A Message from the Executive Director


Greetings!


September is Big Brothers Big Sisters month across the country! This year’s theme “Make Life Bigger”, is all about the impact that a little time, consistency, and care can have on a young person’s life.  


As back-to-school season begins, so does our one-to-one In-School Mentoring Program. Last year BBBS mentorship was offered in 68 schools across Niagara. The program matches children and youth in grades 1 to 8, who would benefit from additional social support with a Mentor. Common referral reasons include: lack of school engagement or poor school attendance, lack of self-confidence/self-esteem, lack of social skills or friendships, experience with bullying others or being bullied and lack of respect for authority figures. Mentors meet with their Mentee at their school once a week for one hour, and engage in activities such as board games, crafts, sports, and more! Not only does this program give the Mentee additional support in navigating school challenges but also helps schools support children and youth at no additional cost.


We often hear from our school board partners, teachers, and families about the meaningful impact a BBBS mentor can have on a young person’s self-esteem, confidence, school engagement, and mental well-being.


We are incredibly grateful for the dedicated volunteers and generous supporters who make programs like our one-to-one In-School Mentoring possible. Your support helps ensure that more young people have access to a caring mentor who believes in them and helps them reach their full potential.


We have lots of exciting activities planned for this month, and we’re looking forward to sharing many of them with you below! Follow along on our socials, and our website, as we celebrate across Niagara Region! 


Sincerely, 


Erin Graybiel, Executive Director

Join us at our Community Open House!

We're celebrating Big Brother's Big Sisters Day by opening the doors to our St. Catharines office!


đź“…September 18

đź•“Drop-in 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

📍428 Niagara Street, St. Catharines


This is a great opportunity to learn more about the life changing impact of mentoring in our community, meet our team, and explore our Nearly New Thrift Store pop-up and donation drive!

Bid in the Community Art Auction

In partnership with Stamford Estates, 46 pieces of art were donated by local artists and our BBBSN mentees!


đź“…Ends September 20th, 2026

đź•“Closes at 4pm

📍Online


All proceeds from the auction with support our mentoring programs. Want to see the art in person? Drop by Stamford Estates (3900 Portage Rd, Niagara Falls) anytime between now and September 20th!

Secure your table for Trivia For Kids' Sake!

Come out for a night of fun, food, laughter and great trivia promised to get your brain working, all in support of youth mentorship in Niagara!


đź“…Thursday, October 29, 2026

đź•“Doors open at 6 p.m., game play starts at 7 p.m.

📍Casa Dante Lodge (34 Lincoln St., Welland)


Pizza and dessert will be served during intermission. Chips will be available at each table.

 

Another successful year of The BIG Start!

This year 58 local students from our programs received a $200 Niagara Pen Centre Gift Card to shop for back-to-school essentials with a mentor! Thanks to the generosity of the Niagara community, we were able to fill over 200 backpacks to distribute to even more youth in our programs.


A BIG thank you goes out to all of our partners and sponsors who helped make this year memorable including the Niagara Pen Centre (Leyad) and many of their retailers, PenFinancial Credit Union, Switzer-Carty, Seaway Mall, Vintage Hotels, and Giant Shoe Creative Agency.

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