Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District Incorporated

Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District Incorporated is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing one-to-one mentoring relationships for children and youth in the North Bay area and surrounding districts. Established as a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Federation in Canada, the organization operates with the mission of positively changing the lives of young people through meaningful mentorship.

History and Background

Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District is part of the larger Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada federation, which has been providing life-changing mentoring experiences since 1912. The organization aligns itself with a nationwide network of over 108 member agencies serving more than 1,100 communities across Canada, collectively impacting over 40,000 youth annually[3].

The organization's roots are grounded in the belief that every child who needs a mentor should have access to one, aiming to empower youth by building confidence and reducing the negative effects of societal barriers and adversity. This mission is consistent with the wider Big Brothers Big Sisters movement, which started in the United States in the early 20th century and focuses on matching adult volunteers ("Bigs") with children ("Littles") to foster supportive relationships[2][3].

Mission and Vision

• Vision: Every child in Canada who needs a mentor has a mentor.
• Mission: Committed to providing Canada’s young people with the highest quality, volunteer-based mentoring programs to support their development and success[3].

Programs and Impact

Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District operates on the principle that with the guidance and support of caring mentors, children at risk of facing prolonged adversity can overcome challenges that create toxic stress and hinder healthy development. The mentoring relationships facilitated by the organization help youth develop confidence, social skills, and resilience, enabling them to achieve their full potential[3].

The economic and social return on investment for the programs is significant, with estimates indicating that every dollar invested in mentoring returns between $18 and $23 to society through benefits such as increased taxes, higher incomes, volunteerism, and charitable donations[3].

Organizational Structure and Registration

Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District Incorporated is a legally registered nonprofit organization under Business Registration Number 118809334RR0001. As part of the Canadian federation, it operates independently but adheres to national standards for governance, financial accountability, and program quality[3].

Recognition

The organization and its national federation have been recognized for their excellence in charitable work, including being named one of Financial Post’s Top 25 Charities in 2016, reflecting their reputation for effective and accountable service delivery in Canadian communities[3].

Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District continues to be a vital part of the community, fulfilling its commitment to youth mentorship and contributing to improved social outcomes across the region.