Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area
415 Wharncliffe Rd. S. N6J 2M3 London, ON, Canada

Big Sister Katie attributes how FUN mentoring is to why her match with her Little Sister has lasted for over SIX years. Here's what she had to say about her experience... "I initially decided to become a mentor as I had some extra time, and wanted to use it to do something productive and to get more involved with the community. ... I know that things can be tough when you're growing up, so I wanted to be able to provide support to someone who might need a bit extra. I've been matched with my "little" now for just over 6 years, which I have a hard time believing because she's made it so easy, and we've had so much fun together. Sometimes, when people see us together, they actually think we're sisters because we've developed such a strong bond (and kind of look alike)! It's been such a positive experience seeing her mature into a young adult, and I'm proud to know that I've been there to provide her with advice and guidance when she needs it." Thank you Katie for volunteering with us for years. We wouldn't be able to make the impact we do without incredible long-term volunteers like you. #MentoringMonth #Fun # MentorIRL #LdnOnt #VolunteersWanted #BiggerTogether

The next Big Bash is on April 9th! This year is extra special because we'll be celebrating 50 years of igniting the power and potential of children in our community. The party will come to you as this event is being held virtually and meals will be delivered to your door. Tickets are $200 per person and come with the following: A three-course meal created by Growing Chefs! Ontario featuring locally-sourced ingredients A cocktail kit and mixology class provided by Paradigm S...pirits Co. A $100 charitable tax receipt Access to our silent auction featuring items generously donated by local London businesses Entertainment and more! Don't wait and buy your tickets here today -> https://london.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca//the-big-bash-che/

You won’t want to miss this year’s event. We’ll be celebrating 50 years of igniting the power and potential of young people here in London. The event is set to take place virtually on Friday April 9th from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. As always, the proceeds of The Big Bash will go towards supporting our mentoring programs. The children in our community need us now more than ever before. Your participation in this event will allow us to keep matching young people facing adversity with me...ntors who will help guide them to a brighter future. Guests of our virtual event will be treated to the following: A three-course meal created by Growing Chefs! featuring locally sourced ingredients. A cocktail kit and mixology class provided by Paradigm Spirits. Networking opportunities with other guests. A silent auction featuring items generously donated by local London businesses. Live entertainment. Get your tickets here -> https://london.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca//the-big-bash-che/

A the height of the first lockdown @kidshelpphone had an increase of calls by 350% with the #1 concern being that kids just wanted someone to talk to -- When it comes to the mental health and well-being of our children, now more than ever, every action counts. Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day and Bell Canada will donate 5 cents to Canadian mental health programs for: - Every applicable text, local or long distance call, tweet or TikTok video using #BellLetsTalk - Every Facebook..., Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube view of the Bell Let’s Talk Day video, and - Every use of the Bell Let’s Talk Facebook frame or Snapchat filter. All at no cost to participants beyond what they would normally pay their service provider for online or phone access. So start texting, tagging, and watching the video - your actions can help create positive change ! #BiggerTogether

The Big Bash: Cheers to 50 Years! virtual gala tickets are now LIVE. Get yours today -> https://london.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca//the-big-bash-che/ You won’t want to miss this year’s event. We’ll be celebrating 50 years of igniting the power and potential of young people here in London. ... The event is set to take place virtually on Friday April 9th from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. As always, the proceeds of The Big Bash will go towards supporting our mentoring programs. The children in our community need us now more than ever before. Your participation in this event will allow us to keep matching young people facing adversity with mentors who will help guide them to a brighter future. #BiggerTogether #LdnOnt

We have an 11 year old boy who lives in East London who has been waiting for a Big Brother for almost 4 YEARS. This Little lives with his great-grandmother and sister. He is having a tough time. He's very social but is having trouble with other kids at school, including bullying. He also is finding virtual learning difficult. The adversities he's facing are leading to depression. We need a kind and gentle Big Brother who will step in and bring some fun, joy and lightness to ...his life. If you can help this boy, or any other the other 106 children on our waitlist, please visit our website london.bigrothersbigsisters.ca and sign up to become a Big today! Can’t volunteer? Consider supporting our matches by donating, giving us a follow and sharing this post. #BiggerTogether #WaitingWednesday #WaitlistWednesday #MentoringMonth #LdnOnt #londonontario

