CASINO FUNDS PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES IN BIG RIVER, SHELLBROOK, SPIRITWOOD, CANWOOD, AND DEBDEN

Lloyd Johnson, MLA for Shellbrook Spiritwood, on behalf of Municipal

Affairs, Culture and Housing Minister Carol Teichrob today announced

that five community groups have received $15,720 in casino profits

through the Associated Entities Fund.



"The province established the Associated Entities Fund to distribute a

portion of casino profits for the benefit of Saskatchewan people,"

Johnson said. "Since the beginning of 1997 more than $4.5 million in

casino profits have been distributed throughout Saskatchewan for

programs that support children, youth and families."



Community groups received funding for the following projects:



The Town of Big River, the District Recreation Board, the

Interagency Committee and the Library received $5,000 to fund a

variety of summer activities for preschool and elementary school

children which will educate and challenge them in a safe and

supervised environment.



The Shellbrook Wapiti Library Board and the Town of Shellbrook

received $3,000 toward a project which will enhance the computer

literacy of families by providing the opportunity and experience

for learning about computers to those who would not otherwise

have access to computers.



The Spiritwood Interagency received $4,000 toward a variety of

recreational activities for children who would not otherwise have

the opportunity to participate in activities such as sports and

games, crafts, and supervised field trips.



The Canwood 4-H Light Horse Club and the Blue Forest Pony

Club received $900 toward a program designed to develop

leadership skills and enhance self-esteem in children

through riding lessons and the care and grooming of horses.



The Debden Playground Committee receives $2,820 to provide a

recreation camp for children aged four to 14 who would not

otherwise be able to participate in summer recreation

activities.



The Associated Entities Fund receives a portion of the profits

from Casino Regina, the Gold Eagle Casino in North Battleford,

the Northern Lights Casino in Prince Albert and the Painted Hand

Casino in Yorkton.



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For more information, contact:



Trudy Jackson

Communications

Municipal Affairs, Culture and Housing

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4011