About Us
OPPORTUNITY CHANGES EVERYTHING
In 1989, Willie Van Klooster started a running club after moving to Norris Arm. With the help of local teachers, they came together to see what they could do to develop a safe place for youth to go after school and in the evenings. And the rest is history…
What they knew, or quickly discovered, was that Boys and Girls Clubs were a way to help kids, kids who really needed support. By providing a safe place, where children and youth feel a sense of belonging and have positive role models, these same kids were developing into responsible young men and women, thanks to their involvement at the Club. What do we want for our kids? In the end, every parent hopes for the same thing; that their child grows up to be a healthy, happy, successful adult. Sometimes that road is full of challenges, that’s why we focus on our core programming areas: physical activity, health and safety; leadership, growth and empowerment; learning and career development; and family and communities.
We invite you to learn more about us. Come visit our Club, drop us a line, and follow us on social media. We think you’ll be surprised about the extent of our programs and services, and the ways we service our community and surrounding areas. We are here to help!
Founder’s Message
In Canada, in both the business and nonprofit world, between 50 & 60% of new organizations are no longer in existence after 3 years. It is a very significant milestone to reach 25.
When I arrived from Ontario in 1988 as the new RC priest in Norris Arm, one of the things I heard early and often from both parents and kids was that there was little to do for children and youth in this community. Parents worried that their kids would get into trouble. Kids were bored. I was a runner so I started a running club. We had workouts 3 or 4 days a week and competed in cross county and track meets. It started small but, over time, more and more kids of various ages joined.
One day Sheldon Kirby, a local high school teacher, asked if I would consider expanding the running club into a BGC Club. It was a good idea. I asked Sarah Dwyer, another high school teacher to help and we gathered other interested community leaders to lay the foundation for a club. From that small beginning, there have been many community volunteers who have given passion, energy, creativity and love to make the club what it has been over these many years. The Club is thriving 25 years later primarily because of committed volunteers who care about kids and this community.
The end result has been service to hundreds and hundreds of children and youth. There can be no question about the significant long-term impact of this club on the physical and mental health of those boys and girls, the development of their interpersonal skills, and the creation of friendships that last into adulthood. This has happened because of the hard work and example of the Club’s staff and volunteers.
Recording this history, and celebrating these successes, matters. You will be inspired by this read and we thank the staff and volunteers who prepared this important book. When the next one is written in 2039, this will be a vital resource documenting the first half of the life of BGC Norris Arm.
—Willy Van Klooster
Thank you to our partners & supporters!
You help our Clubs create meaningful opportunities for young people and their families every year.
