10/05/2026
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wood Buffalo (BBBSWB) is proud to announce that the 16th Annual SMS Equipment W**e Auction raised $121,000 in support of free youth mentoring programs across the Wood Buffalo region.
The annual event brought together community leaders, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters for an evening of generosity, celebration, and investment in the future of local children and youth. Funds raised will directly support mentorship programs that help young people build confidence, develop resilience, and reach their full potential through meaningful developmental relationships.
"For 16 years, the W**e Auction has been much more than an evening of fine w**e and community celebration," said Suzette Mckell, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wood Buffalo. "This event creates life-changing opportunities for children and youth across our region. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, volunteers, donors, and guests, we raised $121,000 to support free mentoring programs that empower young people to thrive. We are deeply grateful for our community's continued investment in the future of local youth."
"This incredible generosity shows what's possible when our community comes together," said Alex Kitsinelis, General Manager of SMS Equipment. "Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's W**e Auction such a success. We are proud to support an event that creates meaningful opportunities for local children and youth through mentorship."
Guests enjoyed an evening filled with entertainment, community connection, and exciting fundraising opportunities, once again demonstrating Wood Buffalo's strong commitment to supporting young people and strengthening the community.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wood Buffalo extends its sincere gratitude to all sponsors whose generosity helped make the event a success. Special thanks go to SMS Equipment, Title Sponsor, for its continued leadership and dedication to empowering youth through mentorship. The organization also recognizes Suncor as Stage Sponsor, Manitoulin Transport as VIP Reception Sponsor, Fort McMurray 468 First Nation as Venue Sponsor, Leavitt Machinery as Château Sponsor, Q-Line Trucking as Quartz Sponsor, and Russel Metals as Barrel Sponsor.
Additional appreciation is extended to the event's Brut Sponsors: Cummins, Sunbelt Rentals, NorthStar Ford Lincoln, Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals, and CNC Industries. Their support helps ensure that mentoring programs remain accessible to children and youth throughout the region.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wood Buffalo also extends its sincere thanks to its valued In-Kind Supporters, whose generosity and contributions played an important role in the success of this year's event. Their support helps make the W**e Auction possible and strengthens the organization's ability to provide life-changing mentoring opportunities for local children and youth.
The organization would also like to recognize its dedicated Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers, whose passion, commitment, and hard work continue to create meaningful opportunities for young people across the region.
As Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wood Buffalo celebrates the success of its 16th Annual SMS Equipment W**e Auction, the organization remains focused on meeting the growing demand for mentorship opportunities throughout Wood Buffalo. The funds raised will help ensure more children and youth have access to caring mentors, supportive relationships, and life-changing experiences that positively influence their future. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wood Buffalo extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this year's success and looks forward to welcoming the community back for the 17th Annual SMS Equipment W**e Auction.
To learn more about the W**e Auction and mentorship programs, visit fortmcmurrayw**eauction.ca.
Media Contact:
Suzette Mckell
Executive Director
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wood Buffalo
780-791-2447