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Prince George, B.C. – Five local businesses have teamed up to help a local non-profit organization going through a bit of a rough patch.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Prince George (BBBSPG) announced a new partnership this morning with Tyrod Industries Ltd, Integris Credit Union, Save-On-Foods, Trimline Signs and Obsession Automotive and Sales valued at over $75,000 over three years.

Tim Bennett, executive director, Big Brothers Big Sisters Prince George 

The money has gone into the purchase of two new 15-passenger vans for BBBSPG for use in their child care and community shuttle programs.

“Well, we’re really excited today. As everyone knows, 2016 has been a challenging year for our agency,” said executive director Tim Bennett. “This announcement may not have an immediate effect today; but it’s going to build a solid foundation for 2017 and beyond.”

He said the brand-new vans replace two older ones which with wear and tear, high maintenance costs, and lower fuel economy, were becoming costly to operate.

“So this helps us not only free up agency cash flow, but allows us to decrease our overall operation cost.”

Ultimately Bennett said the goal is to have those two programs generating 50% of their annual budget.

“Which will help sustain and ensure that our programming can continue to be offered in the community.”

In August, Bennett went public with a “financial crunch” BBBSPG were going through due to a $60,000 deficit.

The deficit was due to the agency falling short of their fundraising targets last year plus a delay in some of their provincial funding.

It forced the delay in group programming and the layoff of three staff members.