BGC Battlefords, formally the Boys and Girls Club, may be expanding its programming to La Ronge.
During a La Ronge town council meeting Tuesday, executive director of the BGC Battlefords Nicole Combres virtually addressed council to explain the club’s mission, it’s programs then asked council how the BGC could provide services in La Ronge.
BGC Battlefords provides before and afterschool programs as well as weekend activities to children and pre-teens aged five to 14.
Combres also mentioned how the club provides its participants with meals, snacks and will send food home with children who are struggling.
La Ronge chief administrative officer Steven Brown, who previously worked in North Battleford, told council he asked Combres to come to the meeting.
“One of the needs I saw in the community, La Ronge and the region, was an organization like (BGC),” he said. “It’s apolitical. It’s not there for any reason other than to help kids.”
He continued to explain that through his research, he learned this wasn’t the first time someone has tried to open a BGC in La Ronge.
“I have talked to a couple of people in the community that have been affiliated with efforts in the past to get a Boys and Girls Club off the ground here. Where they struggled was the volunteers to sit on the board of directors to get an actual club going.”
Council members explained some of their concerns with the program coming to La Ronge such as lack of transportation to the programming then back home and a potential lack of volunteers.
However, most council members seemed positive for a future BGC location opening up in the town.
No decision was made in the end but mayor Colin Ratushniak invited Combres to La Ronge to further discuss the Club’s future in the region.
During the address, Combres explained the reason for the name change from the Boys and Girls Club was to be more inclusive to children who don’t identify as a boy or girl.
(PHOTO: La Ronge town council held a meeting Tuesday, June 8 in council chambers. File photo.)