On a recent Friday night at Lac La Biche’s Lucky Strike Bowling Lanes, Portage College admin support staffer Kyla Robb was using some of her ‘spare’ time to help raise more than $10,000 for local charity.

Robb was one of several college staff who joined local teams from businesses and organizations at the Bowl For Kids’ Sake fundraiser for the local Big Brothers Big Sisters office.

Robb was bowling with the Lac La Biche Kinettes’ team.

“It’s nice to get out and support local events,” said Robb, who admits that bowling isn’t one of her go-to activities – but raising awareness for worthy groups is something she enjoys. “The college is part of the community and I’m part of the college, so it makes sense to work together.”

Portage co-worker Al Robertson was also dressed in his finest rental bowling shoes for the Friday night fundraiser.

Bowling with the local Kinsmen club, an organization where he has been a member for the past 10 years, the current Business Program coordinator at the College said it’s good to get involved. He says it’s part of a healthy work-life balance in the community.

“We work here, we play here, and we support our local groups and neighbours. It doesn’t hurt that a bowling night with 20 other community-supporting teams is quite a lot of fun as well,” Robertson said.

Robb and Robertson are just one example of Portage College staff and students at campus locations across the region who recognize the importance of community involvement and community connection.

Enjoying that kind of a work-life balance is part of a healthy overall lifestyle that contributes to a healthy community, says Andre Delaire, the director of HR and Compliance at all seven Portage College campus locations.

“Keeping with the theme of the recent community fundraiser, I’m ‘bowled over’ by the tremendous volunteer spirit shown in the communities Portage College serves,” said Delaire with a grin. “From a mental health perspective, volunteer work - whether you are a Portage College student, staff member, or any member of the public - ­­­can be rewarding on many levels.”

Volunteer spirit continues to be an integral part of a new workplace wellness strategy currently being developed by Portage College planners.