PAST PRESIDENT SPOTLIGHT
We sat down with two of our amazing past presidents, Wende Bracklow and Ashley Boutin, to reminisce and also to discuss why they got involved and why the agency means something to them.
Wende got involved with Bigs many years ago in 2010 and has remained a loyal supporter and friend to the agency even beyond her term as President. Wende got involved with the board during a time when the agency was going through a time of financial stress and instability, and Wende believed her experience and expertise in business through her work with Tim Horton’s could be of help. Her hopes were to improve the financial situation and, in turn, increase the number of children and youth served. And she helped to do just that, so the reason she’s remained involved for so long? Seeing her own kids going into school, she realized just how many kids really could benefit from having a mentor and she became very passionate about the work the agency does for those youth. Mentoring fills a need in whatever their situation may be – it adds a much needed element to their growth and can only improve their potential. Now, Wende is super happy with the work the agency is doing and really feels that we have “flourished the last few years” despite a pandemic and some unpredictable times. Though her term is over, Wende continues to support the agency through her work with Tim Hortons and emphasizes that donating to Bigs is making an investment in the future of Prince George and the region. These kids are our future and we want them to realize how bright that future is.
Why should you get involved? In the wise words of Wende: “Go for it. Do it. You won’t regret it.”
Ashley got involved with the agency in 2015, after hearing about a board member opening through Wende. Wende was already on the board and encouraged Ashley to get involved with the community and support a good cause. She decided to get involved because of the impact that the agency has on youth in the community, and she felt it’s so important that kids know they have a place to go or that there is something out there for them. She knew that the programs were designed to benefit every child, not just those who are more vulnerable – and of course she was motivated by her heart strings. When Ashley started with the agency it was quite different – but she is super happy with the direction the programs have gone in, supporting so many more kids in the ISM program and serving children virtually throughout the pandemic and in farther regions throughout the north. Her goals while working with Bigs were to reach as many kids as possible, she says “that’s always been the goal.” Looking back on her work with Bigs, Ashley remembers fondly of all the fun events like Mega Bounce, Gala and the Ice Cream Social, but also remembers impactful moments like the convention in Victoria with other agencies across the province where a former Little spoke of his experience and how his Big Brother helped him stay positive when he went through a major loss in his life. These stories make it easy to want to help and be a part of it – and with that, Ashley encourages everyone to get involved and even for community members to join our board! She says “It’s a great place to get involved and you do great things” and adds you get to work with some pretty cool people (confirmed).
Both Ashley and Wende continue to support Bigs and have been an awesome part of the team. They can both agree that the agency does amazing things for youth and its important work. We are so lucky to have such amazing community members supporting us – thank you both for your years of service. We are so grateful.
