Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Plains (BBBSCP) highlighted a year of milestones and challenges at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) this week, celebrating its 50th anniversary while navigating financial hurdles and expanding its mentorship impact. The meeting reinforced the goal of BBBS to foster life-changing connections, with 68 youth mentored and over 22,500 volunteer hours logged in 2024.
The AGM spotlighted BBBS’ year-long 50th-anniversary celebrations, which included a commemorative video, a proclamation by Portage la Prairie Mayor Sherilyn Knox, and speaking engagements across the central plains region.
Executive Director Dawn Froese emphasizes the importance of community support, exclaiming, “We wanted to party all year long, and I think we did!”
All in all, volunteers contributed 22,590 hours throughout the 2024 year, equivalent to nearly 11 full-time work years, supporting programs like Big Brothers, In-School Mentoring, and Go Girls.
Froese noted the emotional payoff, saying, “After all these years, it still amazes me the impact mentoring has on children and youth.”
Despite successes, BBBSCP faced funding cuts from key partners like United Way and unexpected fee increases from its national organization. To offset losses, the team launched new fundraisers, including the Winter Wonderland event, and secured grants. A Fund Development Strategy prioritizes larger campaigns like the Duck Race and 90 Hole Golf.
“For a charity, that’s always a tough position,” Froese says. “We don’t sell a product—we provide a free service.”
The AGM also celebrated enduring mentorship stories, such as the 44-year bond between “Big Brother” Joseph McNabb, 86, and “Little Brother” Jeff Skinner, 57. The pair first matched in 1980 and have since reconnected across provinces, from Alberta fairs to Winnipeg malls.
“Joe’s my family now,” Skinner says. “He’s always been there for me.”
McNabb adds that, “I trust him with everything—he’s got the keys to my house!”
BBBSCP also reinforced its commitment to inclusivity through online training like “Decolonizing the Boardroom” and “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Best Practices.”
Looking ahead, BBBSCP aims to expand its Duck Race fundraiser and grow Winter Wonderland while continuing to “ignite the power and potential of young people,” as Froese states.
With 50 years of service and a strategic plan focused on sustainability, the organization remains a cornerstone of community-driven mentorship.