Efforts are underway in Picture Butte this week to launch a new Block Parent program.
Ralph Oldenburger is spearheading an information meeting this Friday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the basement meeting room of the Elks Hall. He said his plan is to provide information on the program in hopes of generating enough interest in the community to re-launch the program.
It has been a number of years since Picture Butte had an active Block Parent program. He said anybody is welcome to attend the information meeting. Those who sign up for the program will be required to clear a criminal records check.
A local RCMP officer will also be attending the meeting to provide background information on the program and its role in the community.
Oldenburger, who is chairman of the County of Lethbridge Community Learning Council, said he first brought the idea up at a Learning council meeting.
He said he floated the idea of getting the program going in Picture Butte again and the council encouraged him to run with it.
“Maybe it’s something we should put up in Picture Butte.”
He would like to see interest from across the community and hopes local residents will attend the information meeting.
“You have to try it and see what happens.”
He said if there isn’t enough interest generated by Friday’s meeting than the idea will probably be dropped.
The Block Parent Program is a nationally known program which provides children, seniors and anyone else in need with a place to go in times of distress.
Those who participate in the program simply put their red and white Block Parent sign in their window when they are home and able to offer assistance to anyone from a lost child to a senior who may be in distress.