2007 SPIRIT AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Community Resources Minister Kevin Yates today announced the winners of the second annual Spirit Award For Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).

"Saskatchewan's community-based organizations play a critical role in the delivery of government programs and services throughout the province," Yates said. "This award is one way that the province and communities can show their thanks and appreciation for community-based organizations that are helping to build better futures for Saskatchewan families."

This year's winners in their respective categories are:

• People with Disabilities - Prairie Employment Program, North Battleford
• Children, Youth and Families - Hunger in Moose Jaw, Moose Jaw
• Housing - Canwood Housing Authority, Canwood

Winners were selected based on their ability to make a difference in people's lives and their demonstrated success in areas such as building inclusive families and communities, good governance, accountability and linkages with other groups.

Selection committee members included Perry Bellegarde of Regina (Chair), Noreen Johns of Zelma, Patricia Leson of Prince Albert, Geraldine Peppler of Yorkton and Judy Samuelson of Regina.

"We were extremely impressed with the quality of the nominations," Bellegarde said. "It was exciting to be part of the committee and to learn more about the powerful impact human service organizations have on the people and communities they serve."

The Spirit Award honours human service CBOs that deliver programs and services on behalf of Community Resources, helping to address some of the province's most pressing social issues in local communities. CBOs that received funding from Community Resources or the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, an agency of Community Resources, within the past two years were eligible for the award.

Awards will be presented to winners at ceremonies in their local communities during the month of June.

A list of nominees and a short description of their work is available on the Community Resources web site at www.cr.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Brian Miller
Community Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: BMiller3@cr.gov.sk.ca