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| NEWS - March 2, 2010 |
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Bowl for Kid’s Sake returns to Lucky Strike
Big Brothers Big Sisters signature fundraiser looks for bowlers |
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Andre Delaire
Post Staff
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Big Brothers Big Sisters is inviting Lac La Biche residents to bowl a few frames later this month for the sake of some young boys and girls from the area.
The annual Bowl for Kid’s Sake is returning to the Lucky Strike Bowling Alley on March 12 and 13 for the sixth consecutive year, and businesses, organizations and community individuals are being asked to sign up a team.
"It is a Big Brothers Big Sisters signature fundraiser," said Shelley Bertschi, a match caseworker with the Lac La Biche BBBS office. "We do this one every year. It gets our name out in the community and it also raises money for Big Brothers Big Sisters."
Over the last two years, the event has attracted dozens of bowlers and non-bowlers and raised $9,000 each year for Big Brothers Big Sisters. This year Bertschi is hoping to get a few more dollars and bowlers.
"We are aiming for 12 teams on Friday night, which is the corporate challenge," she said of the night for businesses and organizations.
Meanwhile, everyone else can bowl in the community event on Saturday, and Bertschi would like to see eight teams come out.
While there’s no registration fee, Big Brothers Big Sisters is encouraging each bowler to raise $100. But it’s not all about the money.
"It’s a big thing to get our name out into the community and let people know where out here," said Bertschi.
And the more people who know the name and what the group does, the better chance there is that more children will be partnered with adults for friendship and fun.
"In Lac La Biche, there’s not a shortage of kids, there’s a shortage of volunteers," she said, adding that the in-school program is having some degree of success.
High school students have been making a difference in the lives of young boys and girls from the community by spending a few hours a month with them in a school setting, Bertschi said. But aside from that help, Bertschi is finding it difficult to attract a dedicated group of grown up role models.
The after-school program, and the Sports Buddies program that Bertschi was hoping to get started in Lac La Biche, are both without any volunteers despite the need.
Bertschi said Big Brothers Big Sisters makes a big difference in the lives of young children.
"It’s absolutely huge," she said. "One of the biggest things with Big Brothers Big Sisters is the one-on-one mentoring … Just having one person in a child’s life makes a difference."
According to Bertschi, studies have shown that the organization tends to keep kids in school, and away from drugs and alcohol. She also noted that boys and girls with a Big Brother or Sister are less likely to live on social assistance.
She said even children with two parents are waiting for a mentor.
"Sometimes it’s nice to have a friend and not a parent — Just someone who’s there for you. I think all kids will benefit from that."
Bertschi is hoping the Bowl for Kid’s Sake will encourage area residents to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters. For more information about the organization and its different program, call Bertschi at 780-623-0380.
To sign up for the bowling fundraiser, call Meghan Barnes at 780-623-2506. |
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