Battlefords Boys and Girls Club celebrated their 40th anniversary providing recreational, cultural and educational opportunities to children and youth in the community Thursday evening with a party complete with birthday balloons and cake.
The celebratory event drew the likes of Mayor Ian Hamilton, members of the North Stars, board members, staff and community supporters.
While 40 years is an impressive number for any venture, Executive Director Nicole Combres said it’s a particularly special occasion for the Boys and Girls Club because their continued existence is due to the support of the community.
“It is because of the individuals who are here tonight that the organization has been in the community for 40 years,” said Combres.
“Without them we wouldn’t be able to offer what we offer.”
What they offer is affordable after-school programs at École Monseigneur Blaise Morand and Bready Elementary, free suppers four days a week at their main site, as well as weekend and evening programs. Last year, 551 kids attended Boys and Girls Club programs, which amounted to more than 14,000 visits throughout 2015.
The support of the community has been instrumental in keeping the non-profit open because funding is provided mostly through donations and fundraising. Up next on the calendar is their largest fundraising event, the Boys and Girls Club Annual Gala happening on Nov. 2 at the Gold Eagle Casino Events Centre. The club also hosts an annual event in spring called Race for Kids.
These yearly fundraisers make it all the more necessary for events to show appreciation for the community that has supported the non-profit organization for all these years, according to Combres.
“It’s important to us to make sure that we are saying thank you to our donors and our sponsors and our volunteers and club alumni and past and current board members for helping us to get to where we are and we’re looking forward to another 40 years in the community.”
