(Submitted/BGC Battlefords)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Meaningful connection

BGC Battlefords set for new year

May 18, 2022 | 4:12 PM

This year is primed to become a big year for Boys and Girls Club Battlefords (BGC).

The club held their first in-person AGM since 2019 on Monday, addressing 2021 activities and looking forward to the summer. Executive director Nicole Combres told battlefordsNOW that they feel the past year was a success, given the logistical challenges involved.

“We didn’t expect to be still navigating a pandemic at this point, so something’s had to be paused,” she said. “We had some programs that we weren’t able to run, had cut short or have capacity limits.”

“But regardless, we had happy kids coming to the club, happy staff coming back, we had families so relieved that we were open again.”

Combres thanked the Battlefords for supporting them during the past two years. Costs remained consistent despite lower attendance due to pandemic restrictions. While the few events they were able to host were limited, residents still lent financial support.

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“Our community stepped up once again to make sure we had the resources we needed to continue to operate,” she said.

She noted that attendance has been varied. While numbers in some areas are still down from pre-pandemic attendance, other locations have seen a more than 100 per cent increase.

“It’s dependent on the site, location and family needs,” she said.

In having kids come back to BGC for programming, Combres said it’s been made clear just what impact a lack of socialization has on children and teenagers. Thus, their focus has been on relationships and connections with each member.

“Not every child has positive role model or mentor outside of home or school, so our staff are able to act as that,” she said.

Several events highlight a busy summer ahead for the club. BGC Club Day takes place June 3, less than a week before Race for Kids returns on June 9. Summer camps begin July 4 and Combres said they’re hoping to have their annual gala in person after a two year gap.

(Submitted image/BGC Battlefords)

BGC Club day, in addition to face painting and bouncy castles, will feature a flag raising ceremony at North Battleford City Hall. Combres said they’re looking forward to sharing that experience with the community in person.

“Serving the Battlefords over 45 years is something to be proud of,” she said. “We’re excited to keep doing this work.”

(submitted/BGC Battlefords)

More information on BGC Battlefords programming is available online.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW