Like many organizations, Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver is not exempt from the widespread effects of COVID-19. Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver provides mentorship sessions to youth ages seven to eighteen across the Lower Mainland. With over 1,200 youth in their programs, spanning more than fifteen B.C. communities, Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver support children and youth in a variety of ways: by improving their self-confidence, fostering self-awareness, strengthening family relationships, bettering communication with their friends and peers, and increasing interest in school.
However, social-distancing precautions set in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 challenge these goals. Children who face barriers under normal circumstances are more vulnerable during the pandemic. School friendships and mentorships are the only constant in the lives of some youth. Unable to go to school or hang out with friends, these children (are more likely to) experience extra isolation and anxiety.
Making the Most of What’s Available
To combat the increased isolation due to COVID-19, BBGV has digitized their efforts. Mentors maintain their weekly sessions with mentees via digital platforms.
Although weekly meet-ups are best on an in-person basis, BBGV has adapted to current limitations. For the Big Brother program, mentors and mentees typically play sports in person or watch movies together, and losing those face-to-face connections complicate digitizing these interactions. But the volunteers and staff are working hard to ensure children’s needs aren’t falling through the cracks, especially now.
These mentorships remain constant, and the digital meetups can create excitement until mentors and mentees meet in person again. BBGV doesn’t want the anxiety of the current times affecting how these youth approach future interpersonal interactions.
How You Can Help Big Brothers Vancouver During COVID-19
For over forty years, Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver held a bowling fundraiser event. Businesses and individuals raised money to help facilitate the mentorship programs. However, the spread of COVID-19 cancelled this year’s event.
Yet the need for revenue remains imperative because, without it, Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver has fewer staff and resources to give to youth during this critical time. Businesses can donate or inform BBGV about grants that the organization can apply for. Alternatively, businesses can opt to fundraise digitally, which is a viable option for BBGV as well.
Even during the pandemic, the organization encourages volunteer participation. Plenty of opportunities exist, especially with digital measures for mentorships. The additional two-to-four hours per week for a child or youth to interact with a positive role model is crucial during this time of heightened isolation.
To help spread the word about Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver, businesses can visit their COVID-19 response page. The organization also updates its efforts and programs on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. If you would like to help Big Brothers Vancouver as a partner, sponsor, or donor, contact them directly at .
The History
In 1904, Cincinnati businessman Irvin F. Westheimer started the Big Brother movement. Inspired by the efforts in the U.S. and motivated by Toronto’s growing youth-delinquency rate, businessmen established Canada’s first Big Brothers program in 1957. In 1978, Cecil S. Walker and Murray Goldman initiated Vancouver’s Big Brother. Today, Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver operates in several regions and offers a handful of different mentoring programs. DP World recognizes the efforts to better Canadian lives, starting with youth.