INNISFAIL - Citizens of Innisfail came out to show their support for the Big Brothers Big Sisters Prairies to Peaks (BBBS) on Saturday.
"It's our 30th annual Bowl For Kids," said Sherry Dijkstra, executive director. "We have more teams this year than we did last year. It's very positive."
The annual event took place at the Innisfail Bowling Lanes on March 4 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. A smaller version was held in Olds from 5 to 7 p.m.
A total of 54 teams participated in the Bowl For Kids event, collecting pledges to help raise money for the organization's mentoring programs for children.
"It shows that the community believes in our programming and they're helping support us so we can help more kids," said Dijkstra. "We have a good community in Innisfail."
BBBS serves children in Innisfail, Penhold, Bowden, Olds, Sundre and Spruce View.
A number of local businesses, organizations, individuals and schools formed teams to help raise money for the local organization.
Teams included those from Scotiabank, Innisfail RCMP, ATB, Rotary Club of Innisfail, Innisfail Kinsmen Club, Innisfail Lions Club, Innisfail Middle School and …cole John Wilson Elementary School.
John Wilson school had three teams participating in the fundraiser on Saturday.
"Our school has been in (the event) before. It's not our first year supporting Bowl For Kids," said Angela Warke, school principal. "We work closely together and they support a lot of our kids in the school so we're more than happy to come out and support them.
"The kids are so excited to be here and bowl today," she added. "They're enjoying every moment."
Const. Scott Holden from the Innisfail RCMP said it was a great way to support a wonderful cause.
"I think it's extremely important to give children a chance to get out and experience things and a chance to have fun," he said.
Dijkstra was pleased with teams' contributions and fundraising efforts as well as the work done by staff and volunteers.
"A lot of our staff are volunteering the day to help and a couple of high school students have volunteered today as well," she said, noting how important the annual Bowl For Kids event is to the organization.
"This being one of our biggest fundraisers, it allows us to hopefully continue with our programming and expand some of our programs," said Dijkstra."It's a very important fundraiser for us.
"A lot of kids benefit from the fundraising we do today."
Sherry Dijkstra, executive director Big Brothers Big Sisters Prairies to Peaks
"A lot of kids benefit from the fundraising we do today."
