Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kamloops is the leading child and youth serving organization providing one-to-one mentoring programs in the City of Kamloops and surrounding area. Men and women give of their time to become a mentor to a youngster who can benefit greatly from having another adult role model in their life. For over 40 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kamloops has made a difference in the lives of young people by providing a friend where one is needed.
In response to the different needs and demands of children, youth and volunteers alike, we have created different programs to fit our changing society. Couples matches, In-School Mentoring (I.S.M.) matches (including an Aboriginal I.S.M. component) and our new Teen Mentoring Program all provide a variety of opportunities to volunteer and support the children and youth in our community.
The impact made by our volunteers is truly overwhelming. Children who have been in our program see real, positive change. Our “LITTLES” go on to graduate from high school at a rate of 20% higher than the national average. 78% of “LITTLES” who came from a social assistance background no longer rely on this form of income and a disproportionately high number of former “LITTLES” graduate from college or university compared to others in their age group (Project Impact, Social Planning Council of Hamilton and District, Hamilton, 1994).
Currently in Kamloops we have over 125 children matched with adults or university students in our one-to-one programs. Our challenge is to find matches for the 75 children on our waiting lists.