By Erin Engstrom

BC HRMA was proud to sponsor the Big Sisters’ 16^th Annual Spring Lunch Fundraiser held at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in early May.  The sold out event raised $55,000 and featured a keynote address on leadership by Bonnie Brooks, president of the Hudson’s Bay Company.

The highlight of the event, however, was a personal and heartfelt testimonial by alumni Little Sister Darci. She shared her emotional story, her perspective on the intrinsic value of mentorship and the importance of positive female role models to vulnerable girls like herself.

Big Sister Michelle with Little Sister Darci and MC Lynda Steele. Image courtesy of Lani Hyde Photography, May 2012

When explaining the relationship with her Big Sister Michelle, Darci said “I value all her teachings. I have learned about strength, respect and self-expression. She has taught me life skills and confidence so I can see for myself how I can reach my full potential. She has pushed me to grow and go far and that’s where I’m headed. I never knew that about myself before.”

“Girls need positive role models to get out of the cycle and to feel like they have power over themselves and their lives. I don’t want my daughter or nieces to feel like they’re weak or unimportant,” she said. “Without this program I probably wouldn’t have known that there was an outlet. I probably wouldn’t have graduated from high school or started college but that is what I am doing now.”
Darci received a standing ovation for bravely sharing her story in the hope of benefiting future ‘little sisters’ such as herself. Darci is a true ambassador for the Big Sisters organization and the spirit of mentorship.

Many Little Sisters suffer from low self-esteem, social isolation, and a lack of enriching experiences as a result of poverty, family distress, abuse, loss or other life challenges. Just having someone to listen to them, have fun with them and tell them they are special can have a tremendous impact on these young girls. The Big Sister’s Organization believes that the benefits from the relationship formed with a caring, supportive woman helps girls build self-esteem and confidence to make positive life choices.

There are currently more than 100 young women on a waitlist for a mentor and, thanks to the Spring Lunch, 28 young women will be matched with a Big Sister or Study Buddy tutor and be able to experience a life-changing friendship that will empower them to reach their full potential.

Read Darci’s full speech, watch “The Power of Mentoring” video or visit www.bigsisters.bc.ca  for more information or to make a donation.

Interested in mentoring? Find out more about BC HRMA’s Professional Mentoring Program.

Erin Engstrom is the conference and events manager at BC HRMA. When Erin isn’t working, she can be found cooking for friends at an impromptu kitchen party or racing her kids between the pool, rink and pitch. Erin never stops—but that’s because she’s afraid that she would be too tired to jump back into the race of her wonderfully chaotic life. e.engstrom@bchrma.org.