January is #MentoringMonth! This month we're celebrating our mentors and asking them about their experiences volunteering with us. Here's what Big Sister Hellen had to say... "I volunteered with Bbbsola because I wanted to make a positive impact on a child's life. I have always enjoyed working with kids from different backgroundsand I have a little sister of my ownso I understand the joys of being a big sister. ... I started volunteering right before the pandemic and had no idea that I would form a connection with my Little through a virtual environment. It is so rewarding to see my Little gain confidence and share his life with me. I am thankful for my weekly hangouts with my Little because I started activities that I would have never tried before, such as baking, playing video games, and doing Skittle science experiments!" Hellen's experience shows that even in a virtual environment mentoring can still be impactful AND fun. Thank you to Hellen, and all our volunteer mentors, who haven't let pandemic restrictions stop them from providing the support, guidance and friendship their mentees count on. #MentorIRL #BiggerTogether #Bbbsola #LdnOnt

Your resolution this year can make a BIG difference. Give us a year and we’ll change two lives; the life of a young person in our community and yours. We have 123 kids facing adversities waiting for someone like YOU. They’re waiting for a mentor. What does a mentor do? ... We’re so happy you asked! Being a mentor (we call it being a Big) is much more straight forward (and WAY more impactful) than you might think. As a Big, you’ll meet with a child or youth on a weekly basis for a year. Our matches (what we call it when we pair a child with a Big) are made based on common interests and compatible personalities so you’ll spend your meetings doing activities you both enjoy. Wait So you’re only asking me to hang out with a kid? Simply put, YES! You see, the young people in our programs are facing some pretty tough stuff, like a breakdown of their family unit, violence and substance abuse in the home and poverty. Having just one more caring adult in their life has been proven to ignite their potential and help them to overcome these adversities. Having YOU as a role model - to listen, to learn from, to experience new things with, to just be a kid with - is proven to make them more likely to finish school, more confident, less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression, more likely to form strong social connections, and more likely to break the cycle of generational poverty. A few hours a week from you means a bright future for them. Do I have what it takes to be a Big? First and foremost, we are looking for Bigs with lived experience. We want our Bigs to share their interests and lessons from their own life with their mentee. We also need you to be very reliable. We want the young people in our program to know that you’re someone they can count on. You said this will change two lives, how will my life be changed? We offer a volunteer experience unlike any other. Many of our matches become lifelong friends. Our Bigs often tell us how meaningful volunteering with us has been for them. So while you’re making a difference in a young person’s life, you’ll likely notice how awesome, proud and fulfilled this connection makes you feel as well. Follow this link to learn more or to sign up--> https://london.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/volunteer-applicat/ *Please SHARE this post and help us spread the word about all the incredible children waiting for a Big. We need volunteers of all genders but with 90+ boys on our waitlist, we are in DIRE NEED of men.* #mentorswanted #MentoringMonth #MentorIRL #LdnOnt #IgnitePotential #NewYearsResolution

The New York Times has published this incredible article. Totally worth the read. It does a great job of highlighting the support and comfort a mentor can bring in these challenging times. https://www.nytimes.com//21/nyregion/mentors-new-york.html

Many of our mentors are inspired to volunteer because of mentors they had when they were growing up. Becoming a Big is an opportunity to pay the gift of mentorship forward. Here's what Justin had to say about why he chooses to mentor with BBBSOLA: "I was inspired by people when I was growing up. I was part of the Scouts program, I took part in martial arts and other activities like swimming or fencing. ... The instructors and mentors that I had met through my time in these activities influenced the person I became in really positive ways. They did this by sharing different perspectives, activities and cultures than the ones I was familiar with in my family or social group at school. I wanted to take the opportunity given to me by Big Brothers to try to assist and inspire others the same way I was inspired in my youth. " Thank you Justin! Because of Bigs like you, we're inspiring the next generation of mentors. #MentoringMonth #MentorIRL #BiggerTogether #LdnOnt

