Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince Albert has relocated into the downtown business district and is inviting you to Ignite a Little Sparkle in the lives of children and youth in their holiday campaign.
The staff at BBBS are excited to embark on the holiday season from their new office space at 29-11th St. East. Their offices had been located in a house in the midtown area since 1999, and is now downtown across the street from city hall.
“Moving to this new office space is a positive change for us, and we are looking forward to becoming part of the downtown rejuvenation in Prince Albert. Our former building was a charming old character home, but the time had come for us to find a more suitable commercial space” says Development Coordinator, Natasha Thomson. “Launching our holiday campaign from here feels like the perfect way to celebrate the season.”
They are asking the people of Prince Albert to include Big Brothers Big Sisters as part of their holiday giving this year. The Ignite a Little Sparkle campaign will help ensure ongoing support to their current mentoring matches, and towards finding new mentors for the kids who are still awaiting their matches.
Mentorship helps young people find stability, improve mental health, and develop the confidence and resilience needed to navigate through life’s toughest challenges. Now, more than ever, children and families are facing increased anxiety, stress, fear, and worry. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected how people form and grow their relationships, including places/spaces that deliver critical programs to youth in need. Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs have proven to be especially important during this time, and their mentoring matches have continue to connect safely in person or virtually.
Despite an increased need to support the mental health and wellness of vulnerable children, the organization has been challenged this past year by having to cancel or scale down their usual fundraising events. “Our revenue sources have been hit hard” says Thomson, “We are asking individuals and businesses who usually support us through our bowling event, golf auction or Spudnut booth to consider making a contribution to this campaign.”
Donations can be made online or by cheques mailed to their new location at 29-11th St. E.
Community support will ensure Prince Albert’s most vulnerable youth continue to have access to trained Big Brothers and Big Sisters who will make them feel included, protect their mental health, and support their learning. The organization is committed to maintaining and supporting the vital developmental relationships established in their current matches, and is accepting volunteer applications on their website for anyone interested in being paired with a child who is waiting to be matched.