The Power of Mentoring

Did you know that mentoring a child or youth makes a “big” difference in their lives? It leads to higher incomes, higher esteem, higher achievements, better health and a stronger sense of belonging. At PBA Group, we believe every child has incredible potential, and that meaningful one-to-one mentoring relationships are the key to unlocking their potential. We know that mentoring has the power to change the future of children, families, and our entire community, and it’s because we believe this so strongly that we continue to commit our support to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area and the All-Stars For Kids campaign.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area

For over 25 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area (BBBS) has been making a positive difference in the lives of children and youth in Calgary and the surrounding areas. BBBS provides direct service to children and youth facing adversity by matching them with caring volunteers in quality one-to-one mentoring relationships. Their agency staff members are experts at recruiting and screening volunteers; making intentional, meaningful matches; and providing the support necessary for mentoring relationships to have a lasting impact.

Visit bbbscalgary.ca for more information.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Vulnerable children and youth in our community need support now more than ever. COVID-19 has created a challenging situation for all, but for the most vulnerable, it is a crisis. The children and youth in Big Brothers Big Sisters programs were already vulnerable before the pandemic started, and are now experiencing increased anxiety, stress and threats to their mental well-being.

This crisis has affected us in ways we have yet to fully understand, but we know there will be a substantial increase in the demand for supportive services. For children and youth facing adversity, there is no better intervention than caring, consistent relationships. One-to-one mentoring relationships are not just a ‘nice to have’, they are critical for promoting resilience and healthy development.

Our All-Stars

This year the All-Stars for Kids campaign may look different because of the current COVID-19 pandemic but PBA Group’s passion to support this cause and raise funds for this program has not waivered. We have an impressive line-up of athletes and everyday community champions stepping forward this year to be All-Stars. This includes Olympic medalist and Canada Sports Hall of Fame CEO Cheryl Bernard. Cheryl along with the other All-Stars will be bringing awareness to the impact of mentoring, sharing how it has affected them and helping to ignite potential in the children and youth of our community. 

Furthermore, we are thrilled in our 55th year of business to once again be partnering with our friends Gary Nissen and Qualico, to match All-Stars for Kids donations this year, with a goal of raising over $300,000!

Why Support All-Stars for Kids?

Caring, supportive mentoring relationships are more important than ever as families deal with the health concerns, financial challenges, and physical and emotional stress caused by COVID-19. Children and youth in particular are facing the added challenges of isolation and loneliness. However, with the generosity of friends and colleagues, we can create brighter futures for children and youth facing adversity.

When you support mentoring you are not just investing in the future of a child, you are making an investment in the future of our entire community. PBA Group believes in the power of community and looks for ways to reinvest in our communities. Investing in mentorship pays big dividends – for every dollar spent on mentoring, up to $23 is returned to our community.

Last year, All-Stars for Kids raised over $338,000 to create brighter futures for children and youth facing adversity. PBA Group partners with our tenant, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary & Area, to support their campaign because we believe in the power of mentoring and we want to ensure we raise even more money this year to help.

Make a donation today and, together with Gary Nissen and Qualico, we will match your gift so that your impact is twice as BIG! Donations will be matched until September 10th, 2020.

To donate online visit allstarsforkids.ca/pbadonate

For donations by cheque, Click Here to download the form and mail to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Interested in other ways to be involved? Contact Kate Middleton, kate.middleton@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

For further information about the All-Stars for Kids campaign visit https://www.allstarsforkids.ca/