YORKTON — BGC Yorkton is set to expand its technology programming after receiving a $25,000 grant through Best Buy Canada's Youth Digital Futures Initiative.
The funding will allow the organization to replace aging equipment, add gaming computers and virtual reality technology, and launch a new esports program designed to help young people build digital skills while developing teamwork, leadership and social connections.
"We were one of the lucky recipients," said Lorraine Oranchuk of BGC Yorkton. "We're very excited to be able to upgrade our tech programming here at the club."
Oranchuk said clubs across the country were invited to apply for funding based on the needs of their local communities.
"For us that meant some much-needed tech upgrades because some of our systems are getting quite old," she said. "It also means that we can get some gaming computers, which we have not had in the past, and some VR equipment."
The Yorkton club serves nearly 600 children and youth annually, including about 150 teenagers who take part in programming at its teen centre.
Oranchuk said the grant provides an opportunity to make a significant investment in technology that would otherwise be difficult for the organization to fund.
"Often you're never asked to invest $25,000 all at once in technology," she said. "It's really exciting when you get enough that you can invest fully and do a good job of a new program."
Best Buy Canada announced the funding as part of its celebration of 25 years of partnership with BGC Canada, formerly known as Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. Since 2001, the company has supported programs that help young people access technology, mentorship, scholarships and skills development opportunities.
Karen Arsenault, Best Buy Canada's head of social impact and sustainability, said the initiative was designed to recognize the milestone while continuing to support youth across the country.
"We wanted to do something that recognizes the impact of our partnership and also provide more technology to the clubs that need it," she said.
Applications were reviewed jointly by Best Buy Canada and BGC Canada, with clubs proposing projects tailored to the needs of their communities.
"Each of them came up with their own plan, worked with their teams and their young people in their clubs to come up with an idea that works really well for them," Arsenault said.
The Yorkton project was selected alongside initiatives at other BGC clubs across Canada.
When complete, the upgrades are expected to give local youth greater access to technology, digital learning opportunities and mentorship while introducing a new esports program to the club's offerings.
For Oranchuk, the funding is about more than new equipment.
"It really gives us enough funding to do a good job of a new program," she said. "We're looking at doing those expansions and changes that will create new opportunities for the youth who come through our doors."
