Mentoring grows through shared experiences
Mentoring grows through shared interests
Mentoring grows through regular connection.
Mentoring relationships matter.
TORONTO, Sept. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — This September, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (BBBSC) is inviting Canadians to Make Life Bigger for young people by celebrating the power of mentorship during Big Brothers Big Sisters Month. It is also an invitation to Canadians aged 18 and older to create impact directly by becoming part of the mentoring movement. Throughout the month, BBBSC will showcase that every Big impact starts with a Little moment.
Make Life Bigger is built on a simple truth: the little moments of mentorship can have a big impact on a young person’s life: A conversation, someone showing up, introducing a young person to a new experience. A mentor is a person who sees something in you before you see it in yourself and encourages resilience and confidence to navigate life’s challenges. Those moments can build confidence, open doors and change what a young person believes is possible.
“Young people are growing up amid rapid change and increasingly complex pressures. They bring strengths and the potential to shape their futures, but access to the relationships and opportunities that help them thrive is not equal. That’s why the need for mentorship has never been greater,” says Jill Zelmanovits, National President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.
Make Life Bigger will spotlight shared moments between Bigs (mentors) and Littles (mentees), like a mentor showing up consistently, listening without judgment, or offering encouragement when it’s needed most. These moments may seem small, but they can change the course of a young person’s life.
“Mentoring does not remove every challenge they face. It helps ensure they do not have to navigate those challenges alone,” adds Zelmanovits.
With ongoing support from staff at 83 local agencies, mentors spend just a few hours each month making a lasting difference in a young person’s life. This year, Big Brothers Big Sisters aims to positively impact more than 31,000 young people in communities across Canada through more than 17,000 mentors.
“My match with my little sister has shown me how powerful simply showing up can be. I’ve learned that sometimes just listening and being there means more than offering any kind of advice. Spending time together [through this mentoring relationship] quickly became one of the best parts of my week,” says one BBBS Mentor from Surrey, BC.
Throughout September, agencies in Canada host community events and fundraising activities to highlight what makes mentorship so powerful. We encourage Canadians to Make Life Bigger by becoming a mentor, donating, volunteering or advocating for youth mentorship. September 18th is Big Brothers Big Sisters Day when communities shine the spotlight on local programs and services.
To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship opportunities, visit makelifebigger.ca.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada
Growing up is not the same for all young people but facing adversity should not stand in the way of who they can become. Research shows that even one consistent, trusted adult can make a meaningful difference by helping a young person feel connected, build confidence, navigate challenges and see new possibilities. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the leading provider of youth mentorship in Canada. Through a national network of 83 locally rooted agencies, mentoring specialists connect young people with trained, caring volunteers through safe, high-quality one-to-one and group mentoring programs that respond to young people’s strengths, circumstances and goals. The safety and well-being of young people are fundamental to everything we do. Working together with families, schools, social service organizations, communities and funders, we help create the conditions for young people to achieve stronger social-emotional and educational outcomes, support their mental wellness and build for future success.
For more information, please contact:
Marina Joseph
1-800-263-9133 ext. 24
[email protected]
makelifebigger.ca
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
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