Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel - Frequently Asked Questions

How old do I need to be to volunteer?

How long does it take to become a mentor?

I don’t have access to a vehicle or a driver’s license. Can I still be a volunteer?

Who pays for the outings?

What will I do with my Little?

I can’t make a one year commitment. Can I still be a volunteer?

How do I get matched with a child?

Can my husband or children come on outings with me and my ‘Little’?

I don’t know if I can volunteer every week. Is there a program that I would be able to do?

What is the role of a caseworker?

1. How old do I need to be to volunteer?

All volunteers must be at least 18 years old. If you are interested in volunteering with our organization and are under the age of 18, contact our Events Assistant at 905-457-7288 ext 223 to see what special events you may be able to assist with.

2. How long does it take to become a mentor?

Volunteers submit an application form, references, police record check(s) and complete an interview with a caseworker, all in accordance with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada's National Standards of Service Delivery. Completion of the screening process often depends on how quickly your references return our calls. Please let everyone know that you have applied to be a mentor and encourage them to call us back promptly. Once you have submitted your application form, we will send you the required Police Check Form(s). Please call us as soon as you submit these forms to police and we will move your application forward. You can be ready for an interview in a few weeks.

3. I don’t have access to a vehicle or a driver’s license. Can I still be a volunteer?

Yes. We recommend the In-School Mentoring program for applicants who do not have a valid driver’s license or access to a vehicle. Group program volunteers must have a driver’s license and access to a vehicle every week as they are responsible for transportation of children to and from events. One-to-One program volunteers are responsible for picking up their ‘Little’ at their home and making sure they arrive back safely. Volunteers in this program may find it more challenging to organize activities if they do not have access to a vehicle.

3. Who pays for the outings?

Just spending time with a child means more than you might think. Matches can play board games, rent a movie or just “hang out”. It isn’t necessary to spend a lot of money to have fun.

One-to-One volunteers are responsible for the cost of the outings they organize. We strongly encourage low-cost activities for matches to keep the focus on building their friendship. The agency receives frequent offers of free tickets to sports and community events that we make available to our matches. Our Social Activity Committee (SAC) organizes monthly low-cost events for matches. Come out, enjoy a fun activity and meet other Bigs and Littles. Your caseworker will always help with other fun, low-cost activity ideas.

Any costs associated with activities for Group volunteers are paid for by the agency. Mileage and gas expenses are the responsibility of the volunteer.

In-School Mentors have access to some school resources, such as board games or puzzles. Volunteers are responsible for the cost of any other materials.

4. What will I do with my Little?

You could go on a hike, rent a movie, bake cookies, make a craft, go fishing, walk your dog (or someone else’s!), shoot some hoops, play a board game, go swimming, play a video game, learn how to knit, build a snow fort, go skating, just hang out and more! Our programs are about spending time with a child, not spending money.
The agency also has monthly low-cost activities for matches (like cooking classes or woodworking). You can sign up for these events by calling our office to register. We also receive donated tickets to events. These tickets are provided free of charge to our volunteers on a first-come, first-served basis. In the past we have been able to send matches to Raptors games, the Shriner’s Circus, the Mississauga Symphony, a Barenaked Ladies concert, Battalion and Ice Dog games, the Blue Jays and more!
If you run out of ideas, your caseworker will be happy to help you come up with others. Being a volunteer is a lot of fun!

5. I can’t commit to one year. Can I still be a volunteer?

Volunteers are required to commit to the minimum time requirements of the program they are applying to. Many of the children in our programs have experienced the disappointment of short-term relationships and studies have shown that introducing a child to another short-term relationship can actually do them more harm than good. It is important for the well-being of the children in our programs that applicants think seriously about whether they are able to make the one year commitment.

For our One-to-One matching programs, volunteers must be able to commit for one full year. Group and In-School Mentoring volunteers must be able to commit for one school year (Sept-June).

If you are not able to provide this amount of time, consider our BIG BUNCH program which requires a minimum 6 month commitment to attend at least one outing each month. You can also contact our Events Assistant at 905-457-7288 ext 223 for opportunities volunteering at one of our fundraising events.

