Close to 100 people came out to support Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Wood Buffalo’s 8th annual Curl for Kids Sake on March 23.
Community Engagement and Events Coordinator Shawna Pelley said the event is one of the top three fundraising events for the agency, this year bringing in $26,700.
The money goes towards programs in our region, which include one on one, group and in school mentoring, with the majority going to the one on one matches, known as “big and little” matches.
“It costs about $5,000 to support one match for a year. That involves the recruitment process to find our volunteer mentor, some operation costs as well as match support.”
She said the agency sees an average of 200 youth using their programs in a single year.
BBBS has been in the community for 40 years and the event helps shed light on what the agency does within the community, while also raising funds.
Pelley said the agency is always looking for volunteers to help youth reach their full potential through friendship and activities.
As a mentor, she said that although there are many free activities to do, there are also many partnerships throughout the community to reduce financial strain by giving the youth free admission or dinner.
