Big Brothers of America was initiated by Irvin F. Westheimer, a young Cincinnati businessman, who was distressed by a young boy foraging for food in an alley trash can, befriended the youth and learned he was fatherless. He sensed the specific needs of this boy and others in similar circumstances and appealed to adults to offer help. The year was 1903, the first agency was incorporated in 1909.

In Canada, the first Big Brother program began in Toronto in 1913; the National organization came into being in 1964. Big Brother agencies from all ten provinces, plus the territory of Yukon, are members and receive guidance from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, housed in Burlington. As of December 1997 these 161 member agencies were serving over 7 000 matches as well as approximately 2000 children in other programs.

The first meeting to launch the local Big Brothers Association was held in Carleton Place on May 16, 1973 resulting in a consent of corporation from Big Brothers of Canada in October 1973. As the agency grew the decision was made to include girls needing our special service, and in December 1982 the first Big Sister met her Little Sister.

Since 1974 over 200 men and women have offered friendship to an equal number of children. These volunteers are screened and receive on-going support and guidance from agency professional staff.