You do not need to counsel the child or solve family issues. Just be there and care! You have to be young: We have mentors of all ages from 19 years to into their sixties. You must be active or athletic: We prefer to have a wide range of people to volunteer, as not all children are active or athletic either. If you can read with a child, play board games, listen to a child, or make a craft, you could be a mentor. It costs too much money: Money can't buy friendship. Children & parents are asked to contribute to the cost of activities however we strongly suggest low cost activities. Children need your time, not your money. We highly recommend that the volunteer has access to a motor vehicle as local transit is limited.