It's last call to get in on our Early Bird draw for your chance to win a $500 prize. The Early Bird draw is happening TOMORROW at 9 pm. (The draw date for the larger pot is January 15th) Our draw is a win-win; the prize grows with every ticket purchase and so does the support our organization receives. Ticket Prices:... 10 tickets for $10 40 tickets for $20 200 tickets $40 Buy your tickets using this link to ensure the proceeds from your purchase stay here in London -> https://bigbrothersbigsistersraffle.5050central.com/?olc=lon *You must be 18 years of age and a resident of Ontario to play.* #BiggerTogetherRafffle #OntarioGaming #5050 #LdnOnt #VirtualRaffle

When we asked Big Brother Hussein what motivated him to become a mentor this is what he had to say... "Life can become overwhelming, and I decided to be a mentor to help someone navigate this feeling and remind them that no matter what, they are not alone. This experience has brought me new perspectives, good memories, and an opportunity to pay it forward, all while cultivating a new and fun friendship."... Mentoring has the power to connect people and having a mentor means you're no longer alone. Visit https://london.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/ and sign up to become a mentor today. #MentoringMonth #MentorIRL #IgnitePotential #LdnOnt

Merry Christmas!

We're closed for the holidays! *Matches - If you need to reach us during this period, please leave a message on our main phone line at (519)-438-7065. We will be checking the voicemail periodically.*

Children represent a quarter of Canada’s population and 100% of our future. They are citizens with rights, opinions and ideas. Kids deserve to have a say in decisions that affect their lives. And adults have a duty to listen. Go to nationalchildday.org to learn more. #SeenAndHeard #NationalChildDay #BiggerTogether

We have a 12 year old boy located in Strathroy who has been waiting for a Big for FOUR YEARS. This active Little wants someone who he can play soccer, hockey, board games and video games with. He is funny and outgoing and loves to make people laugh. This Little lives with his grandmother and many siblings. He needs a Big to give him the one-on-one attention and support he is missing from his life. ... Visit our website to apply to become his Big Brother today. https://london.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/volunteer-applicat/ Can't volunteer? Please SHARE this post and help end the wait for the 120 kids on our waitlist. #mentoringmatters #Biggertogether #Bbbsola #Ldnont #Strathroy #waitingwednesday #waitlistwednesday

This Little is located in South London. We're looking for a Big Brother who can help to build his confidence. He lost his dad and could use a male role model. He likes cats, music and video games. Apply to be his Big Brother today -> https://london.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/volunteer-applicat/ Can’t volunteer? Consider supporting our matches by donating, giving us a follow and sharing this post.... #WaitingWednesday #WaitlistWednesday #BiggerTogether #Volunteer #Bbbsola #LdnOnt #LondonOntario See more

We'll be there selling locally grown, fresh-cut trees and wreaths! We're currently pre-selling them. Follow the link below to reserve yours today! https://www.simplyk.io/ticketing/5fa43689db427f002982ee73

We're looking for a Super Big Sister for a 14 year old female Little who is a self-described nerd. This Little is into gaming, cosplay, comic conventions, role playing and fan fiction. This Little is located in North-East London and comes from a single-parent home with minimal supports. She wants a meaningful relationship with someone who she can share her interests with. Visit our website to apply to be her Big Sister today! -> https://london.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/volu...nteer-applicat/ Can’t volunteer? Consider supporting our matches by donating, giving us a follow and sharing this post. #WaitingWednesday #WaitlistWednesday #BiggerTogether #Volunteer #Bbbsola #LdnOnt #LondonOntario