6. How do I get matched with a child?

In the One-to-One and In-School Mentoring programs, a caseworker will discuss with you a child they think will be a great match. We will get as much input as possible from you during the application process. While we can make no guarantees about the child that you will be matched with, we do try to be as accommodating as possible. We match volunteers and children based on interests and hobbies, personality, location and volunteer and family preferences. You may even have an opportunity to meet the child before the match is made. We want everyone to be excited about a new match. Have you considered being matched with a teen? We have lots of great teen matches and are always looking for volunteers who would like to have fun with this age group. Talk to your caseworker about it!

In our Group and BIG BUNCH programs, volunteers are assigned two children to supervise and pick up from their homes. Group volunteers remain with these two children for the entire group session. In BIG BUNCH, you will likely volunteer with different children at each outing.

7. Can my husband or children come on outings with me and my ‘Little’?

Unfortunately, not in our traditional One-to-One program. One of the unique aspects of our programs is the individualized attention that ‘Littles’ receive from a volunteer. Our programs are designed to provide children with a one-to-one relationship with an adult mentor.

An alternative is our Couples For Kids program where we match a couple over the age of 21 who have been together in the same household for at least a year, with a Little. The Couple commits to spending at least 80% of the outings as a couple with the child. In this program, we have had the opportunity to match a family with a child. Taking into consideration the ages and needs of the Couples’ own children, we can provide a unique and positive experience for the Little and the volunteer family.

8. I don’t know if I can volunteer every week. Is there a program that I would be able to do?

Talk to our Intake Coordinator at 905-457-7288 ext 210 about your situation to see if we may be able to accommodate your particular needs. We may be able to find a One-to-One match for a volunteer who is able to commit every other week. These contract matches are made on a case-by-case basis.

9. What is the role of a caseworker?

The caseworker is a professional staff member who supports volunteers and families in our six core mentoring programs. You are assigned to a caseworker according to your program who is there to support you and the family. His or her knowledge and experience will help you through situations, understand how best to meet the needs of your Little Brother or Little Sister, and how to have a fun and rewarding friendship from which you will both benefit! We will be in regular contact throughout your involvement with the agency. If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please email or call your caseworker. That’s what we’re here for!

