Frequently Asked Questions
Me? A Mentor?
What's in it for me?
How do I know I'll get along with this kid?
Can I really do this?
What if I have a criminal record?
I don't know much about kids, is that okay?
Can I volunteer in more than 1 program or be matched with more than 1 kid?
Can my spouse and I be matched with 1 kid?
Do I need a vehicle?
If I'm driving kids, do I need special vehicle insurance?
What if I can't make it every week?
Can I smoke or drink alcohol when I'm with my mentor partner?
Can we have an overnight visit?
How much is this going to cost me?
FAQs
Me? A Mentor?
Yes, you! It's really simple. All you need to do is have fun with a young person doing the things you already do or want to do - play games, go swimming, see a movie, attend a festival, bake cookies, make crafts, listen to music. Whatever. You decide! Share something old or discover something new together.
What's in it for me?
For a few hours a month you get to feel like a kid again and not have to worry about your job, classes or bills! The new perspective you gain as a mentor will brighten your world. Even better, you'll make a big difference in your community and in the life of a child. You'll enjoy the satisfaction of helping a young person improve their social skills, self-confidence, academic performance and interactions with peers, parents and teachers. Kids matched with mentors are more likely to finish high school and less likely to use drugs/alcohol or become involved in crime. They're less likely to be on social assistance as adults if they come from a social assistance background.
People who volunteer tend to be better able to handle stress with a positive outlook. They usually feel energized when they return to other responsibilities after volunteering. Volunteers develop new interpersonal skills which enhance communication, teamwork and cross-functional relationships. They experience higher morale, renewed enthusiasm and meaningful improvements in their own mental and physical health.
An employer who encourages staff to volunteer is positioned in the community as a good corporate citizen and a positive place to work. This attracts future employees. The employer contributes to the development of healthy children and a stronger community. They create pride in the organization and heighten employees' positive perception of their employer. This boosts employee morale, loyalty and job satisfaction, and cultivates teamwork.
How do I know I'll get along with this kid?
We get to know you first so we can find the best match for you. We are the largest Big Brother Big Sister agency in Canada because we do our best to match you with a child or youth based on your common interests, personality, time considerations and geography.
Can I really do this?
Yes! If you can be a good friend, you can be a great Mentor.
What if I have a criminal record?
Having a criminal record doesn't necessarily mean you can't volunteer with us. It depends on what happened and how long ago. If you've been charged and convicted of a violent crime or a crime against children, we won't be able to accept your application.
I don't know much about kids, is that okay?
You bet! Your enthusiasm and interest will more than compensate if you feel you lack experience working with kids. Behind the scenes, you'll have our team of professionals cheering you on and helping you out if you need it.
Can I volunteer in more than one program or be matched with more than one kid?
Yes, after 6 months in 1 program, or immediately upon completion of your enrollment if the second program is Digital Heroes.
Can my spouse and I be matched with one kid?
Yes, we match couples, primarily with Little Brothers, if their parents/guardians approve.
Do I need a vehicle?
No, volunteers without vehicles can get together with their young friends by bus, bike or foot.
If I'm driving kids, do I need special vehicle insurance?
Yes, you'll need to have a minimum of $1million liability coverage.
What if I can't make it every week?
Most of our programs ask volunteers to connect with their mentee every week, but sometimes illness, exams, vacation or other commitments prevent that from happening. You just need to let your BBBS Coordinator and your young friend know ahead of time when you will see them next.
Can I smoke or drink alcohol when I'm with my mentor partner?
No, we ask our mentors not to use tobacco or alcohol while with their mentee.
Can we have an overnight visit?
Yes, after your 1 year anniversary and with approval from your coordinator. This doesn't apply to programs where you're working with a child in a school.
How much is this going to cost me?
Being a Mentor is absolutely free - other than providing your enthusiasm and sharing a little time. In fact, you might come out ahead on the deal: we provide fun, no-cost/low-cost monthly activities and occasional free tickets to theatre, sports and cultural events. If you and your special buddy take part in activities that cost money, you pay your own way and the family covers the young person's expenses.