History

Big Brothers Association of Saskatoon and Big Sisters Association of Saskatoon have made a difference in the lives of Saskatoon youth as separate organizations for over 30 years. Both agencies were focused on providing a caring adult friend to a child who could benefit from adult companionship. In 2005, through dedication and cooperation on the part of the boards, staff and members, the two organizations amalgamated to form one organization to better serve children in our community: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon and Area Inc.

Over the years, both agencies have developed programs alongside the traditional Big Brother Little Brother match and Big Sister Little Sister match to suit the changing needs of children, youth and volunteers. In-School Mentoring, Group Only Volunteering, Big Buddy, Couples Match, Youth In Care, and Momentum all provide different opportunities to volunteers and support to children and youth.

Though our agency is focused on children and youth, it is built on volunteers and the impact they make in the children’s lives. Children who have been in our program see real, positive change. Our Littles go on to graduate from high school at a rate of 20% higher than the national average. 78% of Littles who came from a social assistance background no longer rely on this form of income and a disproportionately high number of former Littles graduate from college or university compared to others in their age group (Project Impact, Social Planning Council of Hamilton and District, Hamilton, 1994).

Currently in Saskatoon, over 250 children are matched with adults in the one to one program. Our challenge is to match the 200 children we currently have on our waiting list.

Go Girls

Go Girls! is a mentor-lead, seven session program that incorporates fun, educational games and activities designed to stimulate self-reflection and group discussion. Each session addresses the topics of active living, balanced eating, and feeling good. Each session is 1.5-2 hours in length and is held after school, within school facilities. The main goal of the Go Girls! Program is to develop an appreciation of the benefits of an active, healthy, lifestyle among girls’ aged 12 to 14 ( Grade 7 – 8). In addition, the program strives to achieve the following key objectives:

• To support girls and young women in choosing to maintain a healthy active lifestyle;
• To provide girls and young women with the tools and information they need to choose to lead and maintain a healthy lifestyle;
• To enhance competence, confidence and self esteem of girls and young women regarding healthy active living; and
• To build the leadership and life skills all program participants.

If you are interested in learning more about how to become a GO Girls volunteer please call Sheree Martin at 244-8197 ext 227 or email at sheree@bbbssasaktoon.org Specialized training is provided to each volunteer.