Support BBBSO

Building Futures 

Since 1970, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa (BBBSO) has been creating strong mentoring relationships between youth facing adversity and safe, caring adults—through mentorship, we change the course of young lives! We are on a mission to empower young people across Ottawa, and we invite your business to join the corporate community in coming together to support this crucial initiative. Because mentorship matters now more than ever. We are calling on 150 Ottawa businesses to invest $1000 to support 1 match for 1 whole year. It’s easy to make a life-changing impact! 

Youth in Ottawa right now are facing struggles everyday: 

• 71% of mentees are exposed to mental illness.* 
• 78% of mentees are living in financial stress.* 
• 90% of mentees reported being bullied.* 
• 73% of mentees are coping with their own mental health challenges.* 

Sample of records voluntarily collected from mentees across Canada. 

Join the Movement! 

It only takes $1000 per year to support a mentorship match and change a life. We have flexible investment and recognition opportunities for your business so you can be a part of creating a positive impact—something you and your consumers can feel great about. Together, we can empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers. 

With your support, we are able to provide evidence-based, one-to-one mentoring programs that have a profound impact. Young people who benefit from our programs are: 

• 2x more likely to have high academic achievement. 
• 43% less likely to have conduct problems at school. 
• 34% less likely to allow themselves to be victimized or bullied by peers. 
• 17% more likely to be gainfully employed as adults. 

Mentorship is about opening doors. It’s about showing people that someone believes in their potential. This is a critical part of all of our stories as professionals and business people, and it’s a narrative we owe to young people.

Josh Kardish, Senior Vice President of eQ Homes and former “Big Brother” 

IGNITE Corporate Giving 

You can now IGNITE something BIG for youth in our community with your corporate giving. The great thing about IGNITE is that there is something for everyone. No matter how big or small your company is — we have fully customizable initiatives for you to choose from that will help: 

• Boost reputation; 
• Increase customer engagement; 
• Improve recruitment; 
• Better employee engagement and retention; 
• And mutually beneficial community relationships. 

Customization begins with a conversation. Contact BBBSO today, and let’s chat about how your business can provide meaningful and life-changing support for young people in our community. 

Tribute Gifts 

Honour or celebrate a loved one while making a positive impact on local young people. 

Legacy Giving 

Plan for tomorrow and help us move toward our vision of ensuring that all young people can realize their full potential by remembering Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa in your will or estate plan. Many things have shifted over the years, and it has many of us thinking about the meaning of our lives and how we make an impact.  

To inquire about leaving a gift in your will or if you are an advisor, please read our FAQ section below, or contact: 

Charitable Registration Number:  10679 4431 RR0001 

Our greatest success is in the eyes of young children who flourish in our unique one-to-one mentoring program. As a former Big Brother, I understand that mentoring changes lives and makes futures brighter.

When I was first matched with Rob, he was a shy 10-year-old. It has been so rewarding to see him gain confidence, to flourish, as a teen and then as a young man and ultimately graduate from University with a Masters in Aerospace Engineering. Rob has great potential and a wonderful future ahead. And I was very proud to have him as part of my wedding party. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa is about building futures and that is why I have decided to leave a bequest in my will to this great organization. It’s very important for me to know that BBBSO will continue to be there for the next generation of children and youth. 

They are, after all, our future.

John Ouellette, Alumni of BBBSO

FAQ 

I would like to continue my legacy through BBBSO’s Mission in the Future. What do I need to do? 

There are two ways to continue your legacy through BBBSO’s work: 
—Leave a bequest to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa in your will or life insurance. 
—Provide a gift of stocks and securities to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa 

How do I leave a gift in my will? 

There are a few ways to leave a gift in your will, the most common being a bequest in your will. If you have a professional helping you, like a financial planner, a lawyer, an accountant, or an insurance agent, you can talk to them about leaving a legacy gift. 

A professional can also help explain the tax benefits of making a planned gift.

