Earlier this month, Lacombe’s Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) found themselves with a bit of a problem having no February Landlord of the Month.  However, just as Executive Director Crystal Zens was about to put out the call for a bit of financial aid, an anonymous donor stepped up and saved the day.

“I had an anonymous donor come and take care of the rest of the month for 2021, which was outstanding. I think I sat on my email with tears in my eyes. I couldn't hardly believe it,” said Zens.

She says most of their fundraising goes towards BBBS programming. The cost of utilities generally falls on the shoulders of charitable local businesses and people.

 “Our mortgage is $1,200 a month so $1,000 a month for the Landlord of the Month helps cover off most of that mortgage payment and then power. Power the Big House helps with the electrical, heat, and water costs to run so that any other fund raising or grants we get can go directly to the kids,” said Executive Director Crystal Zens. 

Power the Big House costs around $500 but this month, a local business has taken on that cost.

With so many provincial restrictions you may think BBBS has no need to the Bamford House at this time but the truth is their one-on-one mentorship programs continue to be considered essential. Volunteers and youth are still making use of the space at the Bamford House for their time together. Additionally, the space is put to use on school Professional Development Days where the littles may meet up with their mentors.

“Those are essential health and support programs, so those are still running in-person. It’s our group programs that we're doing virtually just for safety precautions and school restrictions,” said Zens. 

Ultimately, the space is vital to BBBS operations and for an anonymous donor to step up and take on landlord of the month was a little overwhelming for Zens. 

“They said if there's any months that are needed for the rest of 2021 we will cover them like that. You don't get those kind of messages every day.  I literally just sat there with tears in my eyes because like this is such a hard year for charity with all those events canceled and fundraisers cancelled,” said Zens.

This year, for the first time since 1989 Big Brothers Big Sister Lacombe has cancelled their Bowl for Kids Sake, a fundraiser that usually earns the organization around $60,000. While things have been a lot more difficult, it seems the community are more than willing to help out where it’s needed.

Along with the rising need of donations the organization is seeing a rising need for mentors and a growing waitlist.

“Generally, we run have around 20 kids (on the waitlist) I think we're probably more around 40. It's probably doubled since COVID  and we're still in taking volunteers. We have a steady stream because some people have more time to give with COVID or working from home.  Our doors are still open  and I want everyone to know,” said Zens.

If you would like to donate to the Lacombe BBBS or become a mentor, you can give them a call 403-782-7870 or visit their website here