From a badminton court in Calgary to the streets of New York City, two inspiring individuals are showing us that when passion meets purpose, incredible things can happen.

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area, we believe in the power of people to create meaningful change. It’s the idea behind our Powered by People campaign, launched in September, which celebrates the individuals who make mentorship possible and the many ways our community comes together to support young people.

While mentorship is the vehicle for change, it’s people who keep it moving forward.

This fall, two individuals are showing us what happens when you take something you love and turn it into an opportunity to give back.

Aila Chorney: Serving Up Support for Mentorship

At just 15 years old, competitive badminton player Aila Chorney is already making an impact beyond the court.

In September, Aila took her passion for badminton and organized her very own charity tournament in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area.

Recognizing the role that positive role models and supportive adults play in a young person’s life, both on and off the court, Aila set out to make a difference for other youth. On September 12, she organized and hosted a private charity badminton tournament, complete with a silent auction to raise $5,000 and unlock a door through our 94 Doors Campaign.

By bringing people together through a sport she loves, Aila demonstrated that age is no barrier to community leadership. Her initiative is a wonderful example of how young people can use their talents, creativity and determination to support causes they believe in.

Thanks to her vision, hard work, and her community’s generous support, she surpassed her goal, raising over $5,000!

And while the tournament may have been about badminton, its impact reaches far beyond the court, helping create opportunities for young people to experience the life-changing power of mentorship.

Sarah: Going the Distance for a Cause

Meanwhile, another member of our community is preparing to take on a very different sporting challenge.

On November 1, Sarah, Chief Strategy Officer at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area, will lace up her running shoes for the New York City Marathon.

Through her fundraising campaign, 42.2 for Two, Sarah is turning the challenge of running 42.2 kilometres into an opportunity to support two charities close to her heart: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area in Canada and the PC Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund in the United Kingdom.

With strong connections to both countries, Sarah’s campaign brings together two communities through a shared commitment to making a difference.

Running a marathon requires months of preparation, dedication and perseverance. By connecting that personal commitment to charitable giving, Sarah is showing how an individual goal can become something much bigger.

Every kilometre represents not only a personal milestone, but an opportunity to raise awareness and inspire others to give back.

Different Passions. One Shared Purpose.

On the surface, Aila and Sarah’s stories couldn’t be more different.

One is a teenage badminton player organizing a local tournament. The other is a nonprofit leader preparing to run one of the world’s most iconic marathons.

But what connects them is something powerful: the willingness to turn a personal passion into an opportunity to support others.

Their stories remind us that there is no single way to make a difference.

Of course, volunteering as a mentor, making a donation and attending fundraising events are all important ways to support our mission. But community generosity can take countless forms.

Maybe you’re a runner, a golfer, a musician or an artist. Perhaps you enjoy baking, organizing events or bringing people together.

Whatever your interests, there may be an opportunity to use them to create something meaningful for others.

You don’t need a big budget or an elaborate plan to get started. Sometimes, all it takes is an idea, a little courage and the willingness to give it a try.

The Power of People, in Action

At the heart of mentorship is a simple belief: one person can make a profound difference in someone else’s life.

We see this every day through the relationships between mentors and mentees. But we also see it in the generosity of people who may never meet the young people whose lives they are helping to shape.

People like Aila and Sarah.

Their efforts help make it possible for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area to create and support meaningful mentoring relationships, connecting young people with caring adults who encourage their growth, build their confidence and help them realize their potential.

And that’s what Powered by People is all about.

It’s a reminder that creating a stronger, more connected community is something we all have a role in. Whether you give your time, share your talents, make a donation or rally others around a cause, every contribution matters.

To Aila and Sarah, thank you for your generosity, creativity and determination. You’ve reminded us that when people care enough to act, incredible things are possible.

Feeling inspired?

You don’t have to run a marathon or organize a tournament to make a difference. Think about what you love doing and how you might use it to support young people in our community.

Your next great idea could help open a door to opportunity for someone else.

Because mentorship is Powered by People. And that includes you.