Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lacombe and District is hosting an online auction to help cover the financial gap created by the COVID-19 crisis.
Executive Director Crystal Zens is hoping the auction will raise over $2,000 to support their core programming — which is returning to a more recognizable state.
“Our Hot Lunch Porch program has been busy every Friday, along with moving our online matches back to face-to-face,” she said.
The auction opens on July 1 and will run for two weeks and, Zens said, includes some really unique items such as custom-made wood bench created from local Lacombe lumber.
“We have a really neat wireless mini-projector you hook your smartphone up to and we also have an Apple TV box, along with some Epicure boxes which were donated as well,” she said.
Following the auction, BBBS will host a 50/50 raffle for the remainder of Summer 2020 and Zens said all of those funds will help BBBS matches, who have began to meet in person once again.
“It has been exciting to see. I think they have a new appreciation for their big brothers and big sisters. With the added stress of school ending, it is nice to have that back,” she said.
Given health concerns, some matches are remaining online — which has now been made easier by a new national Big Brothers Big Sisters system.
“You can apply to be a volunteer and be trained and screened. If people want to give back, but don’t feel safe meeting face-to-face — we can do that through virtual means,” she said.
Currently, BBBS Lacombe is in need of around 50 volunteers and Zens hope they will be able to provide matches to these kids soon.
“We will be running our 40 Mentors in 40 Days come September but people don’t have to wait for that volunteer run to apply. They can apply anytime by contacting our office,” she said.
Zens thanked the community for their continued support and also some central Alberta organizations who have helped them through the pandemic.
“Canadian Tire and the United Way donated 1,000 masks for our matches and volunteers, which was phenomenal. We have those available for all of our volunteers and littles,” she said.
You can make a bid on on the auction items using this link: https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/bids-for-kids-12634.
todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com
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