Finish your holiday shopping by giving the gift of a mentor. Donations can be made in the name of the people left on your gift list. AND to make it even better we'll make your gift go even further by DOUBLING your donation! A handful of our generous supporters have come together in this challenging year to create a $10,285 matching fund. They will match your gift dollar for dollar, so you can make twice the impact.... Follow this link and donate today -> https://london.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/donate/ #BiggerTogether #ChristmasGiftIdea #LdnOnt #SupportLocal #Shop519

We are the new Big Brothers Big Sisters! Stand with us as we raise our voices, cancel out the noise and empower young people across Canada. Spread the word with the hashtag #BiggerTogether

Congratulations to the Early Bird winner! Next up is the main draw on December 4th. The pot has grown to $29,000 and is getting BIGger every day. Don't miss your chance to win and get your tickets now! Please buy your tickets using this link to ensure proceeds go towards supporting our programs here in London -> https://bigbrothersbigsistersraffle.5050central.com/?olc=lon... Ticket Prices: 10 tickets for $10 40 tickets for $20 200 tickets $40 #5050raffle #BiggerTogether #OntarioGaming #VirtualRaffle #LdnOnt #LocalSupportingLocal

Free posters to help get ready for halloween from the Ontario Government.

Our inaugural draw was such as BIG success that our 50/50 Bigger Together raffle is BACK! The next draw date is on December 4th. Buy your tickets before November 20th to be eligible for our early bird draw that has a $500 prize. The pot for our December draw is now up to $10,845 and growing every day. Please buy your tickets using this link to ensure proceeds go towards supporting our programs here in London -> https://bigbrothersbigsistersraffle.5050central.com/?olc=lon... Ticket Prices: 10 tickets for $10 40 tickets for $20 200 tickets $40

We've got an 11 year old Little located in South London who has been waiting for a Big for TWO years. This 11 year old loves science, inventing, video games and Lego. He's an only child in a single parent home and would immensely benefit from a male role model who shares his interests. Please share this with any gloriously geeky guys you know who you think would make a great Big Brother to this Little. ... Visit our website to apply or for additional information -> http://ow.ly/Ctbg50BYXAG Can’t volunteer? Consider supporting our matches by donating, giving us a follow and sharing this post. #WaitingWednesday #WaitlistWednesday #BiggerTogether #Volunteer #Bbbsola #LdnOnt #LondonOntario

Thank you Finch! This is an incredible program. #localsupportinglocal #biggertogether

It's incredible that something as simple as spending time with a young person has such a positive impact on their self-esteem. Thank you to all our Bigs who are role models, friends and confidence-builders for their Littles. #NationalYouthConfidenceDay #YouthConfidenceDay #BiggerTogether #LdnOnt #Bbbsola

Last month, Big Sister Jonte and Little Sister Dalia celebrated their 1-Year Match Anniversary. To celebrate, they recreated their very first visit together by cooking up pasta with homemade sauce and baking some cupcakes. Congratulations on a wonderful match! #BiggerTogether #MatchMonday #MondayMotiviation #IgnitePotential #Bbbsola #LdnOnt

Big Sister Claire and Little Sister Kayla put together a scrapbook of photos of their adventures. Seeing the joy and fun our matches bring to one another's lives is enough to brighten up a gloomy Monday morning. #MatchMonday #Mentoringmatters #LdnOnt #Biggertogether

Congratulations Jaimie! Jaimie is the winner of our FIRST EVER #BiggerTogether5050 draw and $178,790. This is only the first of many draws to come. Keep an eye on our page so you don't miss out. ... #BiggerTogether #LdnOnt #Bbbsola #ontariogaming

Last call for raffle tickets! Buy them here -> https://bigbrothersbigsistersraffle.5050central.com/?olc=lon Proceeds from ticket sales go towards supporting the children and youth here in London. ... Tickets Prices $40/200 $20/40 $10/10 Don't wait another minute, go buy them! Please help us spread the word about our new raffle and SHARE this post. #bbbso5050 #bbbsola #support #charityraffle #communitycares #BiggerTogether5050 #winBIG #LdnOnt #LdnEnt #LocalSupportingLocal #5050raffleontario #northsimcoe #mentorshipsmatters #growth

