BGC Wolf Creek raises $19,576 during annual Bowl for Kids fundraiser

PONOKA -- BGC Wolf Creek raised $19,576 during this past weekend's Bowl For Kids fundraiser.

The annual event brought together members of the public, the business community, and local elected officials in support of local students in Ponoka and the surrounding area. Jill Little, Director of Supports with BGC Wolf Creek, talked about the theme of this year's fundraiser in conversation with 89.7 The One. 

"This year's theme was the retro bowl -- bringing back nostalgia," said Little. "People came in costume dressed as retro TV shows and there were all sorts of costumes -- The Muppets Show, The Price is Right, M*A*S*H -- lots of different costumes. All of the money goes towards our one-to-one in-school mentoring program."

The program matches students with an adult mentor to provide additional supports with the goal of building connections and confidence for students both at school and in life. Little says there are currently about forty-five matches in Ponoka with more always joining their waiting lists, and that the program has had a significant impact on the lives of local students in the region. 

"We give them strong connections, it helps with their education, and their school," said Little. "It helps them build confidence; the consistency of having a safe and confident adult in a child's life is very impactful."

Of this year's nearly $20,000 raised, one of the top contributors was the waitresses at Boston Pizza, who donated $1,991 in total. The Boys and Girls Club of Wolf Creek, in conjunction with the Ponoka Youth Centre, strives to provide safe, supportive places where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop confidence and skills for life.