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Children in Toronto are participating in less physical activity and more sedentary behaviour which is negatively impacting their future physical, mental, and cognitive outcomes as well as their ability to face adversity later in life.   Restrictions due to COVID-19 shutdowns that have ranged in severity since they began in mid-March have led to a decrease in physical activity rates […]

Over the past few months Emily Helpard has answered countless questions from Bigs curious about how to engage their Littles in physical activity and stay connected during COVID-19.   As a mentoring program specialist, Emily is in direct contact with matches and works with them throughout their mentorship journey; helping to answer questions, offer suggestions for time together, and listen.   The pandemic has changed the […]

Five-years ago when Shannon was matched to her Little Cynthia through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto she had no idea how fast time would fly, and the deep-rooted friendship that she would get out of the program.   This past summer Cynthia turned 18-years-old, effectively ending their official match through the BBBST program. While no longer obligated to stay […]

When Penny Cromwell became a BIG through her work, she saw firsthand how important it was for young people to have someone that looked like them to offer guidance and an ear to listen.   Through her work’s partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto, she was given the opportunity to mentor young people to develop skills that […]

At six-foot-five, 15-year-old Khaleel may only be referred to as a ‘Little’ by his BIG, Sean.   The two have been matched through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto for over six-years, and Sean has had the opportunity to watch Khaleel grow, not just vertically, but as a person.   Sean laughed, “Yes he’s grown [referring to his height], but he’s […]