Big Brothers Big Sisters kick off Mocktail Challenge for second year

This year’s competitors for the Mocktail Challenge designed their signature mocktails this weekend, in preparation for their online fundraising campaigns, leading up to the final competition in November.

The competition is put together by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince Albert and Prince Albert Community Alcohol Strategy Steering Committee (CASSC), which began last year in efforts to put on an alcohol-free family friendly event that also raises funds that will be put towards creating a healthier community.

“We have an amazing lineup of contestants this year participating bartenders in the Mocktail Challenge,” said Natasha Thomson, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince Albert Development Coordinator.

Participants developed and perfected their custom signature mocktails this Saturday for their upcoming fundraising campaign beginning on October 1. Participants created their drinks, took photos, and recorded their official campaign material.

The bartender participants are competing in the Mocktail Challenger that will take place at the Golf and Curling Centre in Prince Albert on Nov. 14.

There will be three trophies they are competing for, the first is for whose drink impresses the judges the most, the second is who serves the most drinks during the event, and the third trophy is for the big champion, the top fundraiser of the competition.

Funds raised will go towards youth mentoring programs with Big Brothers Big Sisters, which includes recruiting, training, and screening costs, and finding volunteers who help youth who face adversity. Generated funds will also go towards CASSC who work with youth ambassadors, community education about responsible alcohol use, and the Paper Bag Campaign.

The six participant bartenders of this year’s events are Owner of The S2DIO Desiree “Dez” Hesson, Prince Albert YWCA CEO Donna Brooks, Prince Albert City Council Ward 3 Tony Head, Owner of Body Mechanics Salon & Medi Spa Jodi Gabrielson, Save on Foods Assistant Store Manager Cody Tienkamp, and USASK Prince Albert Campus Principal Jay Wilson, who was not able to make it to Saturday’s event.

“It’s an alcohol free event to come together, because you don’t always need alcohol to have a good time,” Thomson said.

Thomson, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and CASSC invite everyone to the Golf and Curling Centre on November 14 to join in an alcohol free event for everyone, including families with children. The event has no admission cost, and no cover charge, and will feature the signature mocktails, a burger buffet, and live music.