Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary and Area (BBBS) has announced more than $230,000 has been raised through its first ever All-Star Campaign.

The campaign ran throughout the Month of August to replace a funding deficit after cancelling the BBBS All-Star weekend due to lack of sponsorship.

BBBS President & CEO Karen Orser says they were hoping to raise $200,000, the total raised at the end was $233,000.

"It's very exciting, it was the first campaign that we've ever done quite like this, such a public awareness and engagement focus, so it means a lot for us," she says. "We decided to do this campaign because when we cancelled our All- Star Weekend, which was one of our biggest fundraisers, we didn't know how we would replace the funds from that. We're really pleased with the support we received and we're just grateful for the whole community stepping up."

Mackay's Ice Cream was a contributor to the All-Star campaign, with all proceeds from a special flavour going towards BBBS throughout August.

"Mackay's Ice Cream raised almost $1,000, to have the support of a local business and the community, we got so many pictures of people going out and having ice cream, it was just incredible."

Orser shares the money will help BBBS continue to serve over 2000 children, and hopes the All-Star campaign will create an awareness ripple effect.

"The big part of this campaign that will help us going forward is the awareness we raised. We reminded people that we're here, that mentoring is one of the best forms of prevention, and we got the chance to share stories, outcomes and inspire people."

Orser stresses although some of BBBS programs are at capacity, there are still many programs, especially in Cochrane that are seeking volunteers.

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