LAC LA BICHE - Lori Beniuk, the program facilitator for Big Brothers Big Sisters Lac La Biche is striking up the conversation about their annual fundraiser and sparing a bit of time to talk about the organization’s role in the community throughout the year.
With the Feb. 23 Bowl-For-Kids'-Sake bowling fundraiser taking over the Lac La Biche bowling lanes, Beniuk wants any potential businesses or individuals that sponsorship and help can happen at any time of they year. She says that Big Brothers and Big Sisters, which has operated in Lac La Biche since 2006, works with community partners, including area schools. She is pleased with the success of the school program that sees older students in area schools mentoring younger students. The program matches high school teens from within the communities of Lac La Biche and Plamondon to elementary youth during school hours.
“Teen mentors are trained and matched with elementary school children that would benefit from the relationship with a teen mentor,” she explained. “The benefits of this type of program include academic perseverance, healthy relationships and increased self-confidence and self-esteem.”
Beniuk also facilitates small groups within elementary schools, and the program consists of teaching healthy relationships, bullying, internet safety, decision making along with other topics.
She enjoys working in local schools with students of all ages and backgrounds.
“It is a fulfilling job that leaves my heart full every day,” said Beniuk, who has worked with youth for 30 years in multifaceted areas such as treatment centres, family support, and crisis intervention. “The staff within the schools have been amazing to me with supporting the program.”
The Bowl for Kids' Sake event will take over Lac La Biche’s Lucky Strike Bowling Alley on Feb. 23 starting at 6 p.m.
According to Beniuk, the annual bowling event is the group’s biggest fundraiser of the year. This year’s evening of bowling for a good cause will have a tropical theme, with the best dressed team receiving a prize. As many as 16 teams can compete — and many more contributions to the event help to raise funds and awareness of the Big Brothers Big Sisters group. In addition to bowling, the event offers a light supper, a raffle, and a 50/50 draw. If people do not want to bowl, Beniuk said, the organization also asks community members and companies for sponsorship towards the event.
Typically, Beniuk said, the local Bowl for Kids' Sake raises $10,000 per year that goes directly back to this local program.
“It is a good local fundraiser…it also is a great community event, and helps raise awareness about the program locally,” she explained.
For more information on fundraising initiatives or program details, Beniuk can be contacted directly at [email protected] or 780-623-0380.
