LAC LA BICHE - Since 2006, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been supporting young people in the Lac La Biche area by matching them with adult and teen mentors through community and school-based programming.
Lori Beniuk, the program facilitator in Lac La Biche, explained the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) program - working in partnership with local schools - supervises a teen mentoring program. Through this initiative, high school teenagers from within the communities of Lac La Biche and Plamondon are matched up with elementary kids during school hours.
The benefits of this type of program, she said, include academic perseverance, healthy relationships, as well as increased self-confidence and self-esteem.
“Teen mentors are trained and matched with elementary school children that would benefit from the relationship with a teen mentor,” Beniuk explained.
Beniuk, who has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters since 2022, also facilitates small groups within local elementary schools, offering information about healthy relationships, bullying, internet safety, and decision-making.
“I love working within the schools with students of all ages and backgrounds. The staff within the schools have been amazing to me with supporting the program.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters, like many community groups in the Lac La Biche area, host fundraising events throughout the year. The 2025 edition of the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser, Bowl for Kids’ Sake, is set to take place on Feb. 21 at the Lucky Strike Bowling Alley in Lac La Biche.
As stated in information from Big Brothers Big Sisters Lac La Biche, the organization is looking for 16 teams of four bowlers to participate in this year’s event. Beniuk said organizers are also looking for companies to help sponsor the event.
“It is a jersey theme event this year, and the best dressed team will receive a prize. We will enjoy a light supper, a raffle, 50/50s, and of course bowling.”
Typically, the Bowl for Kids’ Sake event raises $10,000 a year. Funds go directly back into the local program.
In addition to being a fundraiser, the event also helps raise awareness about the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
In addition to hosting the Bowl for Kids’ Sake event, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lac La Biche is also having a ‘Sno pitch’ fundraiser on March 22-23. More details are still to come regarding that event.
For more information about the upcoming Bowl for Kids’ Sake event and to register a team, email Beniuk at [email protected] or call 780-623-0380.
