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Delta Foundation grant supports Big Sisters’ Study Buddy program

The federal government’s Emergency Community Support Fund and Delta Foundation awarded a $5,055 grant to Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland Study Buddy program. The funds will help the organization match at-risk girls with supportive mentors.
Delta Foundation
The federal government’s Emergency Community Support Fund and Delta Foundation awarded a $5,055 grant to Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland Study Buddy program.

The federal government’s Emergency Community Support Fund and Delta Foundation awarded a $5,055 grant to Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland Study Buddy program.

The funds will help the organization match at-risk girls with supportive mentors.

The Study Buddy program is a weekly, one-to-one mentoring relationship that focuses on school work. For a minimum of six months, Study Buddies meet for one hour a week outside of school to work on school subjects and study skills.

Little Study Buddies (ages seven to 17) not only improve their academics but also report a higher level of self-esteem.

Connection matters now more than ever. With social distancing practices enforcing closure of schools in March and temporary holds for in-person Big Sisters matches, isolation is a real risk on the mental health of the already vulnerable youth Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland serves.

“Trauma falls hardest on our youth,” said Hanne Madsen, executive director for Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland. “This pandemic will have a long-lasting impact on their mental, physical and economic health.

“The connection our youth have with their Big Sister is more important now than ever before to mitigate the risk factors and help them navigate this new normal. With over 135 girls on our waitlist, we are striving to ensure that we can help all of them reach their potential.”