Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa (BBBSO) enables life-changing mentoring relationships to ignite the power and potential of young people facing adversity. We carefully and intentionally place an additional, consistent, and supportive mentor in these young people’s lives.
Volunteer mentors are thoughtfully recruited based on the needs of local youth, and are professionally screened. The “Big” mentor, “Little” mentee, and family receive training and are monitored and supported by a designated professional caseworker.
An incredible transformation takes place when a young mentee is matched with an adult mentor who expresses care, challenges their growth, provides support, shares power, and expands their possibilities. These mentees build the life skills they need to be successful. We also see positive changes to their mental health, well-being, educational engagement, and employment readiness.
BBBSO has been creating youth mentorship matches in Ottawa for 51 years, and Renfrew County for six years. We offer our traditional 1:1 Bigs mentorship program, along with programming for elementary and secondary school students, youth in care, and young adults aged 18-24, with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion.
At a glance:
Year founded: 1970
Total revenue for last fiscal year: $1,168,004
Twitter: @BBBSO
Facebook: /BBBSO
Instagram: @bbbsottawa
Geographic region of focus: Ottawa and Renfrew County
Top funding sources:
- Government Funding 56%
- Foundations and Other Charities 23%
- Individual Donors 11%
- Corporate Donations & Events 8%
- Social Enterprise 2%
How you can help
Give
Young people need your help now. When you donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa, you invest in a young person’s potential and shape the future of the Ottawa community. Your donation gives local young people facing adversity access to a supportive adult mentor who spends meaningful, consistent and dedicated time with them. For every $1 donated, there is a social return on investment of $23 as our “Littles” grow up to be happy, successful adults who give back by volunteering or donating themselves.
To make a one-time or monthly gift, please visit bbbso.ca or contact moniquef@bbbso.ca.
Volunteer
We depend on volunteer mentors for both community-based and in-school programs, and are pleased to offer virtual options. For as little as one hour a week, you can make a meaningful difference in the life of a child. There are also opportunities to volunteer for fundraising events, our Clothes For Kids Sake program, our Board of Directors and on various committees.
Events and fundraising
Power of Mentoring Project
Help youth aged 15-24 with career-readiness and skill building by participating in sector-themed speed mentoring sessions.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Virtual Breakfast Fundraiser
Rise and shine and make a BIG difference in your community. Join us virtually on November 23rd, with breakfast delivered to your door – enjoy while hearing incredible real-life stories from Bigs and Littles.
Holiday Hamper Program
Help our families over the holiday season by donating gift cards or dollars. Funds raised will give local families the ability to purchase food and gifts – ensuring they can have an enjoyable holiday celebration.
Thrive Select Thrift
Our online boutique thrift store has launched! The store is stocked with gently used clothing generously donated by community members. Organize a clothing drive or shop at thrivethrift.ca – 100% of proceeds support BBBSO youth mentorship programs.
Annual Big Tee Off
Register a team, become a sponsor or donate a silent auction item or prize for our annual golf tournament, and help support local youth.
TO PARTICIPATE OR SPONSOR:
Visit BBBSO.ca/ways-to-give/ or contact: Monique Flocco at moniquef@bbbso.ca or 613-247-4776 x 319
Board and executive members
Susan Ingram
Executive director
Mark Zekulin
Board President
Happy Roots Foundation
Emily Villeneuve
Past-President Department of Justice
Mitchell Carkner
Vice-President
Decisive Group Inc.
Lindsay Ostrom
Treasurer
Ottawa Hospital
Mitchell Kutney
Bruyère
Michael Qaqish
Algonquin College
Matt Haddad
Ottawa Senators Hockey Club
Colin Anderson
OCDSB
Toni Francis
Parliamentary Protective Service
Ian Cascagnette
Pythian
Keith Egli
City of Ottawa
Funmi Linuga
Kings Distributed Systems
Leslie Rae Ferat
Framework Convention Alliance
Phillip Shaer
Lawyer
