The Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is an organization that links up Little Brothers and Sisters (children and teens) to a Big Brother or Sister (an adult) to mentor and be an example to them. The organization has many locations all over North America, including several right in the Fraser Valley.
Eryn Braley, UFV 2019 alum, began volunteering as a Big Sister in 2017. Part-way through her undergrad she decided that she wanted to give some of her time back to the community and volunteer; she then decided to volunteer with BBBS.
From the ages of eight to 16, Braley had a Big Sister. Her Big Sister was someone she could depend on, talk openly to, and someone who genuinely cared for her. Because of the immensely positive experience Braley had with the organization, she chose to give her time back to someone else who needs it.
Braley described the past two years with her Little Sister as a very enjoyable experience, saying their time together not only benefits the Little Sister, but her too.
After a volunteer fills out their application, the staff at BBBS continues to get to know the volunteer and what their preferences are for a Little Brother or Sister; for example, what age group they’re hoping to work with. From there the organization staff go through a pool of children they have met with and find a child that would be the best fit with the volunteer. The volunteer also has a say in whom they’re matched up with. Before the match is official, BBBS will give the volunteer profile to the Little Brother or Sister’s parents for final approval.
Even though university students often feel extremely overwhelmed as it is, volunteering can help focus on the bigger things in life rather than constantly worrying about final papers and midterms. Braley recommends volunteering with BBBS because it’s incredibly flexible. The organization heavily relies on volunteers in order to accomplish the work they do.
She also said, “It’s not just a volunteer role where you sit at a desk and wait for someone to need you … But with BBBS it’s so one-on-one that you’re very engaged. I feel like I’m making a bigger difference because I’ve committed to a child.”
Currently BBBS of the Fraser Valley is accepting applications for new Big Brothers and Sisters. Step out of your comfort zone and help care for and mentor a child.
