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 (mentors) and Littles (mentees) is our longest-running and most recognized program. It connects a young person (ages 6–17) with a caring adult who listens, cares, and shows up for them. The relationship between a Big and a Little is primarily a friendship built on trust, support, and shared experiences rather than a formal tutoring or counseling session.

The Big: An adult volunteer mentor who serves as a consistent, caring friend, guide, and positive role model to help a young person build self-confidence and ignite their potential.
The Little: A young person between the ages of 6 and 17 who faces adversity, needs additional adult support, or simply wants a reliable mentor in their life.
The Match: BBBSWB carefully pairs a Big and Little based on shared interests and personal backgrounds to ensure a long-lasting, meaningful friendship.

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, baking, making crafts, watching sports, attending events, or just hanging out and talking about life. Matches typically meet for a few hours, three to four times a month, and make a one-year commitment. Every interaction is building something bigger: confidence, resilience, and belonging.

  • 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.

You don’t need to be a teacher or social worker to be a Big. Our professional staff thoroughly vet, train, and support every volunteer and family. All Bigs undergo background checks, reference checks, and interviews. Our staff check in regularly with both the Little’s family and the Big to provide guidance, mediate the relationship, and ensure safety and mutual benefit.

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. That said, many matches continue long after that, and some turn into lifelong friendships.

The most successful Bigs are not trying to be parents or authority figures. Instead, BBBSWB values:

  • Consistency: Showing up when you say you will.
  • Active Listening: Being someone your Little can talk to without judgment.
  • Enthusiasm: Being willing to try simple, fun activities.

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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