At the Lacombe and District Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the Christmas season marks an ideal time to not only raise funds for the organization, but to build closer community connections as well.
"We’re running our annual Adopt-a-Family program to support local families in need, helping make the holiday season brighter for everyone," said Brianna Berthiaume, executive director.
"Community members can sign up to adopt a family, providing them with gifts and essentials. This program has such a positive impact each year, and we’d love to spread the word to thank our valued supporters of this necessary program."
Delivery of the gifts and goods takes place the week prior to Christmas, and this year, 28 families will be helped out.
Berthiaume said they do need a few more folks to sign on to adopt one of these families.
"It's not just families Big Brothers Big Sisters serves, but we also work with all of the schools to make sure that if there are any families who are in need, they will be supported by this program," she explained, adding there are quite a few large families included in the program this year as well.
"Donors don't have to commit to fully serving and supporting the whole family with buying gifts and essentials; they could do a couple of gift cards, or do part of a Christmas dinner. So there are a lot of options available in offering support at different donation levels," she said.
The Festival of Wreaths is also back this season, allowing local businesses and organizations to sponsor a wreath and bring some festive spirit to Lacombe, Blackfalds, Bentley and district, she said.
"The wreaths will be displayed at the Lacombe Memorial Centre and the Blackfalds Abbey Centre, celebrating the holidays while raising funds to support our programs."
This year, there are 52 wreaths available for purchase.
All proceeds go back into the community through mentoring programs. Those interested in supporting the initiative can head to www.32auctions.com/wreaths2024.
The bidding launches on Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. and wraps up on Dec. 16 at 1 p,m, as well.
"It's about bringing the magic of the season. Each wreath is uniquely designed, and filled with surprises."
Another highlight this time of year is the Great Big Christmas Dinner on Dec. 2, a special get-together for Big Brothers Big Sisters staff and volunteers.
"We’ll be sharing a delicious meal, honouring the incredible contributions of our community, and presenting several special awards," said Berthiaume, adding that it's also a time to recognize various community organizations and mentors who have given so much to the organization.
"It's a fun evening for our mentees, our mentors, their families, and our community partners - so it is closed to the public," she said.
"We also will have stations for cookie decorating, crafting, plus we will have a photo booth. And Santa will be there, too! We also have awards for those who partner with us. We have between 90 and 120 volunteers each year that support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lacombe."
This year's title sponsor for the event is BAMSS Contracting, and Leto's Steakhouse is also helping out in the food department.
Another popular holiday event is the Lacombe Police Service's annual Charity Checkstop on Nov. 30 from 1 to 4 p.m. outside the Lacombe Fire Hall.
"Volunteers will be collecting donations, food for the food bank and unwrapped toys. We can’t wait to see the community there!"
The event also supports MADD Canada and Santa’s Anonymous.
Big Brothers Big Sisters works to pair youth with screened volunteer mentors. The organization has a 33-year-long history in the Lacombe area.
Folks can sign up for one-to-one mentoring which can take place in a local school for one hour each week. There is also community-based, one-to-one mentoring, which has mentors spending in the neighborhood of six to eight hours each month with their mentee.
And the need for mentors continues to grow.
"From 2021 through to today, we are serving 200 more youth in our mentoring program," said Berthiaume.
"So events like our Festival of Wreaths, and the Charity Checkstop are so important in helping to connect the community to what we are doing, and in helping us to reach more youth and help them in their development," she said.
"We believe that holiday cheer is meant to be shared. So by supporting us by bidding on a wreath, stopping at the Charity Checkstop, or adopting a family, we can help make the season unforgettable for everyone.
"I can't put the emphasis on our community enough, and what they do for us."
For more on how to get involved, or to learn more about the above events, call the office at 403-782-7870 or visit lacombe.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca. You can also find Lacombe Big Brothers Big Sisters on Facebook.
