Big Brothers Big Sisters Pembina Valley saw the community come out to support them through a BBQ fundraiser, organized through the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #11 in Morden.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Pembina Valley is celebrating 50 years of operation in 2026 and has grown beyond its roots in Winkler. Currently, the organization works as far east as Gretna, and as west as Manitou. Executive director Jenelle Neufeld shared exactly why an organization like BBBS is as important as it is and reflected on how volunteers are at the core of work like this.
Intentional connections
Part of the reason why there is a waitlist to be a part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization is due to the intentional nature of the pairings. “We match based on similar interests” shared Neufeld. “So that just takes a little bit longer... It’s really important for us to really create those long-lasting relationships, and that’s the foundation for that.”
Mentorship through the BBBS program is also intentionally working within our communities. “These kids are going to grow up” explained Neufeld, “and... impact our community, hopefully in a positive way, and pay taxes, and become entrepreneurs.”
Recovering from social shifts
While we are five years out from the initial COVID-19 pandemic, the impact from it is still felt by Big Brothers Big Sisters. “It affected kids at different stages differently.” shared Neufeld. “We’re just really trying to, you know, bridge these gaps for kids.”
In nonprofits post-pandemic blind spots like low volunteer turnout are felt strongly. “We’re really pivoted to do more group programming,” said Neufeld. “We don’t need to depend on volunteers in order to run these programs.”
Every dollar counts
“Every dollar that is fundraised or donated, or, you know, granted to our organization.” shared Neufeld. “Everything...stays within your community and is directly put back into our programming”.
Due to its nonprofit nature, the Big Brothers Big Sisters have always relied on financial support from the community. “As a smaller agency, we are really scratching for every dollar that we get.” Neufeld said. “93% of our budget is not guaranteed funding.”
“We genuinely take kind of a risk...on how we're going to be able to impact the community” emphasized Neufeld.
‘You give to us, we give right back’
Legion clubroom chair Tammy Petkau shared that the decision to focus on the Big Brothers Big Sisters came about from talking with Neufeld. “It was a hard year... so I said, ‘well, we would put a BBQ together for them.’” As for other fundraising the Legion organizes, a goal is for them to also fundraise for the improvement of their own building. “We are always doing something for other people...you give to us; we give right back. “
“We need to support each other in the community. That’s what I would like to get out.”
Petkau emphasized the necessity for community support, not only in this fundraiser, but everywhere: “I just hope people come out today and understand that...we need to support each other in the community. That’s what I would like to get out.”
Future endeavors
Looking ahead, the Big Brothers Big Sisters Pembina Valley is hosting their GROW Youth workshop, a woman-led event aimed at girls born in 2013 or 2014. There’s also their annual Slo-pitch tournament, a favourite of Neufeld: “It just gives me an opportunity to, you know, see a lot of different people. Put faces to the names and just thank people... for coming out and supporting us.”
For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters Pembina Valley, visit their website.
For more information about the Morden Legion, visit their website.
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