VOLUNTEER
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Durham and Northumberland.
With the help of incredible volunteers, BBBSSDN has been providing children and youth with positive mentoring relationships throughout Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington and Northumberland County for over 50 years. We know that when young people are empowered to achieve their full potential, the entire community can thrive.
*Please note due to requirements of police background check and vulnerable sector search applicants must be at least 18 years of age or over.
STEP 1: UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS
Volunteer Mentor: Become a Mentor to a child in need in your community either through our one-to-one or group programs. Please review our various Mentoring Programs to determine which program(s) you are most interested in participating in.
Join our Board of Directors: Our Board Members believe in our mission, possess a heart of leadership for improving the lives of children, and are willing to be active in their governance roles. We believe that this work has never been more important than it is today. Download our Board Application here to apply. Please send completed application form to melanie.stewart@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Event Volunteer: Assist with various events such as Bowl for Kids Sake or third party events. To volunteer, contact Louise Fradet
Thrift Store Volunteer: Our thrift store is located in Port Hope and need volunteers to help with everyday duties such as cash register, sorting donations, arranging window displays, greeting customers, etc. To volunteer, contact Gwen Hudson
Fundraising Volunteer: Assist our fund development team with grant writing, community connections, campaigns, donor engagement, etc. To volunteer, contact Claire Camacho
STEP 2: UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS
The Mentor Application Process includes the steps below. Please know that you will have the full support of our Intake Staff throughout this process. To ensure safety and the best match possible, screening and onboarding may take up to 3 months to complete.
- Complete the below online Volunteer Inquiry Form
- Have a 30 minute pre-screen interview with our Intake Staff
- Complete Mentor Application from and provide 3–4 references
- Complete an in person interview (approximately 1-1.5 hours) with a member of our team, who will assess how we can best utilize your strengths and skills in our mentoring programs
- Submit a current Police Check with Vulnerable Sector Search (instructions and authorization letter will be provided)
- Participate in child safety and program related training session.
STEP 3: MORE INFORMATION
If you have additional questions before making a decision, check out our FAQs.
What age do I need to be to volunteer?
Volunteers must be 18 years of age and older to volunteer in BBBSSDN Programs.
How long are the meetings?
Time commitment varies by program. One-to-one matches typically meet 3-4 hours per week for the year. In-School Mentoring matches meet for 1 hour once a week for the academic year. Groups meet weekly for 8-10 weeks for 2-2.5 hours.
Who are the children in BBBSSDN programs?
BBBSSDN provides mentorship services to children experiencing various adversities. This can include single-parent home, mental health/disability, difficulties with school, etc.
How will I be matched with a child/group?
A Mentoring Coordinator will work with you to match you with a child or group. This process can take some time as each match is created with care and diligence. There are some variables that are considered including common interests, personality, lived experience and location.
What does a typical meeting with a child/group look like?
Each week you will meet with your matched child or group. One-to-one matches take place either on-site at children’s school or in the community. Weekly meetings focus on taking part in fun activities that promote healthy relationships, positive social and emotional development and being a positive role model.
Mentors taking part in groups co-facilitate with either Mentoring Coordinator or other mentors. Each week there are topics for discussion, activities/games, snacks, etc. Training is provided on weekly curriculum.
Do I need any special skills or experience to become a BBBSSDN Mentor?
Mentors bring their education, life and personal experiences to their volunteer role. The most important qualities we look for include: reliability, consistency, dedication, and being respectful of others.
Do I need a police check to volunteer?
Yes, a successful police background check with vulnerable sector search is required.
Can I take part in more than one program?
Please speak with your assigned Mentoring Coordinator about your experience and other opportunities in the agency.
Will I have someone to talk to if I need help?
Mentoring Coordinators supervise volunteers in our programs and are available by email and phone to answer questions, meet with you, provide support and training to support your experience.
STEP 4: Getting started
To get started, please fill out our Volunteer Inquiry Form and start your journey with us.
If you would prefer a hardcopy application form or have any other questions about becoming a Mentor, please contact our Intake Staff.