If you’re looking to spend a Sunday afternoon solving some clues in search of the Golden Keys and making a difference, check out the BIG Pursuit.
The 2025 BIG Pursuit campaign starts on March 1, 2025 and concludes on BIG Pursuit event day on Sunday, April 27, 2025. This is the primary annual fundraising event in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Red Deer and District.
Participate as an individual or get a group of family, friends or co-workers to join you. Simply collect pledges during the campaign and join us on BIG Pursuit Day to hunt for the Golden Keys located somewhere in Red Deer. Anyone can participate. You don’t have to be an athlete. Teams can be any size or how many you can legally fit in a vehicle. All teams get the same clues and challenges. The more funds raised the more clues you get. The location can be solved using a minimum of one to a maximum of seven clues combined with some creative thinking.
If you’re looking to spend a Sunday afternoon solving some clues in search of the Golden Keys and making a difference, check out the BIG Pursuit. There are more than 100 children in Red Deer looking for a caring mentor and someone to look up to. Get involved, ignite potential and be the reason a child succeeds.
All donations and funds raised will be matched up to 50% through Rogers Birdies for Kids by AltaLink, making your contribution go further.
- Where: iHotel, Red Deer
6500 67th Street - Register as an individual or form a team of 2-6 people with family, friends or co-workers
- Collect pledges, solve the clues and hunt for the Golden Keys located somewhere in Red Deer
- Cash prizes of $5,000, $3,000, and $1,000 for the three Golden Keys
- Prizes for top fundraisers and draw prizes
- Shotgun start at twelve noon at the iHotel, Red Deer
6500 67th Street
Frequently asked Questions
Do I need to be an athlete or in good physical shape?
No. This event is open to everyone. Teams have choices of who participates in respective challenges. Some may be a little physical, while others require a puzzle solver or creative thinking to complete.
How many people can participate on a team?
You can register as an individual and you will be placed on a team, or you can register a team of as many individuals as you wish. We recommend 3-4 people or how ever many you can fit into one vehicle (Legally). Some teams are far larger (up to 8-10 people) to help in the fundraising but only 6 participate on event day.
Does everyone start at the same location?
Yes, the event is a shotgun start at the ihotel in Red Deer at twelve noon on Sunday April 27th.
Does everyone get the same clues?
Yes, everyone gets the same clues and follows the clues throughout.
How long does the event take to complete?
The BIG Pursuit typically takes 2-4 hours to complete, depending upon how successful the teams are in solving the clues and completing the challenges. All checkpoints close at 3:00pm with the wrap up taking place at a location at 4:00pm.
What kind of prizes are there?
The BIG Pursuit is all about solving clues to get to the final destination and search for 3 Golden Keys. The first key found is worth $5,000, second $3,000 and the third $1,000. There are also prizes for the top pledge raisers and a variety of draw prizes at the event wrap up.
How do I get an advantage?
Similar to the amazing race teams can earn "Fast Forwards"(FF) to give them an advantage. You earn Fast Forwards based upon the funds raised. A team that raises $1,000 gets one FF. Teams that raise $2,000 or more will receive two FF's. A FF can be used at any clue the team determines they need help to solve the clue. They simply text into a number that will be provided in the event guide to submit their fast forward for a bonus clue.
Can children participate?
Yes, children can participate as part of a team. We recommend a minimum of two adults and children not be under 12 years of age. There can be children under 12 years but we have found that many of the younger children become bored and do not want to continue.
Are there activities for children?
No. This is a fundraising event for adults to raise funds in support of the charity.
Do I need a vehicle?
Yes. We recommend you have a designated driver throughout the event. Please ensure this driver is legally able to operate a vehicle and follows all respective laws pertaining to the operation of a vehicle.
What is the minimum amount raised to participate?
We do not have a minimum requirement, however, we do encourage each participant to be able to raise a minimum of $250 in support of the charity.
What if we cannot solve a clue?
You will be able to text into a number to get an additional clue, however, it will be a delayed response of 15 minutes for a "Hint" request. If the team still cannot solve the clue text once again for a "Give Up" and the location will be sent.
How difficult are the clues?
That depends on the team. Some teams have found the clues very easy, while others have found it difficult. Like the Amazing Race some teams struggle and some have the creative magic. That's what the event is about. Good Luck!
Are there other rules I need to know?
You will receive an event guide on BIG Pursuit Day during orientation with everything you need to know.
Can we dress up?
It is not required, but teams are welcome to dress up in a theme dress if they so wish.
THANK YOU to this year's Presenting Sponsor:
SERVUS Credit Union
Other Sponsorship Opportunities
Over 100 mentees are on a waiting list waiting for a caring mentor to look up to – Big Brother or Big Sister. Your funds will go to providing activities for both wait list children as well as the recruitment of volunteer mentors in an effort to ensure each child has an opportunity to experience a positive, healthy relationship. This is an excellent opportunity for your business to invest in a worthy cause and have an impact on children and families in our community.
- Partner Sponsor - $1000 Cash or In-Kind Contribution
- Golden Key Sponsor - $500 Cash or In-Kind Contribution
- Supporter - $300 Cash or In-Kind Contribution
- Friend - $100 donation Cash or In-Kind Contribution
HAVE A QUESTION
Need more information about attending or sponsoring the BIG Pursuit? We'd love to hear from you. Send us a message using our online form, email us directly, or give us a call.
Phone: 403-342-6500
Email: [email protected]