It's been a packed season for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lacombe and District.
"First up was Big Brothers Big Sisters First Annual Rubber Duck Drop Fundraiser," said Jen Harty, community engagement director. "We watched as almost 600 rubber ducks were dropped from a helicopter, and the duck that landed the closest to the target was crowned the winner."
Harty said the individual whose duck was crowned the winner received half of the dollars raised from the ducks that were purchased.
"This was a family-friendly event and there was a bouncy castle, silent auction, raffle prizes, and a concession," she said, adding the fundraiser brought together friends, families, businesses, and allowed everyone to come together for a fun-filled community event on Sept. 28 in Blackfalds.
"The goal is to have it every September to go along with Big Brothers Big Sisters Month," said Harty.
Other major events this fall included the '40 Mentors in 40 Days' campaign, and the 'Turn the Town Teal' campaign.
This year, 50 businesses and organizations signed up to decorate their businesses in teal, which is the BBBS' official colour.
"It was heartwarming to see the community step up and promote Big Brothers Big Sisters in this way," said Harty. "I think it also really helped with our 40 Mentors in 40 Days campaign."
This venture, held every September during Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, is a time dedicated to attracting new mentors to the program.
"This year, we received 34 volunteer mentor inquiries! Throughout the campaign, signs are placed around the community to help promote Big Brothers Big Sisters. When people in the community see these signs, it shows them that we are here.
"I think both Turn the Town Teal and 40 Mentors in 40 Days help to further get our name out there," she said.
"When individuals reach out to us to inquire about mentoring, even if its just a quick question or they want to chat about volunteering, it means so much to as. They are wanting to make a difference in their community."
Looking ahead, Harty said staffers are excited to spread the word about the upcoming 14th annual Festival of Wreaths Fundraiser. "This fundraiser brings the community together as businesses and organizations create wreaths with their own unique stories and inspiration," she explained.
"We see businesses, organizations, other non-profits, and community members sign up to put a wreath together," she said, adding that next week BBBS staffers will start delivering the wreaths around the community.
"They will then have a couple of weeks to get them decorated, and then the online auction opens Nov. 22nd at 1 p.m. and closes on Dec. 16th at 1 p.m.
Last year, 37 wreaths were featured in the sale, and this year, staff are hoping for more, she added.
"They are all so different - it's really beautiful."Wreaths will be displayed at both the Lacombe Memorial Centre, and Blackfald's Abbey Centre.
All proceeds go back into the community through mentoring programs. Those interested in supporting the initiative can head to www.32auctions.com/wreaths2024.
Throughout 2024, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lacombe and District has supported more than 430 mentoring relationships.
"As the need for our services continues to grow, fundraisers like the Rubber Duck Drop and Festival of Wreaths are more crucial than ever. The funds raised go directly back into our mentoring programs, helping us reach more youth and provide them with guidance and support," said Harty.
"We are incredibly grateful for those who support Big Brothers Big Sisters. Thanks to their ongoing generosity, together, we are able to make a difference in the lives of youth in our community."
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.
For more on how to get involved, call the local office at 403-782-7870 or visit lacombe.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.
