Wait List Closure Announcement
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton Temporarily Closes Male Community-Based
Wait List; Calls for Male Mentors and Community Support
Sarnia-Lambton – Effective April 1, 2026, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton is
temporarily closing its male community-based wait list and will not be accepting new inquiries.
for male youth until further notice. This decision comes as the agency addresses an urgent
local need: more than 70 male youth are currently waiting for one-to-one Big Brother mentors in our community.
“We are committed to providing safe, high quality mentoring for every young person who needs it,” said Kaylen Burgess, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton. “This was a difficult decision, made only after careful consideration. This is a pause, we will focus our time and resources on the more than 70 boys and young men already waiting so they receive the consistent, professionally supported mentorship they deserve, and we will work diligently to reopen the wait list as soon as that number decreases. We hope this call to action prompts our community to step.”
Why the pause:
Over 70 male youth are actively waiting for one-to-one mentoring.
Temporarily closing the wait list allows the agency to focus on matching and supporting
existing youth while safely recruiting, screening and supporting new male mentors.
Call to Action: We Need Male Mentors and Community Support
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton is urgently seeking male volunteers (18+) from
across Sarnia and Lambton County to volunteer as Big Brothers. Volunteers provide consistent one-to-one mentorship that builds confidence, improves school outcomes, and strengthens futures. Community partners and donors are also needed to help expand program capacity through financial support, staff resources, and outreach.
How to help:
Become a Big Brother Mentor: Interested men can learn more and apply at
http://www.sarnia.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca or by calling 519 336 0460.
Spread the word: Share our need with friends, workplaces, clubs and community
organizations.
Partner with us: Organizations that can host recruitment events where we will come to you to interview and train new volunteer mentors.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton provides mentoring programs that empower children and youth to reach their full potential through professionally supported one-to-one and group mentorship. We are dedicated to safety, volunteer support, and positive, lasting relationships between mentors and youth.
Contact: Kaylen Burgess, Executive Director
519 333 8435
Kaylen.burgess@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca