Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Innisfail (BBBSI) is seeing an outpouring of community support and generosity.
“We have had a good couple of months,” said Tim Howard, executive director of BBBSI. “Since the Innisfail Daine's Rodeo parade on June 14, when we had Kal Tire, Sundance Realty, and the Innisfail Co-op sell hot dogs, hamburgers, and beef-on-a-bun to raise support for us, Innisfail has been there for us. We really appreciate the time folks took to drop by all three events and support the work our volunteers do in our communities.”
Donations were made last week to Howard, and program clients Piet and Mary-Lynn Dijkstra, from Kal Tire's manager Aric Ewach for $400, Sundance Realty's Denise Lester for $1,400, another $500 from Lori Piper - Central Alberta Co-op's marketing manager, and $1,000 from Kevin Meyer of Kevin's nofrills.
“Even though we are in the middle of summer, fundraising needs to continue,” said Howard. “We continue to run throughout the summer, with only the in-school mentoring and summer programs not going right now.”
Howard added that BBBSI works with the local Kinsmen to send member students to Camp Alexo, located west of Rocky Mountain House.
“We are trying to expand our operations within Innisfail, Bowden, Penhold, and Spruce View,” said Howard. “The only way we can ensure that professional standards are maintained is to increase our revenue, and Family Community Support Services of Red Deer and District has pledged to help us meet our needs for the next three years.”
Howard noted that while their priority is the four communities they presently serve, there are 28 others from Bowden to Airdrie and to Rocky Mountain House that could benefit from the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program.
“That is our goal over the next eight to 10 years,” said Howard. “We could possibly reach up to 2,000 children once we expand to where there is a need.”
The executive director said that the organization's goal is ambitious but it is more cost effective than the alternatives of allowing students to drop out of school, or make choices that inhibit their future success in life.
For more information on BBBSI volunteer opportunities and programs, go to www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/innisfail or call 403-227-6676.
