OVER $566,000 IN COMMUNITY SUMMER PROJECT GRANTS APPROVED

The Community Initiatives Fund has provided $566,818 for 157 summer activity projects in communities across Saskatchewan.

Under the new direction for Community Initiatives Fund grants, funding is targeted to promote human development opportunities for children, youth and families; increased positive activities for youth at the local level including physical activity, arts and cultural activities; increased community leadership capacity, particularly leadership opportunities for youth; and inclusion of First Nations and Métis people as leaders in delivery of community activities.

Examples of projects being supported this summer include a preschool learning environment in Weyburn, summer reading classes in Pelican Narrows, a summer sports camp in Wynyard, Autism summer programming in Regina and a Summer Fun Day Camp for children with disabilities in Lanigan.

"These summer grants directly benefit communities," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Glenn Hagel said. "The Community Initiatives Fund supports community-based projects that improve the quality of life for Saskatchewan families."

The Community Initiatives Fund grant decisions are made by an arms-length board of trustees based on advice from regional committees, which review proposals from community groups. 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 1995 to provide tangible benefits from Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation profits for Saskatchewan communities. Since it began distributing funds in 1996, over $61 million has been distributed to community projects across Saskatchewan.

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For More Information, Contact:

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