LAC LA BICHE - On Aug. 15, people in Lac La Biche could get a haircut and enjoy a burger while helping the local chapter of KidSport.
During the later part of the morning, representatives of KidSport Lac La Biche had tables and a barbeque set up on 101 Avenue in front of Omar’s Barber Shop.
People who stopped could socialize and eat, while also giving donations in support of the organization. KidSport provides grants to help cover the costs of registration fees for children in the Lac La Biche area so that they can play organized sports.
Dave Phillips, the fundraising coordinator for KidSport Lac La Biche, explained that the barbecue was a partnership between KidSport and Omar’s Barber Shop, operated by Omar Saleh.
Phillips added that the supplies for the event came from Britton’s Your Independent Grocer in Lac La Biche.
“[Saleh] donates the entire proceeds for the day of his barber shop to KidSport,” Phillips explained, adding that as part of the partnership, members of KidSport donate their time by putting on the barbecue.
A bottle drive also took place to raise funds.
Throughout the course of the year, KidSport Lac La Biche typically hosts around two or three barbecue fundraising events.
However, over the past couple of summers, these have been interrupted due to the ongoing construction on main street.
According to Phillips, KidSport Lac La Biche has been very active this year, helping close to 100 kids who want to play organized sports.
“I know we’ve cut some really big cheques to various sporting groups,” he said.
Saleh first became involved with helping KidSport about a decade ago.
"It’s for the local kids,” Saleh said, adding that KidSport assists families during tough economic times.
“You help out your own community . . . the money stays in the community as well . . . So that’s why I like it,” he said.
