Big Brothers Big Sisters in Quesnel is hoping for a brighter year ahead after most fundraising efforts were cancelled.
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the non-profit organization, as it has almost everyone.
“Our services are needed more than ever because of the mental health in the community,” said executive director Joanie Newman, noting better support programs are needed.
“You don’t realize how much the impact is just as great on the children as it is on the adults.”
A job posting for a permanent mentoring coordinator is currently being advertised.
Clothing drive efforts are anticipated to resume in January after the latest one was held Saturday, Nov. 20 in West Fraser Timber Park.
Read More: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Quesnel drives into post-pandemic fundraising
If the trailer gets filled with donations BBBS can receive as much as $700, however, that is not always the case.
“But we have to keep going,” Newman said.
“We can’t give up.”
On Sunday, Dec. 5. a movie outing is planned with BBBS members.
Quesnel RCMP will once be seeking to ‘stuff a cruiser’ with non-perishable food and toys donations at West Park Mall on Dec. 11 and Dec. 12 for local charities, including BBBS.
Newman said she usually sets aside a couple of toys for each of their children and youth, adding it to a bag with candy canes, chocolate and more that they receive before Christmas.
Looking to the new year, BBBS has their fingers crossed things will open up and COVID-19 cases will decline, allowing them back into the schools and also to begin planning for spring’s Bowl For Kids Sake.
“I hope 2022 is the year,” Newman said, adding they are thankful for their much larger office space near the Holley Clinic on Front Street and the sold-out WestJet Raffle that raised $5,000.
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