It's been a local event for many years and thanks to continued support it helps to change the lives of countless children.
The annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake event has again been slated for this April, this time in two locations.
An Esterhazy "Fun-raiser" will take place April 2 & 3, and a Yorkton event will get underway April 15, 16 & 17.
The fun filled days of family friendly bowling helps to fund the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Yorkton & District.
"It's been growing over the last few years," says Irma Van De Bon, Executive Director, BBBS Yorkton & District of local and area programming available for children in need.
"We started out with the traditional programming, where we matched volunteers with children. There was a commitment of two to three hours a week... today volunteers don't necessarily have that kind of time all the time but the need continues to increase."
As a result, an in-school mentoring program was developed.
"We still match children with volunteers but they may be adults or high school volunteers... we're also looking at a pilot project where a whole class will mentor a class... so we're expanding our services so we can meet the needs for children in Yorkton and surrounding areas."
In 2010 alone, more than 250 children were matched up with volunteers. An additional 100 plus children have been helped through after school programming.
Without funding and volunteers, BBBS could not be a reality.
"We're always looking for volunteers," says Van De Bon. "Big brothers, big sisters who can commit to a couple of hours on a regular basis. Of course if you can't make it because you're ill or away there's definitely flexibility... or with our In-School Mentoring Program, if people have just one hour a week we have about 60 children on a wait list just for this so we need help."
Bowl For Kids is a premier fund raising event for BBBS adds Van De Bon.
"Most of our programs are funded through fund raising dollars. We get some funds through grants and other initiatives but our fund raisers have to a success in order to continue programs."
The two up coming events involve two hours of bowling time and the desire to have some fun.
"It's a glow bowling party type of an atmosphere with prizes. We try to make sure that everyone walks away with a little something."
Or a big something. This year's top prize is a trip for two anywhere WestJet flies in Canada or the US. This prize goes to the participant raising the most pledges. Additional prizes include everything from an iPod, to a camera to jewelry, to a weekend getaway that includes limousine service.
"We have a whole pile of sponsors that make this truly a successful event.
"We hope people will continue to step up and support this initiative."
Whether you're available to bowl in Esterhazy, or Yorkton, you can make the choice where your pledges go. If you don't bowl, or you happen to be away for each of the upcoming events you can still lend your support by either volunteering or making a donation.
Learn more by visiting: www.bbbsyorkton.com or by calling 782-3471.
The BBBS program currently serves Yorkton, Melville, Churchbridge, Esterhazy and Langenburg areas.
