Natasha Thomson poses for a photo at Big Brothers Big Sisters'  new location on 11 St. E. across from City Hall, Friday morning. (Dawson Thompson/paNOW Staff)

By Dawson Thompson

New location

P.A. Big Brothers Big Sisters relocated to downtown district

Dec 11, 2020 | 12:33 PM

After being located in a house that was donated to them in the midtown area for over 20 years, the Prince Albert Big Brothers Big Sisters moved to a new location in the downtown district on Nov. 25. Its new office space is located at 29-11 St. E.

In a media release on Thursday, development coordinator Natasha Thomson said the move is an upgrade to a commercial space.

“Moving to this new office space is a positive change for us, and we are looking forward to becoming part of the downtown rejuvenation in Prince Albert. Our former building was a charming old character home, but the time had come for us to find a more suitable commercial space,” Thomson said.

Thomson explained to paNOW due to the current gathering restrictions, kids with Big Brothers Big Sisters have only been able to meet with mentors socially distanced in the community, or virtually.

“Some are meeting with their matches in person, of course with safety precautions,” Thomson said. “However, some have opted to continue to meet virtually instead. They can connect together by watching a movie online or playing a game on the tablet.”

Final numbers

Local RM results finalized

16h ago

Commitment

Hildebrand commits to Bemidji State in NCAA DI, first NCAA commitment in Raiders history

19h ago

Inflation

Rent inflation to slow in the next few years, Desjardins predicts

20h ago

She added once restrictions are lifted their new location will help big brothers and big sisters get together more, with the increased space.

“There is a larger training space here for when we are able to gather in larger numbers. Our new space will allow us to host that here,” Thomson said.

Diamond North Credit Union donated furniture to the Big Brothers Big Sisters including Natasha Thomson’s desk. (Dawson Thompson/paNOW Staff)

The non-profit organization is also asking residents to include them as a part of their holiday giving as it launches its holiday campaign ‘Ignite a Little Sparkle’.

The Ignite a Little Sparkle campaign will help ensure ongoing support to their current mentoring matches, and towards finding new mentors for the kids who are still awaiting their matches.

Thomson explained the Big Brothers Big Sisters program was unable to fundraise this year at its regular bowling events, golf auction, and Spudnut booth, so support is important to team members.

“Our Christmas campaign is very important for us to generate some revenue,” Thomson said. “We are asking the good people of Prince Albert to make a charitable donation to us so we can continue matching kids who are on our waiting list.”

There are currently 24 children in Prince Albert waiting for a big brother or big sister. Funds raised will help recruit, support, and train volunteers.

Starting today, Boston Pizza will match all donations made for the upcoming week up to $250. Donations can be made at its website.

—

Dawson.thompson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: dawsonthompson8