Big Brothers Big Sisters: “This is a real opportunity to build that friendship”

PRINCE GEORGE – Non-profits are feeling the pinch as we all feel the impacts from COVID-19’s pandemic and the federal and provincial response to the virus.

Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern BC Tim Bennett says their organization that has prided itself on face-to-face engagement has had to turn to digital alternatives.

“Right now, because of social distancing and encouraging everyone to stay at home, our matches have had to move to more communicative electronically rather than in person,” said Bennett. “Our school bases matches have been put on hold. Our group programming has been put on hold. We’re having to find ways to get those kids who may need a mentor connected with a mentor through electronic means. There’s still communication happening, it just looks different.”

Despite in-person mentorship being put on hold for the time being, Bennett says there are some advantages to an otherwise unfortunate situation.