KidStart Mentoring Program

💙 Mentor Monday: Meet Rick!💙

For Rick, mentoring is about more than giving back. I's about connection, learning, and growing alongside the next generation.

He says, "Being a mentor with youth keeps me open-minded, connects me with their cultural perspectives, and allows me to have fun in the way I did as a young man."

Inspired by the many role models who guided him throughout his life, including his father who taught him patience and the importance of giving back, Rick has been mentoring young men for more than 20 years.

One of his most meaningful moments came after an outing with his mentee, who, after being dropped off at home, turned around and said, "You're a good guy, Rick. Thank you."
Those simple words were a powerful reminder of why mentoring matters.

Thank you, Rick, for being a trusted mentor and making a difference in the lives of youth in our community. 💙

🏆 Every athlete has a team behind them.
👉A coach. A mentor. Someone who showed up.

💙 At KidStart, we’re building those same connections for children in our community, helping them grow, belong, and believe in themselves.

⭐ Want to be someone’s MVP? Become a mentor.

Thank you to Gordon Fund for Children, held at Vancouver Foundation for their donation of $8,890.85 to KidStart. Since 2008, they have donated over $94,000 to KidStart. We are deeply appreciative of your kindness and dedication to creating brighter futures for kids who need you in their corner.

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to recognize, honour and celebrate the histories, cultures, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

At PLEA Community Services, our commitment to reconciliation is ongoing. We are dedicated to being an ally in reconciliation by creating culturally safe spaces, listening and learning from Indigenous voices, and building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities.

Throughout the month, and beyond, we encourage everyone to take time to learn, reflect, attend community events, and support Indigenous artists, businesses, and organizations. Reconciliation is not a single moment, it is a continuous commitment to understanding, respect and action.

To learn more about PLEA’s commitment to reconciliation and the work of our Indigenous Matters Committee, visit our website at: plea.ca.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is pleased to support KidStart! 💙

We’re so thankful to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority for their generous $25,000 donation to our program.

Support like this truly makes a difference for the children and youth we serve. It helps us connect young people with caring mentors who provide encouragement, support, and someone they can count on during some of the most important years of their lives.

A mentor can help a child build confidence, feel more connected, and see new possibilities for their future. Thanks to this generous funding, more children and youth will have the opportunity to experience those life-changing relationships.

Thank you, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, for believing in the power of mentorship and for helping young people in our communities feel supported, valued, and empowered.

At PLEA, we believe lasting impact starts with a strong foundation 💙

Supporting youth, children, and families takes more than passion. It takes accountability, transparency, strong leadership, and a commitment to doing the work well.
We’re proud to hold the Imagine Canada Accreditation Trustmark and be part of the campaign. For us, accreditation is more than a badge. It reflects our ongoing dedication to strong governance, financial accountability, ethical fundraising practices, and continuous learning and growth as an organization.

As the only national accreditation framework built by nonprofits, for nonprofits, the Imagine Canada Standards Program helps strengthen trust with our donors, partners, and community. The trust our donors and supporters place in us is vital to our mission, and accreditation is one of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to operating with integrity, accountability, and care.

We’re grateful to everyone who supports PLEA’s work and helps us continue showing up for the young people and families we serve every day.

Strong Foundation. Stronger Impact. 💪

💙Mentor Monday: Meet Campbell! 💙

For almost a year, Campbell has been making a positive impact by supporting and encouraging his mentee as they grow in confidence and reach new milestones.

One of his favourite memories together was attending the Gaming Show at the Roundhouse Community Centre and spending the day playing video games together, laughing and just having a blast! 🎮

Campbell says his biggest role model is his mom, who raised three children as a single parent and showed him the importance of resilience, love, and putting others first.
He also wants to make a difference in the life of a child and give back to the community.

Thank you, Campbell, for the kindness, encouragement, and support you bring to mentoring!✨

Interested in becoming a mentor? Be the difference in a young person’s life. Visit our website for more details on how you can become a volunteer mentor: https://www.kidstart.ca/lower-mainland/volunteer/

At KidStart, our volunteers are never on their own. 💛

Every mentor is paired with a Coordinator who provides ongoing support, guidance, and supervision along the way. Volunteers also take part in monthly learning sessions and support meetings to stay connected and continue growing together.

Did you know KidStart also offers FREE training courses and seminars for mentors? Topics can include:

✨ First Aid
✨ FASD Awareness
✨ Trauma-Informed Practice
✨ Healthy Boundaries
✨ Gender Diversity
…and so much more.

We’re committed to supporting our mentors with the tools, knowledge, and community they need to make a lasting difference in a child’s life. 🌱

For more information on how to be a mentor, visit: https://www.kidstart.ca/lower-mainland/volunteer/

Today is International Day of Families 💛💙

Family isn’t always about being related by blood. Sometimes, family is the people who make us feel safe, supported, loved, and connected. The people who show up, encourage us, listen to us, and stand beside us through life.

At KidStart, we see every day how strong, caring relationships help children build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a parent, grandparent, mentor, teacher, coach, caregiver, friend, or community member, supportive connections can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.

Today, we celebrate all the people who help children feel seen, valued, and supported.