Originally from Orangeville, Tori moved to London in 2017 to attend Fanshawe College and decided to make the area her home after graduating. Today, she lives just outside Strathroy with her boyfriend and their two dogs, who she says wear their hearts on their paws! She has worked in the enforcement field for nearly six years and enjoys the work she does.
Growing up as an only child, Tori developed an appreciation for the importance of having someone who offers encouragement, guidance, and support. Through her professional experiences, she also witnessed how much of a difference it can make when someone has a caring person in their corner.
These experiences inspired her to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She wanted to become that supportive presence for a young person, someone they could count on, share experiences with, and turn to for encouragement.
Since becoming a Big Sister, Tori has developed a wonderful connection with her Little. Despite their age difference, they share many of the same interests and can relate to each other in ways that make their friendship feel natural. Tori is always ready to join in on her Little’s ideas and adventures whenever possible, although she admits there’s one thing they might not agree on: her jokes!
One of their most memorable adventures happened during an afternoon of laser tag in Sarnia. With the facility unusually quiet, they had the entire game to themselves. What followed was 30 minutes of chasing each other, climbing through windows, scrambling over walls, and hiding behind corners, all while trying to outsmart one another.
Even with the music blasting and the sounds of the game echoing throughout the room, their laughter was impossible to miss. By the end, their stomachs were sore from laughing so hard. And as Tori happily admits, her Little won!
For Tori, moments like these are what make mentorship so rewarding. While she joined Big Brothers Big Sisters hoping to make a positive difference in a young person’s life, she has discovered that the relationship has also made a meaningful difference in her own.
“I truly love spending time with her, and that girly honestly lights up every single room she walks into,” Tori shares. “Although I am her mentor or Big Sister, she inspires me to be a better person every day.”
Being recognized as Big of the Month is an honour that Tori is especially excited to share with her Little. She is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the program and for the friendship they continue to build together.
We’re proud to recognize Tori as our November Big of the Month and celebrate the kindness, laughter, and genuine connection she brings to her match. Her story is a reminder that mentorship is not only about the difference we make in someone else’s life, but also the ways they inspire us in return.