Some great successes, and some challenges to overcome. Those where the topics of discussion at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Portage la Prairie AGM last night. Executive Director Dawn Froese says one of the biggest highlights of the last year was the recent Bowl For Kids Event, which raised more than $14,000.

"We had lots of people come out. I think getting the Bombers on board and getting them out was a new idea for us, and people really grabbed hold of that. The Bombers that came were great, the families and the kids just loved spending time with them."

Other highlights of the past year include their move to Trinity United Church, receiving accreditation, and Froese celebrating her 20th year with the organization. Big Brothers Big Sisters also hired a new staff person, which will help them maintain and increase the number of children they're able to connect with mentors.

"We really felt to continue serving that number of children, and increasing that number of children, we needed to hire new staff. It's always a double-edged sword, because then your bottom line for staffing goes way up, and somehow you have to find the money to pay for it. However, they're program dollars, as our treasurer said, they're not admin costs."

One of the biggest challenges of the past year was access to stable funding. They were unable to hold their 90 Hole Golf Challenge due to a decrease in interest, and were denied a Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries license for another major fundraiser. That led to some financial challenges, with the organization ending the year with a deficit of just over $15,000. However, Froese says they're already looking ahead, and are working to put a new initiative in place for Canada Day.

"We're looking at adding something this summer. We're in the process of putting something together and putting that forward to Manitoba Lotteries, actually I hope to send that in tomorrow morning. Hopefully that will come, and it will be on July 1st, with all the other July 1st activities, so people can wait for that."

The past year also saw the introduction of six new members to their board of directors. However, they're still on the hunt for more members, as three ended their terms last night. One of those whose position came to an end was board president Jan Halmarson, who says she's really enjoyed her time with the organization.

"I believe in what we do so much. I think that by providing mentors to kids, we give them an opportunity to make new relationships and those are really important. It teaches them so many things, to be involved with another person who cares about them."

She says the BBBS board is a great group to work with, and encourages others to sign up to become members of the board of directors. Halmarson's position will now be taken by Auna-Marie Brown and Cathy Pedden, who'll serve as co-presidents.