Montana's GM Lisa Dow with Natasha Thomson from Big Brothers Big Sisters. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community Support

Poutine Fest raises nearly $9K for Big Brothers Big Sisters

Mar 25, 2026 | 4:21 PM

A mouth watering fundraiser in Prince Albert has proven once again that local residents love their gravy and cheese, and even more importantly, love to support local causes.

This year’s Poutine Fest raised $8,876 for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). As a result of 11 participating restaurants and hundreds of community members, a total of 2,219 poutines were sold over the course of ten days.

For selling the most dishes (391), Montana’s BBQ & Bar was crowned the 2026 Gravy Bowl Champion. General Manager and Co-Owner Lisa Dow said the competition was a lot of fun.

“It looks like every year this fundraiser gets bigger and bigger, they’re raising more and more money and I mean it’s such a wonderful thing in this community,” she said.

Montana’s has been crowned the 2026 Gravy Bowl Champion. GM and Co-owner Lisa Dow told me the pulled pork poutine was a big hit. @princealbertnow @Power99fm @CKBI @BeachRadioPA pic.twitter.com/u89539sjwr

— Nigel Maxwell (@NigelMaxwell) March 25, 2026

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When the fundraiser was first added to the menu in 2022, just over $4,000 was raised. Last year, the total climbed to $5,700.

With demand for mentoring programs within BBBS continuing to grow locally, community-driven fundraisers like Poutine Fest play an important role in ensuring more young people are matched with positive adult role models.

“Events like this show how powerful local businesses can be when they come together,” said Natasha Thomson, BBBS Development Coordinator. “Every single poutine sold helps connect a young person with a mentor and a stronger future.”

Original Joe’s received the People’s Choice award. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

This year’s People’s Choice Award (Most Social Media Votes) went to Original Joe’s who had the most picture votes for the Loaded Shepherd’s Stack Poutine. Owner Alan Greene confirmed the dish was a new idea by their chefs.

“They just put it together, and it took me back to my childhood.”

In the coming months, BBBS has some other fundraisers planned, including the Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie Campaign and the annual Diva for a Day golf tournament.

—

 nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell