Race 4 Kids more than exceeded expectations in North Battleford this year.
The annual fundraiser for Boys and Girls Club (BGC) Battlefords raised more than $21,000, which will go towards operating costs for the club. Executive director Nicole Combres said she’s blown away by the total, which is around their second highest total ever.
“We know coming out of COVID that budgets are tight, people’s pocket books are tight with all of the rising costs of everything,” she said.
The event has shifted away from a largely on foot exercise, with teams instead driving to different sections across the city that are skill based. This included activities like tire rolling, designing a Styrofoam airplane and trivia at sponsoring businesses.
“Seeing the excitement and competitive nature of everyone has they ran off to their challenges was amazing,” Combres said. “I knew they were going to have a great time.”
(Darien Rae/battlefordsNOW Staff)Combres noted that the funds going into costs like power bills and more sounds less exciting than other types of fundraising goals, but is critical for the club to operate.
“The reality is without having the power on and running water, we can’t offer the programs that we offer,” she said.
Those types of programs will keep them busy this summer. In July and August, adventure day camps and parks drop-in programs will take place Monday to Friday for children aged five to 14. Combres said they’re also excited for the Gala event in November.
“We’re looking forward to an in-person event after two years on online auctions,” she said.
Trent Gatzke, general manager and partner of Race 4 Kids presenting sponsor Scott Campbell Dodge, said he’s experienced the impact of the club first hand, as he’s been involved for several years in fundraising and has had family utilize programming.
“Tugs at your heart strings, the families that need and can’t always provide,” he said. “BGC provides what these kids need; everyday basic care and teaching of life skills. I can’t emphasize [enough] just how important it is.”
Gatzke added that this level of support speaks to the community spirit of the Battlefords, something they’ve identified with at SC Dodge.
“We believe in our community. They’ve treated us well and we’d like to do the same in return.”
For information on BGC Battlefords summer programming, visit their website.
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