Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island

As Canada’s leading child and youth mentoring charity, Big Brothers Big Sisters facilitates life-changing relationships that inspire and empower children and youth to reach their potential, both as individuals and citizens. Big Brothers have been active in mentoring Nanaimo children and youth since January 1969. The first meeting took place at the Tally Ho Lodge with approximately 25 people present. With the assistance of Frank Saunders (Provincial Director) a board of directors was elected that same evening and membership into Big Brothers Canada was granted on May 7, 1969. Although Big Brothers of Nanaimo were addressing the mentoring need for male youth within the community, two individuals from the Boys and Girls club realized that services to female youth were limited. In July of 1979 these 2 ladies pulled together a steering committee of 10 women. Thanks to the assistance of several active agencies (Nanaimo, Victoria and Vancouver) Big Sisters of Nanaimo was incorporated in July of 1980. Over the next 20 years, both Big Brothers of Nanaimo and Big Sisters of Nanaimo successfully matched “Bigs” and “Littles” within the community; however, they realized that it would be more efficient and effective for their two societies to merge. In July 2000 an amalgamation process was begun and by August 2001 the amalgamation process was complete. Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island (BBBSCVI) was born. Shortly after the inception of BBBSCVI, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Parksville/Qualicum Beach dissolved its Agency and BBBSCVI absorbed the existing matches within that region. By the end of 2001 the Central Vancouver Island branch had effectively expanded its reach. Within the next several years BBBSCVI was successful in introducing many new initiatives to the community.