As the Boys and Girls Club of Pembroke kicks off another fall season of programming, it is looking forward securing new partnerships to assist in the delivery of services.

One such partnership is with TV Cogeco which has donated $4,000 to the club, some of which was used to purchase equipment to run a floor hockey league beginning Sept. 18 at Fellowes High School.

Although floor hockey was offered during Boys and Girls Club recreation nights that had typically been run on Tuesday nights, for years out of the Equinoxe school gym and most recently Fellowes High School, there was interest in running a more formal league.

Thanks to the money the organization purchased new goalie equipment and sticks. Initially the league is for children aged 10 to 15 years old and will start with skill-building activities which will help the volunteer running the league divide the kids into competitive teams, explained club executive director Bonnie Schryer.

This will be the only activity happening on Tuesday nights between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. so those interested in being part of the league should ensure they sign up. Ms. Schryer is hoping at some point the teams would be able to travel to Ottawa to compete against the Ottawa Boys and Girls Club.

Mike Tharby, manager of programming and community relations at TV Cogeco, is thrilled to be able to provide this money to the club. Aside from the cash, the local community television station will also create and run a series of public service announcements to promote the club and make the community aware of the programs it provides.

The regular recreation nights have been moved to Wednesday nights between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. with the first night scheduled for Sept. 19. The program is open to kids aged six to 12 and features sports, games, arts and crafts. In October and November Zumba will also be available to those kids who love to dance.

The club is always looking for volunteers to help run programs and special guests to visit and share their time and talents.

Running Thursday nights from October to December from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m will be the

Take It Easy program for girls ages 10 to 13. It is an eight-week self esteem program runs out of the Lea Street clubhouse.

Starting Sept. 21 and running the third Friday of the month during the regular school year is Movie Night at the clubhouse During the regular after school at the clubhouse. Kids prepare their supper and eat so that by 6 p.m so the movie can start. All members are welcome to come.

The Boys and Girls Club of Pembroke also offers the clubhouse after school program at 1144 Lea St. for the children in the neighbourhood Monday to Friday from September to mid June from 4 p.m to 6 p.m. On Wednesday nights a hot meal is provided along with transportation to Fellowes for Rec night. New this year is a weekly trip to participate in the Pembroke Public Library’s kids program during our clubhouse after school thanks to a grant called Power Up from B&G Club of Canada.

There are still spots available in the before and after school programs run at Rockwood Public School and the Knights of Columbus Hall which serves the needs for the rest of Pembroke. Transportation arrangements can be made to have children picked up and dropped off at the hall on Ellis Avenue.

The Boys and Girls Club of Pembroke is a non-profit charity and does not receive government funding. Its main source of funding is the Renfrew County United Way, whose campaign is currently running. The club also receives funding from the Stafford Bingo Association, but must provide volunteers to help sell the cards twice a month.

Aside from the need for volunteers at its regular programs, Ms. Schryer would also like to secure a group of people willing to devote the time for special events including creating of a float and getting the kids ready for Pembroke’s Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 24.

For more information about the club or to register please for one of its programs call Bonnie or Shallan at 613-735-1933 or email bonnie.s@boysandgirlsclubofpembroke.com.

Tina Peplinskie is a Daily Observer multimedia journalist

Twitter: @TPeplinskieOBS

tina.peplinskie@sunmedia.ca