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Lacombe BBBS filling funding gap with Great Big Bottle Drop

Organization lost $30k in casino funding due to COVID-19
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lacombe and District continues to find creative ways to fill a funding gap caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout June 1-6, BBBS is hosting their Great Big Bottle Drop to raise $2,000 in order to continue to fund their programs after the virus lead to the cancellation of their annual casino, resulting in the lost of $30,000.

“We are taking donations all week and people can text for pick-up at 403 877 1516. We have volunteers picking up bottles or they can be dropped off on the deck of the Bamford House,” Executive Director Crystal Zens said.

Support for BBBS in the community has been there, despite the loss of the casino and other “substantial promised dollars”.

“We have received some funds through the provincial and federal governments through the FCSSA, as well as through the United Way and the Red Deer Community Foundation. Wolf Creek school division even donated $2,000 to our Hot Lunch Porch program, which has doubled in size,” Zens said.

The support comes just as BBBS begins preparing to relaunch face-to-face programming during Phase 2 of the provincial relaunch plan.

“Our matches will be able to meet again which is amazing and and they can’t wait. Virtual was fun in the beginning but it definitely died off so we can’t wait to support our kids in that way again,” she said.

Zens added she is thankful to everyone who has donated so far and that BBBS is planning a raffle for later in June.

“We have went all of the County, Blackfalds and Lacombe to pick up bottles. We appreciate them so much and every little bit helps. All the generosity of people during a time like this is something we are extremely grateful for,” she said.

Zens added they are currently looking for new mentors to help fill their wait list.

“If people are interested in mentoring, we have a wait list of about 30 kids and we would love to get them matched,” she said.



todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com

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