About the Process

How to become a Big

The volunteer applicant:

  • Completes an application form
  • Submits a vulnerable sector screen, criminal records check, and three references
  • Participates in a one-to-one interview with BBBSWB staff
  • Participates in an assessment of their home environment
  • Successfully completes an orientation and child safety training
  • If accepted as a volunteer mentor, signs an agreement of confidentiality

The Matching Process

  • Staff discusses a potential match with the volunteer, the young person, and the family
  • Staff arranges for a meeting between the child or youth, the volunteer mentor, and often the parent or guardian

If everyone agrees, the match can begin!

Connection. Care. Endless Possibilities.

Community-Based Bigs and Littles is our longest-running and most recognized program. It connects a young person (ages 6–18) with a caring adult who listens, cares, and shows up for them. Together, they build a real, trusting relationship that is rooted in support, curiosity, and fun.

These mentoring matches meet out in the community, doing ordinary things that turn into something extraordinary. Think of it as spending quality time; going for a walk, grabbing ice cream, volunteering together, hitting up a free event, or just hanging out and talking about life. Every interaction is building something bigger: confidence, resilience, and belonging.

Strong Developmental Relationships help youth perform better in school, make healthier choices, and feel more connected to their communities.

  • Mentored youth are twice more likely to feel happy, healthy, and confident.
  • Mentored youth are 20% more likely to attend college, and earn 15% more across their careers.
  • 94% of mentored youth have an enhanced sense of self-identity and self-worth, and feel more optimistic.

If you have questions or would like to know more, email ismwb@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca, or click the images below.

What to expect

To mentor a Little is a flexible form of volunteering where each match decides what schedule works best for their lives, while still giving the match the time and space they need to grow.

Bigs and Littles typically meet 3 to 4 times a month, for at least 2 hours at a time. These matches are supported every step of the way by our trained staff who helps with goal-setting, relationship building, and navigating any challenges along the way.

The program runs all year in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo and we ask for a minimum commitment of one year from both the mentor and mentee. That said, many matches continue long after that, and some turn into lifelong friendships.

In one year, a young person can begin to see themselves differently; not because life got easier, but because someone stood beside them. That’s the power of mentorship. 

“I watched my Little grow through a really difficult time, and by the end of the program the change in him was undeniable.

We shared moments I’ll never forget, and doing things together gave him a sense of belonging in a community that truly cares.”

Big Brother (Wood Buffalo, 2023)

“Loneliness is one of our greatest diseases. Mentoring is one of our strongest cures.”

Big Sister (Wood Buffalo, 2025)

“Mentoring reminds me to slow down, be present, and choose connection over loneliness.”

Big Brother (Wood Buffalo, 2025)

“Even though it took a long time for the match to happen, I am so grateful, because my Big Brother is the perfect match.

This program has made a Big difference in my life, and I’m so happy to have had the best Big Brother ever.”

Little Brother (Wood Buffalo, 2025)

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