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Photo Credit: Shane Clausing
By Shane Clausing
big brothers big sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters Grande Prairie unveils new multi-purpose facility

Jul 7, 2021 | 7:21 PM

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grande Prairie unveiled its newest facility on July 7.

The Healing Community Hub, or better known as “The Hub” is a multi-use, modern facility in the basement of the Big Brothers Big Sisters offices.

The basement used to be a dance studio that sat vacant for two years before it was converted into a recreation area for youth and their big brothers and sisters.

Big Brothers Big Sisters named the facility after Trevor Healing, after he had the idea to convert the unused studio into a year-round recreation area.

Healing says opening the doors to the public for the first time on Wednesday was a great moment to see his vision become a reality.

“The overall reaction has been amazing. It was just nuts. There’s so many people that wanted to be involved, help out, and volunteered time and finances to make it happen.”

Healing is also a longtime volunteer and ambassador for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Corinne Patterson, the Executive Director with Big Brothers Big Sisters, tells EverythingGP she’s thrilled they can open this facility for members of the organization.

“I’m so proud of it. Even now when I come down here I always pause for just a bit and take in what we’ve done down here, because what we did was so amazing,” said Patterson.

“Seeing kid’s handprints on the tree out front draws us back to why we are here. I’m proud of the staff, sponsors, and the people who’ve come together to make it happen.”

The facility includes a games room, theatre room, activity room, and a community area.

Healing says there definitely won’t be a lack of recreational activities for people to take part in.

“My vision was kind of a multi-purpose place where anyone can come down and feel part of it, somehow and somewhere. Each room was designed differently for age groups and different tastes,” explained Healing.

“Every room can be used and transformed into something different. The theatre room can be converted into a dance room. There’s laser lights set-up in there and everything’s on slides, so everything can slide out of the way.”

Welcome desk outside of board games room. Photo Credit: Shane Clausing
Board/card game room at new Big Brothers Big Sisters facility. Photo Credit: Shane Clausing
Big Brothers Big Sisters games room. Photo Credit: Shane Clausing
Games room. Photo Credit: Shane Clausing
Theatre room. Photo Credit: Shane Clausing
Activity room. Photo Credit: Shane Clausing
Reading room. Photo Credit: Shane Clausing
Community & dining area. Photo Credit: Shane Clausing

As more people use the facility, Healing says he’ll be listening to everyone and be getting their feedback on what items work or may need improvement.

With the new facility open, Patterson mentioned there is still a large demand for volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors, especially amongst men.

“Our waitlist is 25 or 27 (youth) right now. We are looking for people who are willing to help in any way. We have a lot of kids that aren’t in a program right now waiting for mentors to be matched up right now.”

Anyone interested in getting involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters is asked to contact the office by calling 780-532-0620 or by visiting them on Facebook.

by Shane Clausing