Bow River Services & Charities

In addition to a strong sense of fellowship, the Bow River Boys are committed to raising serious coin for their designated charities.

On a local level, the club supports Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Calgary and Area (www.bbbscalgary.com).

A major portion of the proceeds from the annual Bow River fundraisers are donated to this organization that helps to build strong self-esteem and stronger communities through the school mentoring program and by matching children from single-parent families with a Big Brother or Sister. This is one way that healthy adults, and subsequently healthy communities, are created.

Bow River is also pleased to promote ongoing advanced education by providing an annual SAIT entrance scholarship to two deserving students. In association with SAIT's Alumni Relations and Student Awards, the club contributes $2500 each to one male and one female full-time student entering the first year of any diploma or certificate program.

Preference is given to students who have been a "little" in the Big Brothers & Big Sisters program. Winning applicants demonstrate academic proficiency as well as espouse personal philosophies that most reflect the Aims and Objectives of the Canadian Progress Club.

On a national level, Bow River supports the Canadian Special Olympics through the Canadian Progress Charitable Foundation (CPCF).

With help from CPCF funding, Canada's Special Olympic athletes are able to participate in international competitions.

While raising money is certainly an objective of the Bow River club, maintaining a hands-on presence within the local community is also a very important aspect of Bow River membership. The Bow River Boys contribute time, energy, and good old-fashioned physical labour to various community projects.

Regular commitments include:

Feed the Hungry Food preparation and meal service for the Sunday Dinner program.	The Mustard Seed "Coat Night" Collecting warm clothing and toiletries for donation to the shelter.
Bow River Road Show Christmas event combining an interclub social with caroling for and with the city's elderly or infirm.	Waitlist Kids Outings Organizing and supervising day trips for kids who are awaiting their match with a Big Brother or Sister.
Women's Centre Christmas food hampers, painting and work parties, Emergency Shelter fundraising event volunteers.	Big Brothers & Big Sisters Representation on the organization's Board of Directors, generally in the area of finance.

Other community volunteerism has included:

Na'amat Canada Assembling backpacks for "School Supplies for Kids".	Samaritan's Purse Painting cargo containers for "Operation Christmas Child".
Community Kitchen Inter-club volunteer shift to sort and pack foodstuffs at the Community Kitchen main warehouse.	Haiti Partnered an event with two young women to help raise funds for their mission to a Haitian orphanage.