London, ON On November 18, 2025, Police Chief Thai Truong attended his training as a Community Mentor to become a Big Brother and will soon be matched with a young person who is experiencing adversity in the community.

There is a high demand for these life trajectory changing mentor matches and, due to high demand, many of the programs have extensive waitlists. The waitlist for the community mentorship program for youth identifying as males is currently closed. Earlier this year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of London and Area (BBBSOLA) launched a fundraising and volunteer recruitment drive to attract and support more Bigs (mentors and caring adults) so that the waitlists can be reopened and wait times for Littles (youth experiencing adversity) can be significantly shortened.

Earlier this year, when Chief Truong learned about the boys waitlist closure, he stepped forward and offered to help. He is calling on others to do the same and wants the community to know that:

"Strong, caring relationships can make a real difference in a young person’s future. Here in London, so many children are waiting for someone who believes in them and shows up for them. Becoming a Big Brother feels like a meaningful way for me to support our community’s young people and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this program."

— Chief Thai Truong

BBBSOLA’s Interim Executive Director, Lisa McIntosh, says:

"We are grateful for Chief Truong’s leadership, and so happy that he is stepping up and making this commitment to a young person. We know that every dollar we spend on our programs saves $23 in spending in our criminal justice and social service systems. The fact of the matter is that our mentorship programs can change a young person’s life. I hope many members of our community answer Chief Truong’s call to action. We are excited about this new partnership and for the young person who will be matched soon."

— Lisa McIntosh, Interim Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of London and Area

London Police Services Board Chair, Ryan Gauss, adds:

"Chief Truong has shown remarkable commitment to the London community. The Board is proud of his continued contributions, especially to a worthwhile cause like Big Brothers Big Sisters of London and Area. His involvement reflects the values of our organization, and we fully support the Chief in taking on this role and demonstrating the leadership our community deserves."

— Ryan Gauss, Chair, London Police Services Board

Interested in becoming a mentor Learn more about volunteering as a Big at london.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/volunteer .