Help celebrate Big Brothers Big Sisters Month and ‘Turn the Town Teal.’
September is National Big Brothers Big Sisters Month and Ponoka BBBS is inviting the community to show its support.
“Kids need support right now, especially during this time,” said Morgen Chernick, Ponoka Youth Centre program director.
They’re encouraging businesses to decorate their work space in teal from Sept. 13 to 26 in celebration of National Big Sisters Day on Sept. 18.
This year’s theme goes hand-in-hand with BBBS’ new teal-coloured logo.
Participating businesses received decorating kits, including various teal items, posters to display and small flyers to hand out.
Those businesses that share a picture of their decorated work space on Facebook will be entered a draw to receive a coffee delivery from Ponoka BBBS staff.
When you post your photo, don’t forget to tag @Ponoka Youth Centre - BGC and BBBS, to be entered in the draw.
Ponoka BBBS will be holding pop-ups once a week at various locations around town, and the 32nd person to approach them (as they are celebrating their 32nd anniversary this year as well) will receive a prize.
There will be a display, and Gold Rush and WestJet tickets on sale, and information for those interested in becoming a mentor.
Those who sign up to be a mentor will receive a gift card to a local business.
Since the shutdowns began in March, Ponoka BBBS continued mentoring matches virtually, until they received permission from Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada to resume in-person mentoring.
Community-based matches can now meet for in-person mentoring, with all safety protocols in place.
“We’re in the process of determining how in-school mentoring will operate this fall,” said Chernick.
“Mentoring will continue despite the current pandemic. Adjustments will be made to the program in order to comply with the guidelines laid out by AHS, BBBSC and the school divisions,” she said.
“The health and safety of our mentors and mentees is very important to us.”
“Since the reopening, mentoring continued virtually and in-person where possible following physical distancing and public health guidelines,” stated a recent news release from BBBS of Canada.
“Research shows that mentoring can build a child’s resiliency, enabling them to maintain health and well-being in the wake of stressful situations. This resiliency is built through the consistent, intentional and personalized support that a mentor provides to their mentee.”
If you have any questions about mentoring or about Turn the Town Teal, call 403-783-3112.
The following businesses are supporting pop-ups by hosting or donating a prize: Siding 14 Brewery, Gord’s No Frills, Boston Pizza, Sommer Home Hardware and Building Centre and The Raspberry Patch.
Businesses that are participating in Turning the Town Teal are: Altitude Laser Spa, Battle River Insurance, Ponoka FCSS, Ponoka Chrysler, Legacy Ford Ponoka, The Raspberry Patch, Ponoka News, Boston Pizza Ponoka and Pet Valu.