Can I leave a gift in memory of a loved one? 

A gift is a wonderful way to recognize someone who has made a difference in your life. You can also create a named fund, a gift that is arranged through your will the same way you would leave a personal gift from your estate. Be clearthe gift is given in memory of a particular person and/or for a specific use. 

Do I tell BBBSO I’ve left a gift? 

Whether you want to let us know you’ve left BBBSO a gift is completely up to you! We are happy whenever we hear about your plans to leave a gift of hope. 

If you decide to contact us, let us know in advance of your gift, so we can recognize you for your generosity. It also gives us the opportunity to tell you about specific opportunities for giving. 

Shares & Securities 

YOUR DONATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUTH FACING ADVERSITY 

A donation of securities is a fantastic way to make a significant difference for youth across Ottawa, while reaping some tax benefits. Your gift can be in the form of shares, bonds, or mutual funds. 

If you own publicly traded securities or mutual funds, especially those that have increased in value, donating them to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa (BBBSO) is an excellent way to support our mentoring programs while receiving significant tax advantages. 

HOW TO DONATE 

Changes to Canada’s tax laws mean that you can give a gift of publicly traded securities to a registered charity like BBBSO and eliminate the capital gains tax on the appreciated value. You will receive a tax receipt based upon the market value of the shares on the date of donation. 

Like all donations to BBBSO, your gift of securities supports our mentoring programs which benefit nearly 1000 youth across Ottawa annually. Donating shares to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa is quick and easy; simply download our form to get started. 

Become a Monthly Donor 

Volunteer 

Become a Mentor 

Becoming a mentor is a rewarding and impactful way to give back to the community and show a young person that they do not need to face challenges alone. Through our various programs, you can show up and help guide and give confidence to a young person who may not otherwise have a safe adult to turn to. 

Learn more about becoming a mentor by emailing julie.darcis@bbbso.ca. 

Volunteer at our Social Enterprise 

Volunteers are needed on-site at Thrive Select Thrift at 1547 Merivale Rd for the following opportunities: 

Sorting Clothing Donations: Thursdays in 2-hour blocks between 10 am -4 pm. 
Skills: Organization, learning fashion trends/product knowledge, detail-oriented, time management, communication skills, inventory management 
Bonus: Receive a 30% discount on items at Thrive Select Thrift 

Photographing Products: Mondays/Tuesdays in 2-hour blocks between 10 am -4 pm. 
Skills: Attention to detail, communication skills, time management, patience, ability to work both independently and as a team, able to follow directions and share ideas, artistic skills, creativity, problem-solving. 
Bonus: Receive a 30% discount on items at Thrive Select Thrift 

For more information and to apply, please contact hope.wood@bbbso.ca or 613-247-4776 ext 326. 

Shop at Thrive Select Thrift 

Join The Alumni Club 

STAY CONNECTED TO THE COMMUNITY 
We want to hear from you! 

The BBBSO Alumni Club connects former: 

• Bigs and Littles 
• Parents and guardians of Littles 
• Board Members 
• Committee members 
• Ambassadors 
• Executive Directors 
• Staff members 

By staying connected to BBBSO, members have the opportunity to represent the agency as Ambassadors, sharing their story and experiences with others and the wider community. 

MEMBER BENEFITS 

Joining the Alumni Club grants access to several benefits, including networking opportunities with other alumni and members, invitations to the annual BBBSO Alumni Club dinner, early invitations to BBBSO events, and (of course) the chance to reconnect with familiar faces in the organization. 

Career Opportunities 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa is always looking for dedicated, committed individuals interested in working in a fast-paced, dynamic, and engaging environment, and who are passionate about helping to improve the lives of children and youth in the City of Ottawa through mentoring. 

Employment opportunities will be posted below as they become available. Qualified candidates are encouraged to send resumes to the contacts provided for each position. Only those candidates being considered will be contacted. No phone calls or e-mail follow-ups please.