COMMUNITY GRANTS APPROVED FOR SUMMER PROJECTS IN WEYBURN

Four human service organizations in Weyburn received cheques totalling $12,250 through the Provincial Government's Community Initiatives Fund.

These grants are part of the 143 recently approved projects in communities across the province receiving over $500,000 in funding for summer projects. A total of $2.2 million in Community Initiatives Fund grants will be distributed for projects that benefit children, youth and families this year.

"It's great to see proceeds from casinos going to help young people so that no one is left behind on the path to opportunity," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Glenn Hagel said. "The projects receiving funding today are excellent examples of what we can accomplish when schools, health regions, community-based organizations and government come together to work with communities."

Funding will support the following projects:

• $3,250 for the Kids 'n' Kops and Summer Camp project delivered through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Weyburn Inc.;

• $3,000 for the Sunny Scholars 2006 project delivered through the Family Place of Weyburn;

• $3,000 for the Kayaking: For Fitness, For Life project delivered through the Weyburn and District Canoe and Kayak Club; and

• $3,000 for the 2006 Summer Art Mix project delivered through the Signal Hill Arts Centre.

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 provides grants for local initiatives that enhance human development and community vitality. The Community Initiatives Fund was established to provide tangible benefits for Saskatchewan communities from profits of the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation casinos in Regina and Moose Jaw. Since 1996, over $60 million dollars has been distributed to community programs across Saskatchewan. The Fund has supported a variety of community initiatives including cultural and recreational 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.

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For More Information, Contact:

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