COMMUNITY GRANTS APPROVED FOR SUMMER PROJECTS IN MOOSE JAW

Five human service organizations in Moose Jaw received cheques totalling $15,700 through the Community Initiatives Fund.

These grants are part of 157 recently approved projects in communities across the province receiving over $566,000 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 the proceeds from Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw supporting community organizations that provide summertime opportunities for children and families," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Glenn Hagel said. "The projects receiving funding today are excellent examples of how the Community Initiatives Fund is helping improve the quality of life for Saskatchewan families."

Funding will support the following projects in the Moose Jaw area:

• $3,300 for the School Aged Refugee Children's Summer project delivered through the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council;

• $4,000 for the Reaching Seven Community Goals in Partnership project delivered through the South Central Recreation and Parks Association;

• $2,700 for the Parent and Child Aquatics Project delivered through the Mentoring of Mothers Program;

• $1,500 for the Summer Inclusion 2006 project delivered through the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division; and

• $4,200 for the Youth Activity Centre project delivered through the Moose Jaw Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

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 from Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation profits for Saskatchewan communities. Since 1996, over $61 million dollars has been distributed to community programs across Saskatchewan.

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For More Information, Contact:

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