Color the Universe’s mandate has always been to give back to the community. Our charities of choice have been numerous … however, true to my heart has always been the BC Cancer Society (specifically the Camp Good times Kids program and the diamond ball) and of course Big Sisters. I am a strong believer that role modeling and positive mentorships can really help people grow and become more of who they were always meant to be.
Well, this year, It’s a big year for Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland – 2010 marks the 50th anniversary of this mentoring agency! We are donating our inspirational glass stone magnets to help them celebrate….. 50 years of friendships, 50 years of mentoring, and 50 years of providing young girls in the Lower Mainland with positive role models. What started in the late 1950’s with a group of caring women simply deciding to provide their time and friendship to some girls in need at a Vancouver school, has grown into Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland as you know it today. And although lots has changed since that time – Big Sisters became a registered non-profit organization in 1960, has employed staff, a beautiful house that functions as their office, three growing programs, and hundreds of volunteers annually – the foundation of what Big Sisters does has not changed from the vision those women in the 50’s had. Every day, volunteers and staff seek to provide vulnerable girls with the support and friendship of a positive role model. As we know, a girl who has at least one person in her life who supports her and believes in her can start to believe in herself. And, as you know, when you believe in yourself…suddenly so much is possible.
Big Sisters is an organization of stories. Since 1960 there have been literally thousands of volunteers, Little Sisters, families, staff, and community partners who have been a part of this organization and helped build special connections between young girls and volunteer mentors. So, throughout 2010, Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland is celebrating its 50th anniversary by sharing the stories of their past and present volunteers and Little Sisters. A special 50th anniversary blog has been set up to share these stories and stories will also be shared at the agency’s upcoming Big Sisters Spring Lunch fundraising event. This year’s Spring Lunch will be held at a downtown Vancouver hotel (TBA) on Monday, May 31st and will feature keynote speaker Jessica McDonald, former Deputy Minister to the Premier, as well as a special video and in-person testimonials highlighting the agency’s 50 year history. Visit www.bigsisters.bc.ca for details!
