$500,000 IN COMMUNITY GRANTS APPROVED

Communities all across Saskatchewan received $500,000 today through the Community Initiatives Fund.

Forty-one projects are being supported. Examples include an after school program in Maple Creek, parenting classes in Prince Albert, stress management and positive assertiveness training in Lestock, the Inner City Flag Football Team in Saskatoon and Northern Physical Activity Week across northern Saskatchewan.

A total of $2 million has been distributed this year in Community Initiatives Fund grants for projects that assist vulnerable children, youth and families.

"These are projects that directly benefit communities," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Glenn Hagel said. "The Community Initiatives Fund supports community-based projects and ensures program dollars go into activities that will really make a difference to Saskatchewan people."

Community-based decision making is an important part of the Community Initiatives Fund. Grant decisions are made by an arms-length board of trustees based on advice from regional committees. These committees include representatives from agencies and community organizations involved in human service delivery at the regional level. This approach helps ensure provincial funds are responsive to community priorities.

The Community Initiatives Fund was established in 1996 to provide tangible benefits from casino profits for Saskatchewan communities. Since its inception, over $60 million has been distributed to community projects across Saskatchewan. The Fund has supported a variety of community initiatives including cultural and recreation facilities, increased physical activity through the "in motion" campaign, problem gambling prevention and treatment, projects to increase Aboriginal participation in culture and recreation activities, exhibition associations, hospital foundations and centennial projects.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967