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BGCA reduces program prices thanks to donation

A generous donation means the Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie (BGCA) will be able to offer significantly cheaper prices for its programs for the remainder of 2020.
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A donation from Vitreous Glass will allow the Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie to provide evening programming at a reduced price. File Photo/Airdrie City View

A generous donation means the Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie (BGCA) will be able to offer significantly cheaper prices for its programs for the remainder of 2020.

According to Sammy Morros, co-ordinator of Youth Programs and Services, Vitreous Glass donated funds to subsidize BGCA’s 6-week evening programing. While Morros wouldn’t disclose the amount of the donation, the result is families will only pay $10 for programs that normally cost $60.

“Especially in the COVID-19 times that we find ourselves in, money is tight,” Morros said. “A lot of families may be experiencing some struggles. This makes our programs accessible to as many people as possible.”

The pricing decrease will apply to programs at BGCA’s two Airdrie locations and its Irricana club. Specifically, the funding will help pay for program supplies and will also be put towards new costs related to COVID-19 like sanitization, cleaning and equipment.

Several programs for youth aged 11 to 18 are now available at the reduced price, including Cook Masters, which explores healthy cooking and kitchen safety. Tech Warriors, another program available for $10, allows participants to get first-hand experience with computer coding, animation, virtual reality and video game design.

Other youth programs include Girl on Fire, which Morros said is designed to empower girls, build their self-esteem and help them make new friends and form healthy relationships. A newly formed Dungeons and Dragons league, which starts Sept. 24, is also available at the reduced price.

Some children’s programming is available, including Art Attack, where kids can learn a new art skill each week; and Cookie Crumbs, which also teaches healthy eating and kitchen safety. These programs are available in both Airdrie and Irricana.

Since the donation was announced Aug. 31, Morros said BGCA’s phones have been ringing off the hook with calls from people interested in the club’s programs.

“We are really grateful for that,” she said. “We have been receiving lots of feedback from our member families. Even better, we are being contacted by a lot of new families.”

Vitreous Glass has been supporting BGCA’s summer programming for years. Morros said with COVID-19, the club’s summer activities looked a lot different from past years and the company offered to support fall programming instead

“They have been supporting for as far back as my memory goes,” Morros said. “They are incredible supporters. Their subsidy is what allows us to make the programs affordable for everyone.”

Morros said while Vitreous Glass’ donation is important, BGCA support comes from many different forms. She added the BGCA is grateful for all of the support it receives.

“All of the support we receive is invaluable, whether it is from volunteers or donations like this one,” she said.

Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz

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