The Vanderhoof-based Four Rivers Co-operatve has a $100,000 pot to distribute annually to non-profit community groups and charities that rely on fundraising and government grants to operate their programs.
And when it came to deciding who gets some of that funding, an application from Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Prince George was near the top of the list.
They were on hand during the intermission of the Spruce Kings-Chilliwack Chiefs B.C. Hockey League game Friday night at Rolling Mix Concrete Arena to receive a cheque for $15,000.
"Big Brothers and their peer mentoring program is so important, we understand kids who don't have that role model, life is difficult for them," said Four Rivers Co-operative marketing co-ordinator Renee Dick.
"They do so much for our youth and our board is really big into ensuring a good future and Big Brothers definitely does that. The children are our future, they're the ones who are going to be innovators as they get older and if you don't support them and give them the confidence and the tools when they're young, they might not be able to reach their potential and do what they would have done if they'd just had that hand reach out and help them when they were kids."
The Co-op bought 130 tickets for Big Brothers, Big Sisters program participants to attend Friday's game.
Formerly known as Vanderhoof and District Co-operative Association, Four Rivers Co-operative was rebranded in May 2017 to reflect the broad geographic area it serves, from Terrace to the west, Valemount to the east, Quesnel to the south and Fort St. James to the north.
Already operating two cardlock gas stations in the city, the Co-op is stepping up its presence in Prince George with a gas bar/convenience store/car wash in the Westgate subdivision, expected to open within the next month.
Other groups from across the trading area of the Co-op which have benefited from the community support fund include: Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Quesnel, Connaught Youth Centre in Prince George, and the Quesnel Lions Housing Society.
Groups can apply for the program from Sept. 1-Oct. 31.
"It's just another way we can put our profits back into our communities to help make them better," said Dick.
