The KidStart Mentoring Program is operated by PLEA Community Services Society of BC.  KidStart is an awarding winning, CARF accredited, Prevention and Diversion program for kids age 6+ that relies on donations, grants and fundraising activities to exist. Experience and a growing body of research supports the premise that regular time spent one-to-one with a positive adult mentor counteracts risk and supports the protective factors that result in safe, healthy and positive childhood development.  The goal of their mentors is to develop a positive one-to-one relationship with the young person and engage kids in community activities that promote success and achievement.  KidStart is particularly focused on recruiting male mentors as its had 310 kids waiting for a volunteer and 224 of those kids are boys (70%).