BBBS hopes to play fundraising catchup with Mega Bike event
By KENDALL KING, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on March 25, 2022.
kking@medicinehatnews.com Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada’s National Mega Bike event is rolling into Medicine Hat on Sept. 17, and organizers are hopeful the event will generate support for the local chapter of BBBS – something executive director Holly Stadnicki feels is necessary after several other annual events had to be cancelled. “We’ve not been able to do very much during COVID,” Stadnicki told the News. “We were hoping to hold Bowl for Kid’s Sake this year, however, due to the ever-changing COVID restrictions, we had to make a tough decision in early February to postpone (it) until 2023.” Stadnicki says the decrease in funding is noticeable and hopes the National Mega Bike event will help generate the funding needed. “The fundraising is very necessary to continue programming and support as many children as possible,” Stadnicki said. “All the funds stay here locally.” Some of the programs offered by the local BBBS include, one-on-one mentoring and group mentoring, as well as mental health support for children and youth. BBBS Medicine Hat is currently looking for corporate sponsors for the Mega Bike event, however individuals or small teams are welcome to take part also. On Sept. 17, participants will gather on a 30-person mega bike and ride through Medicine Hat. Participants will collect sponsorship for their involvement in the event, the proceeds from which will go back to the local chapter. “It’s wonderful to get back out into the community and have the community support wrapped us,” Satdnicki said when describing the Mega Bike event. For more information or to register, contact Stadnicki at holly.stadnicki@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca or call 403-527-6640. 10-9
