Big Brothers of Hamilton began in 1921 as a way for boys who had lost their fathers in the war to have the benefit of an adult role model. Over the past decades we have become a leading mentoring organization. In 2003, Big Brothers merged with Big Sisters to become Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington. We are proud members of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton. In 2008, we served over 700 children and had over 900 active volunteers.

The children we serve are typically referred to our agency by parents, guardians, grand-parents, and teachers. These children are at risk of not achieving their full potential. Some risks include poverty, peer difficulties, poor school performance and a lack of opportunity to participate in social, educational and recreational activities. This is where a mentor can make a difference in the life of a child.

So what is a Mentor? We believe, Mentors help to build character. They give children strength through guidance, encouragement and consistency to overcome the obstacles in their lives that can so often steer them in the wrong direction.

Mentoring it is about being a supportive friend and sharing time together: playing catch, reading a book, watching a movie or just hanging out.

We know mentoring works! Through decades of research, surveys and interviews we have found that children who receive our services are:

80% more likely to attain a secondary school diploma.
78% do not rely on social assistance as adults.
46% are less likely to start using drugs.

Children who are mentored also have improved behaviour at school, at home and in the community. We want to ensure every child who needs a mentor has a mentor. You can help us reach this goal.

Mentor's Role

• Build a friendship with a young person while having fun.
• Talk, listen, support, guide, encourage - believe in a child and help them believe in themselves.
• Keep others informed about what you're doing. In most of our programs, you communicate directly with families involved and our staff. In-School mentors communicate with staff at the school and our staff.
• Keep in touch with your caseworker. Ask questions and address concerns promptly.
• Be respectful of your Littles privacy. You are asked not to discuss any identifying information when talking with others about your time together.

Our Role

• Help you decide which program and young person matches your interests, skills, and schedule.
• Be your support throughout the match.
• Depending on the program you choose, a caseworker will keep in touch with you through phone calls and visits according to our follow-up schedule.

Mentoring Opportunities

Traditional Match - Big Brothers, Sisters, Couples, Families
Volunteer(s) spend two or three hours a week with a child between the ages of 6 and 18 years old for a minimum of one year. Together you can enjoy everyday activities, share favourite pastimes or create new adventures such as: biking, baking, reading or tossing a football. It only takes a little time to make a BIG impact.

Who are the kids?
They are between the ages of 6 and 14 years old living in the Hamilton and Burlington area. They may be having difficulties making friends, struggling at school or at home. Some children may have limited access to educational and recreational activities due to financial and/or transportation barriers. All have something in common - they are waiting for a friend like you!

• Visit the library, park or community centre.
• Go biking, hiking, or fishing.
• Learn a new craft or hobby.
• Hang out and talk.

In-School Mentoring
Volunteer visits a child in elementary school for one hour, once a week during the school year. Together you and the child focus on learning through fun social, educational and recreational activities such as: sports, crafts, board games, computer time, cooking and reading all with one goal - having fun!

Volunteers are asked to stay on school property in this program.

Employers who support In-School Mentoring
In-School Mentoring is a valuable experience to offer your employees. It is flexible, fun and only takes one hour, once a week to make an impact.

Benefits to the employer:

• You will be a leader in the community by encouraging employees to volunteer as In-School Mentors.
• You will benefit from heightened morale, increased productivity and improved self-esteem of employees who volunteer.
• You will assist in the development of an educated skilled workforce for the future.
• You will help change the lives of youth in our community.

• Read a book.
• Play board games.
• Utilize school facility - gym, computer room, outside equipment.
• Make a scapbook.
• Help with homework.

SOAR (Social Opportunities Activities and Relationships)

Social Opportunities Activities and Relationships (SOAR) is group mentoring program matching volunteers with children who are currently waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister. Volunteers drive two or three children, one night a week to a pre-determined community activity. Together with other volunteers and children you participate in a fun activity. The SOAR coordinator plans, organizes and facilitates the activities in 12 week sessions.

Who are the kids?
The children who participate in SOAR are currently waiting to be matched with a Big Brother, Sister, Couple or Family. They may not have the have the opportunity to access social, educational and recreational activities.

SOAR Activities

• Recreational activities - swimming, horseback riding, mini putt.
• Community activities - football/hockey games, tours of McMaster, Hamilton Spectator and Home Depot.
• Educational/Life Skills - topics such as dental hygiene, resume writing and cooking demonstrations.

Go Girls! Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies & Game On Eat Smart, Play Smart, Live Smart

Both Go Girls and Game On promote active living, balanced eating and addresses social issues with female and male students between the ages of 12 and 14. Two volunteer mentors facilitate a group of 8 to 10 students for two hours once a week, for seven to ten weeks. Each session takes place within the school and is packed full of fun activities, healthy snacks and discussions about topics such as; media influences, bullying, communication skills and building positive relationships. Program sessions typically take place in the fall, winter and spring.

Who are the participants?
The female and male students participating have been identified by school personal as benefiting from learning about healthy lifestyles and having the opportunity to spend time with peers and volunteer mentors.

Each Go Girls/Game On session includes:

• Physical Activity Component - dancing, games, tag.
• Balanced Eating Component - nutritious snacks, Canada food guide discussions.
• Feeling Good - discussions focusing on media influences, peer pressures.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are the heart of our agency. Even if you decide now is not the time for you to be a mentor, there are lots of ways to get involved. We would love to hear about your skills and interests and how they might help our agency.

Here are some ideas:

• Join our special events team- put a team together for bowl and/or our annual golf tournaments, or join the planning committee. It is a great way to meet new people and learn new skills.
• Donate food or prizes to our events and/or agency.
• Host a fundraiser to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.
• Put our ad in your community newsletter, company e-bulletin or put a poster up at your workplace.
• Ask us to speak at your workplace, church or social group.
• Come to our office to help with administrative duties.

Want to get started? Click here to start the volunteer application process.