		Frequently Asked Questions			About Mentoring Your Role, Our Role Benefits of Mentoring Become an Events or Special Project Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions Inquiry Form
		How old do I need to be to volunteer? How long does it take to become a mentor? I don’t have access to a vehicle or a driver’s license. Can I still be a volunteer? Who pays for the outings? What will I do with my Little? I can’t make a one year commitment. Can I still be a volunteer? How do I get matched with a child? Can my husband or children come on outings with me and my ‘Little’? I don’t know if I can volunteer every week. Is there a program that I would be able to do? What is the role of a caseworker? 1. How old do I need to be to volunteer? All volunteers must be at least 18 years old. If you are interested in volunteering with our organization and are under the age of 18, contact our Events Assistant at 905-457-7288 ext 223 to see what special events you may be able to assist with. 2. How long does it take to become a mentor? Volunteers submit an application form, references, police record check(s) and complete an interview with a caseworker, all in accordance with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada's National Standards of Service Delivery. Completion of the screening process often depends on how quickly your references return our calls. Please let everyone know that you have applied to be a mentor and encourage them to call us back promptly. Once you have submitted your application form, we will send you the required Police Check Form(s). Please call us as soon as you submit these forms to police and we will move your application forward. You can be ready for an interview in a few weeks. 3. I don’t have access to a vehicle or a driver’s license. Can I still be a volunteer? Yes. We recommend the In-School Mentoring program for applicants who do not have a valid driver’s license or access to a vehicle. Group program volunteers must have a driver’s license and access to a vehicle every week as they are responsible for transportation of children to and from events. One-to-One program volunteers are responsible for picking up their ‘Little’ at their home and making sure they arrive back safely. Volunteers in this program may find it more challenging to organize activities if they do not have access to a vehicle. 3. Who pays for the outings? Just spending time with a child means more than you might think. Matches can play board games, rent a movie or just “hang out”. It isn’t necessary to spend a lot of money to have fun. One-to-One volunteers are responsible for the cost of the outings they organize. We strongly encourage low-cost activities for matches to keep the focus on building their friendship. The agency receives frequent offers of free tickets to sports and community events that we make available to our matches. Our Social Activity Committee (SAC) organizes monthly low-cost events for matches. Come out, enjoy a fun activity and meet other Bigs and Littles. Your caseworker will always help with other fun, low-cost activity ideas. Any costs associated with activities for Group volunteers are paid for by the agency. Mileage and gas expenses are the responsibility of the volunteer. In-School Mentors have access to some school resources, such as board games or puzzles. Volunteers are responsible for the cost of any other materials. 4. What will I do with my Little? You could go on a hike, rent a movie, bake cookies, make a craft, go fishing, walk your dog (or someone else’s!), shoot some hoops, play a board game, go swimming, play a video game, learn how to knit, build a snow fort, go skating, just hang out and more! Our programs are about spending time with a child, not spending money. The agency also has monthly low-cost activities for matches (like cooking classes or woodworking). You can sign up for these events by calling our office to register. We also receive donated tickets to events. These tickets are provided free of charge to our volunteers on a first-come, first-served basis. In the past we have been able to send matches to Raptors games, the Shriner’s Circus, the Mississauga Symphony, a Barenaked Ladies concert, Battalion and Ice Dog games, the Blue Jays and more! If you run out of ideas, your caseworker will be happy to help you come up with others. Being a volunteer is a lot of fun! 5. I can’t commit to one year. Can I still be a volunteer? Volunteers are required to commit to the minimum time requirements of the program they are applying to. Many of the children in our programs have experienced the disappointment of short-term relationships and studies have shown that introducing a child to another short-term relationship can actually do them more harm than good. It is important for the well-being of the children in our programs that applicants think seriously about whether they are able to make the one year commitment. For our One-to-One matching programs, volunteers must be able to commit for one full year. Group and In-School Mentoring volunteers must be able to commit for one school year (Sept-June). If you are not able to provide this amount of time, consider our BIG BUNCH program which requires a minimum 6 month commitment to attend at least one outing each month. You can also contact our Events Assistant at 905-457-7288 ext 223 for opportunities volunteering at one of our fundraising events. 6. How do I get matched with a child? In the One-to-One and In-School Mentoring programs, a caseworker will discuss with you a child they think will be a great match. We will get as much input as possible from you during the application process. While we can make no guarantees about the child that you will be matched with, we do try to be as accommodating as possible. We match volunteers and children based on interests and hobbies, personality, location and volunteer and family preferences. You may even have an opportunity to meet the child before the match is made. We want everyone to be excited about a new match. Have you considered being matched with a teen? We have lots of great teen matches and are always looking for volunteers who would like to have fun with this age group. Talk to your caseworker about it! In our Group and BIG BUNCH programs, volunteers are assigned two children to supervise and pick up from their homes. Group volunteers remain with these two children for the entire group session. In BIG BUNCH, you will likely volunteer with different children at each outing. 7. Can my husband or children come on outings with me and my ‘Little’? Unfortunately, not in our traditional One-to-One program. One of the unique aspects of our programs is the individualized attention that ‘Littles’ receive from a volunteer. Our programs are designed to provide children with a one-to-one relationship with an adult mentor. An alternative is our Couples For Kids program where we match a couple over the age of 21 who have been together in the same household for at least a year, with a Little. The Couple commits to spending at least 80% of the outings as a couple with the child. In this program, we have had the opportunity to match a family with a child. Taking into consideration the ages and needs of the Couples’ own children, we can provide a unique and positive experience for the Little and the volunteer family. 8. I don’t know if I can volunteer every week. Is there a program that I would be able to do? Talk to our Intake Coordinator at 905-457-7288 ext 210 about your situation to see if we may be able to accommodate your particular needs. We may be able to find a One-to-One match for a volunteer who is able to commit every other week. These contract matches are made on a case-by-case basis. 9. What is the role of a caseworker? The caseworker is a professional staff member who supports volunteers and families in our six core mentoring programs. You are assigned to a caseworker according to your program who is there to support you and the family. His or her knowledge and experience will help you through situations, understand how best to meet the needs of your Little Brother or Little Sister, and how to have a fun and rewarding friendship from which you will both benefit! We will be in regular contact throughout your involvement with the agency. If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please email or call your caseworker. That’s what we’re here for!