Sometimes, One Person Showing Up Can Make All the Difference

Think back to when you were growing up. Was there someone who listened when you needed to talk? Someone who helped you figure something out at school, encouraged you to try again, or simply made you feel like you weren’t figuring everything out on your own? For many young people, having that person in their corner matters. 

On July 28, 2026, Kerry Woodland, BGCBigs Co-Executive Director,  joined the Give. Amplify. Connect. podcast to talk about why those relationships are at the heart of what we do—and how BGCBigs works alongside families, volunteers and community partners to create more of them. 

Support Looks Different for Every Young Person 

Children and youth don’t all need the same thing at the same time. For one young person, support might look like spending time each week with a mentor who listens, laughs with them and helps with schoolwork. For another, it might mean arriving at their neighbourhood Club after school, grabbing a snack, seeing familiar faces and having a safe place to spend those important hours between school and home. 

And for an older youth thinking about what comes next, it might mean learning how to build a résumé, preparing for a first interview, developing leadership skills or finding people who believe in what they can do. That’s why BGCBigs supports young people from ages 6 to 24 through mentoring, after-school programming and youth engagement. 

It’s About More Than Programming 

During the conversation, Kerry shares how these different areas of BGCBigs work together to meet young people where they are. Our Clubs create spaces to play, learn, cook, build friendships and just be a kid. Mentoring creates opportunities for young people to build consistent relationships with caring people. 

Youth engagement programs help older youth build confidence, gain experience and take their next steps toward adulthood. The activities may be different, but there’s a common thread running through all of them: connection. Because sometimes what stays with a young person isn’t the activity they did that afternoon. 

It’s who was there beside them. 

Who Was That Person for You? 

Maybe it was a teacher. A coach. A neighbour. A family friend. A mentor. Most of us can think of someone who showed up at the right time. 

And sometimes, making that kind of difference starts with something surprisingly simple: showing up consistently. 

🎧 Listen to Kerry’s conversation on Give. Amplify. Connect. and learn more about how BGCBigs is creating spaces, relationships and opportunities for young people across our communities.