When Iluta moved to Canada from Latvia, she was excited to begin a new chapter in her life, but she also found herself missing the people and connections she’d left behind. With 13 nieces and nephews back home, family had always been a big part of her world and so had the joy of giving back to others. As she settled into life in Calgary, Iluta began looking for a meaningful way to connect with her new community and share that part of herself. That’s when she discovered Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area and decided to become a volunteer mentor. 

Around the same time, a young girl named Amelia was waiting to be matched with a mentor of her own. 

Before the Match

Amelia was a kind, thoughtful and loving young person with plenty of personality, but she was experiencing some challenges at school, as well as finding the confidence needed to fully come into her own. Bullying and difficulties navigating friendships had affected her confidence, and her family wanted to ensure she had additional support as she grew older. With two busy working parents and a younger sister at home, they hoped a mentor could offer Amelia another positive relationship outside her immediate family. More than anything, they wanted her to have someone she could trust, someone who would advocate for her, encourage her and help her feel like she had someone firmly in her corner. 

In May 2024, Ashleigh, a Mentoring Coordinator with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area, helped bring Iluta and Amelia together. Through the organization’s thoughtful matching process, it became clear that the two had plenty in common, from their outgoing personalities and playful senses of humour to their shared love of taekwondo. Amelia was already an accomplished participant in the sport, while Iluta had also already earned her black belt. Their common interests created an immediate point of connection, and according to Ashleigh, the pair clicked almost right away. 

A Journey Together

What followed was a year filled with adventures, laughter, new experiences and a friendship that would become deeply meaningful to them both.  

For Iluta and Amelia, no two outings were quite the same. They spent time exploring Calgary, enjoying the outdoors, attending Big Brothers Big Sisters match events and discovering new experiences together. As someone who loves food, Amelia particularly enjoyed opportunities to try different restaurants and cuisines, including a memorable teppanyaki experience. They also attended GlobalFest, enjoyed the excitement of basketball activities with Big Brothers Big Sisters and shared a quintessential Canadian experience at a hockey game, something Iluta appreciated as she continued learning about Canadian culture through Amelia. 

The two also developed a reputation for bringing plenty of personality and enthusiasm to match events. During one holiday celebration, Iluta dressed as the Grinch while Amelia transformed into Cindy Lou Who, a pairing that helped them win an ugly sweater competition. They also won a baking competition together, adding another fun memory to their growing collection. Whether they were participating in organized activities, spending time with other matches or simply enjoying a day together, their shared sense of humour and willingness to try new things made their friendship particularly special. 

For Ashleigh, watching their connection develop was a meaningful reminder of what mentorship can look like when two people are well matched. Iluta brought a wonderful balance of professionalism, warmth and playfulness to the relationship, while Amelia brought her own humour, curiosity and enthusiasm. They weren’t simply spending time together; they were building a relationship rooted in mutual respect, genuine affection and shared experiences. 

As the months passed, the impact of that relationship became increasingly apparent, particularly in Amelia. 

When she first entered the program, Amelia had been struggling with friendships and social confidence. Over time, Ashleigh began noticing a remarkable change. Amelia was becoming more comfortable expressing herself, exploring her individual style and embracing her personality. She was forming new friendships, engaging more confidently with others and developing a stronger sense of who she was. 

Fueling What Is Possible

Iluta played an important role in encouraging that growth. She became a consistent advocate for Amelia, supporting her interests, celebrating her accomplishments and encouraging her to pursue opportunities that might once have felt intimidating. Rather than trying to change Amelia, Iluta created space for her to discover and express the qualities that had always been there. 

One particularly meaningful example of Amelia’s growing confidence came in the fall of 2026, when she spoke publicly in front of approximately 300 people at Big Brothers Big Sisters’ From the Trail to the Chamber event featuring Mayor Jeromy Farkas. For a young person who had once experienced challenges with friendships and finding her voice, standing before a large audience was an exciting milestone. Amelia had developed an interest in public speaking and dreams of becoming an actress, so the opportunity represented another chance to explore her abilities and share her voice with others. 

Her confidence has also continued to grow through other interests, including singing lessons, taekwondo and the friendships she’s developed along the way. Ashleigh has watched Amelia come into her own over the course of the relationship, becoming increasingly expressive, socially connected and willing to embrace new opportunities. 

An equally meaningful part of Iluta and Amelia’s story is the community they’ve built around them. Through Big Brothers Big Sisters events and activities, they’ve connected with other mentors and mentees, developing friendships that extend beyond their own match. Ashleigh recalls hearing heartwarming stories about the pair spending time with other matches and seeing the genuine bonds forming between young people and volunteers. For Amelia, whose family initially sought mentorship in part because of her difficulties with peer relationships, those additional friendships have been especially meaningful. 

But while much of their story highlights Amelia’s growth, Iluta is quick to recognize that mentorship has been a learning experience for her as well. 

In one particularly memorable moment, Iluta found herself in an uncomfortable situation when a dog trainer referred to her dog as “stinky.” Unsure how best to address the comment, Iluta was encouraged by Amelia to speak up and approach the conversation with kindness and respect. It was a small interaction, but it left an impression on Iluta. Here was the young person she had volunteered to support, reminding her that it was possible to be both polite and assertive. In that moment, Amelia gave Iluta a little courage of her own. 

It’s an experience that reflects the reciprocal nature of their friendship. While Iluta has helped Amelia grow in confidence, navigate relationships and discover new possibilities, Amelia has brought Iluta laughter, perspective, encouragement and a deeper connection to the community she now calls home. 

For someone who originally sought out mentorship because she missed her family and wanted to make a positive difference, the relationship has given Iluta something meaningful in return. Through Amelia, she has experienced new aspects of Canadian culture, explored Calgary, connected with other families and volunteers, and built a lasting relationship grounded in genuine care. 

Their official mentorship began in May 2024 and continued through May 2025, but their connection didn’t end when the formal match concluded. Iluta and Amelia chose to continue their relationship beyond the program, a testament to the friendship they had developed during their year together. 

Looking back, the transformation Ashleigh has witnessed in Amelia is about much more than a single accomplishment or activity. It’s evident in how Amelia carries herself, expresses her individuality, engages with others and pursues her interests. The young person who once struggled to find her place among her peers is now developing her own style, building friendships, exploring her creativity and embracing opportunities to share her voice. 

And while Iluta has been an important source of encouragement throughout that journey, Amelia has continued to bring her own strengths, humour and kindness to their relationship, helping Iluta grow along the way. 

You Can Fuel Mentorship This Holiday Season

Their story demonstrates that meaningful mentorship isn’t defined by any one moment. It’s built through the consistency of showing up, the excitement of discovering shared interests, the laughter that comes with trying something new and the reassurance of knowing there’s someone who genuinely cares about you. 

What began as a desire to give back and a family’s hope for additional support has grown into a friendship that has enriched both of their lives. For Amelia, it’s meant having another trusted person who believes in her and celebrates the young woman she’s becoming. For Iluta, it’s meant finding connection, belonging and a little piece of the family she missed when she first arrived in Canada. 

Together, they’ve shown how much can grow from a single meaningful connection. 

Behind every mentoring relationship is a community of dedicated people providing the expertise, care, and support that make it possible. This holiday season, your generosity can help fuel more of those life-transforming relationships.

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Mentorship doesn’t run on autopilot, it takes fuel. It takes the dedicated staff, rigorous screening, and professional support that keep matches strong and safe. We are asking our community to help raise $50,000 this winter to help fuel our work.  

And with eligible gifts matched dollar for dollar, up to $20,000, your generosity can go twice as far.