There are two things Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince Albert are always looking for: mentors and financial support.
On Saturday, the local charity had a chance to find the second while honouring the first at their Music Unites us All fundraiser.
The organization currently provides more than 40 local youth in the community with mentors who hang out for a few hours every week, but the waiting list is always full.
Over the weekend they took time to recognize those members who not only make a difference in the lives of Prince Albert youth, but who also spread the word about Big Brothers Big Sisters.
The organization presented Shawn Rowden, Dexton Bourne and Estelle Hjertass with awards for their contributions. It was a welcome honour for the award winners, but also one they didn’t seek or expect.
“I was a little speechless when I found out,” said Bourne, who was recognized as volunteer of the year. “I personally don’t think I do very much…. I just hang out a couple of hours a week.”
Despite Bourne’s laid-back attitude, Sunday’s awards were not earned easily. Big Brothers Big Sisters development coordinator Natasha Thomson said Rowden, Bourne and Hjertass all went above and beyond the call of duty for the organization. That includes not only their work mentoring Prince Albert youth, but trying to get more local residents involved in the process.
“It makes me happy to see that there are people in the community who want to step up and help young children and youth who don’t necessarily have strong supports in their life,” Thomson said.
For the rest of this story, please see the Nov. 18 online or print edition of the Daily Herald.
