THE BATTLEFORDS — “Amid global economic and employee recruitment/retention challenges, the 2023 operating year further demonstrated resiliency and growth for BGC Battlefords,” is the message delivered to the BGC Battlefords annual general meeting April 23.
“With a strong focus on the goals and vision set out by the final year of our Stronger Together Strategic Plan, we knew the direction we were going in and achieved all-time highs for our organization,” a press release states.
Exceeding pre-pandemic attendance, the number of children and youth attending club programs was higher than ever before. While the number of overall BGC participants rose 26 per cent since 2022, so did the number of members who received direct program service delivery (15 per cent increase).
Through more than 33,000 club visits, 765 unique members received more than 49,000 snacks and meals. The 41 per cent increase in visits and 44 per cent increase in nutrition provided resulted in significant operational costs. To offer programs and services over 290 days at eight locations throughout the year, a team of 62 employees demonstrated unbelievable impact, BCG reports.
“The continuation of our learning and impact journey reinforced the impact being made and proved that because of our club, children and youth are more physically active, more comfortable being themselves, more confident in their futures, more excited to try new things, better prepared to do their schoolwork, more confident in their abilities, and more comfortable leading,” the organization states.
Seventy-two per cent of BGC employees are of diverse backgrounds and 12 employees are past program participants. Although globally a staffing crisis was experienced, 11 employees were recognized for one year of service to BGC Battlefords along with one employee who celebrated three years of service (Alyssa Rowley) and two employees for five years — Director of Pro rams Marnie L'Heureux and Program Manager Kailee Craig.
With significant increases in personnel and nutrition costs, along with declining revenues because of the struggling economy, BCG continued to rely heavily on fundraising efforts. A partnership with the Discovery Co-op kicked off a February fundraiser and highlighted the importance of Pink Shirt Day. The FFUN Dodge Race for Kids was held in June. A Night of Stars brought the community together for a Hollywood-themed evening and saw over $96,000 in revenue collected. A highlight for many who attended the event was witnessing longtime supporter Robin Peterson receive the 2023 Friend of the Club Award.
Community partnerships and volunteer support were instrumental in 2023. To avoid duplication of services and to rely on the expertise and knowledge of fellow community organizations, BCG strived to offer programs in partnership. Prog rams such as 2BBoys and Girl Power would not be possible without the support of and partnership with Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre, one of the many partnerships.
Seven volunteer board members and volunteers are the backbone of the organization according to BCG. A group of employees from Strathcona Resources Ltd. was added to the volunteer team this year.
