Celebrating 50 years: Big Brothers Big Sisters West Island

Marked by a year of milestones, Big Brothers Big Sisters West Island held a fundraising event on Wednesday night. Building confidence, resilience, and helping youth reach their full potential — that’s what the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship programs are all about for youth in Montreal’s West Island.

The fundraising dinner was held not only to raise funds to expand their programs, but also to celebrate 50 years of successfully transforming young lives.

“I’ve honestly been wanting to join Big Brothers Big Sisters for the longest time,” said Pascal Quimper, a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters West Island. “For me, youth has always been an important cause, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Island allows me to contribute to the younger generation. I think my generation has a role and responsibility to make sure the younger generation has the right tools to be the best they can.”

“Tonight’s an important night for us to not just celebrate the 50th anniversary, but really to reach out to the community about the importance of fundraising and donations,” said Scott Moon, former mentor and president of the board of directors at Big Brothers Big Sisters West Island. “In order for us to continue to grow and match more kids, it takes social workers to coordinate the matches, support all the programs we’re running, and help us assist those extra 50 kids on our waitlist.”

The organization is also issuing a call to action, asking for 50 more volunteers to serve as mentors, as they say the little brothers and little sisters in their community increasingly face challenges such as limited access to services, job opportunities, social isolation, and mental health support.

“With our whole digital age and kids spending more time on their devices and less time interacting, there seems to be more bullying that goes on both in schools and online,” said Moon. “Some of the pressures and social anxiety that children are dealing with also seem to be on the rise.”

As a former mentor himself, Moon says the experience of helping someone else has never left him — he even says the 13-year-old he mentored for more than three years recently got back in touch nearly 15 years later. That young man is now happily married and credits Moon for being there for him during a critical time in his life.

“It’s about creating that bond and relationship over time,” said Moon. “It’s really a friendship — as a big brother or big sister would be — where you look out for them, provide some tips or guidance along the way, and just be that positive role model they need in their life.”

As for Quimper, his dream of becoming a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters has recently come true, as he was matched with 9-year-old Lawrence.

“We’ve had a blast, and we’re a new relationship — only about four months in,” said Quimper. “But I think it’s a budding relationship, and I’m looking forward to being a strong presence in his life to make sure he has the right tools.”