Yellowknife (Aug 15/03) - One of Yellowknife's oldest volunteer organizations could be dissolved if it can't find insurance within the next few months.

The Big Buddies program, which began in 1978, has been without general liability insurance since February.

The organization was forced to suspend operations and hasn't been able to find insurance since.

"Companies just aren't willing to insure us," said Big Buddies board member Marie Chenard.

"Without insurance we can't really carry out any of our activities."

The Big Buddies program is similar to that of the Big Sisters and Big Brothers programs in the South.

The groups pairs up kids between the ages of six and seventeen with adults for.

A languishing insurance industry, hit hard by the events of September 11, is the main reason for the group's inability to find insurance said Chenard.

"Rates are going up all over the place and they have decided that it's not profitable to insure groups like ours," she said.

According to Chenard, the Big Buddies' insurance nearly quadrupled last year, vaulting from $650 to $2,500.

She said the group could afford to pay up to $5,000 for insurance, but so far there have been no takers.

Chenard said Big Buddies needs insurance in case children get injured while taking part in activities with adult volunteers.

"We've never been sued before, but we can't take a chance."