My Magic Hands | our Partners

Big Brothers Big Sisters

For over 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto (BBBST) has been well known and respected for the important services we provide to children and youth in our community. As Canada’s leading child and youth mentoring charity, Big Brothers Big Sisters facilitates life-changing relationships that inspire and empower children and youth to reach their potential, both as individuals and citizens. Each partnership, a Big to a Little, starts something very magical and special—a life-changing relationship built on friendship, trust and empowerment.

While a group of children (“Littles”) wait to be permanently matched with a mentor (“Bigs”) BBBST hosts Group Activities Events where volunteer Bigs join children for group activities, usually on a weekly or bi-weekly occasion. Because of its interactive nature and structured learning, My Magic Hands complemented group activity programming. BBBST recruit volunteers (“Bigs”) and participants (“Littles”) and Magicana provides all instruction, volunteer coaching and program execution.

Not only did we engage the youth in a fun and interactive program, we also provided BBBST with a new tool to reach out to youth and  introduce them to meaningful mentorship. At the end of the program, Littles who participated in the program invite their families and other community members to attend The Big Show, where they showcase the tricks they learned. Unanimously, the Littles amaze, surprise and entertain the 100+ sized audience with all the charms and subtleties of professionals.

The entire experience open many opportunities for fun, learning, mentorship and bonding, all the hallmarks of My Magic Hands and BBBST’s program goals.

Don’t take our word for it

“I have to say the support that [the Magicana instructors] provided the Bigs and Littles is amazing—the best that I have seen yet.”

— John Cox
BBBST Program Coordinator

 

“I believe that magic is a wonderful medium to help kids develop confidence and interpersonal skills, so I whole-heartedly endorse this program.”

— Chris
BBBST Volunteer / “Big”