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Ms. Brenda Gershkovitch, Executive Director of
Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, appeared before the Committee providing an
overview of programs offered by the organization.
The speaker noted that the Big
Sisters offer three programs to the girls aged 7 to 17:
1. One-to-one Program (adult
mentoring a child)
2. Study Buddy (one-to-one
academic mentorship)
3. Go Girls (healthy lifestyles
for girls aged 10 – 14)
Over the past four years the Big
Sisters served the girls in Metro Vancouver (with 20% in Burnaby) as follows:
2012 – 623 girls
2013 – 695 girls
2014 – 767 girls
2015 – 819 girls
Ms. Gershkovitch advised that the
girls are paired with volunteers based on character, desires and goals (never
on ethnicity or religion), and this cross-culture experience has been very
rewarding.
The speaker noted the organization
has 23 employees, and many dedicated volunteers who are highly trained,
screened and supervised.
In conclusion, Ms. Gershkovitch
thanked the City of Burnaby for their support over the years.
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