The draw date for our 50/50 raffle is THIS Friday. The pot has grown and you now have the chance to win over $91,000! Tickets are 10 for $10, 40 for $20, or 200 for only $40! The best part, when you purchase your tickets using the link below, 50% of your ticket price will be used to support children and youth here in London. Buy your tickets here -> https://bigbrothersbigsistersraffle.5050central.com/?olc=lon

Years like this one can make gratitude difficult, but it can also serve as a reminder of all the things that are truly important in life. We are more thankful than ever for time spent with loved ones and for good health. Wishing everyone in our community a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. #Thanksgiving #Thanksgiving2020 #BiggerTogether

Keep us in mind this weekend when you're cleaning up after your turkey dinner. We're collecting empty alcohol bottles and cans until November 4th to fundraise for @unitedwayemca. Once you're done collecting the bottles and cans, please email us at [email protected] to arrange a drop off time at our office. As always, drink responsibly.... #BiggerTogether #LdnOnt

We have a 9 year old Little located in central London who has been waiting for his match since 2017. He is active, funny, talkative and caring and would like a Big Brother who is just as fun-loving as he is (bonus if you like video games). Having a Big Brother would be incredibly impactful for this child as his father passed away. His mother feels having a male role model would provide so much enrichment in his life. Please SHARE and help us find a match for him and for ...the 130 other children on our waitlist. Visit our website for more information on how to volunteer --> http://ow.ly/Ez5D50B3TVQ Can’t volunteer? Consider supporting our matches by donating, giving us a follow and sharing this post. #WaitingWednesday #WaitlistWednesday #BiggerTogether #Volunteer #Bbbsola #LdnOnt #LondonOntario

The cut off to enter the Early Bird draw for a $500 prize is TONIGHT! The grand prize winner will be drawn on October 16th. The pot has grown to $47,990. Buy your tickets for a chance to win BIG -> https://bigbrothersbigsistersraffle.5050central.com/?olc=lon #BiggerTogether5050 #Bbbsola #LdnOnt

Thank you to Jennifer of Jenn Raymer Photography for donating her time to capture all the fun of our event. We had a wonderful day and raised $22,000 for the children and youth in our community! Thank you to everyone who attended our tournament and/or participated in our silent auction. Events like this simply can't happen without our sponsors. Thank you to...... E Hewitt Law Firm The Pacific Institute - Canada Virgin Radio London Canada NewsTalk 1290 Auburn Developments Barb Blew Bluestone Propertiess Bob & Barbara Rankin Drewlo Holdingsings Electrozad Eugene Attenborough High Street Asset Management Janet Stewart Lexus of London McFarlan Rowlands Insurance Brokers Inc.. Nash Family Wealth Management Peony - Bouquets by Subscription Prime Management Group Skintreet Our In-Kind Sponsors... Black Fly Beverage Company Finest Auto Detailing Jennifer Raymer Photography Megan Sloan Yoga MINDMOVES_Fitness M&T Printing Group Nude Beverages

When BBBS Ontario's Bigger Together 50/50 raffle launched, the prize was $5,000. The raffle prize has now grown to $39,000! Please consider supporting our agency by using the link below to purchase tickets for the chance to win BIG! To sweeten the deal, if you buy before Friday you'll be automatically entered into our early bird draw for a $500 prize. Buy your tickets here-> https://bigbrothersbigsistersraffle.5050central.com/?olc=lon... You must be 18 years of age and a resident of Ontario to be eligible to enter. #BiggerTogether5050 #WinBigBBBSO5050 #WinBigInOntario #WinBig5050 #BiggerTogether #CharityRaffle #5050RaffleOntario #LdnOnt