SASKATOON CORRECTIONS URBAN CAMP DONATES GARDEN FOR CHILDREN HARVEST

Today Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister D.F. (Yogi) Huyghebaert joined with the Saskatoon Food Bank and St. Mary's School to donate the harvest from the Urban Camp Garden.

"This partnership represents an important way for offenders to take part in a program that gives back to the community," Huyghebaert said. "I am very pleased with the work that is being done and the relationships with community agencies and individuals that are being fostered through this program."

"We are very pleased to be a part of this innovative community initiative," Saskatoon Food Bank CEO Paul Merriman said. "This partnership will go a long way toward providing nutritious, healthy produce to people who may not have the opportunity."

"We are very happy for the opportunity to provide our students with healthy, locally grown produce," St. Mary's Community School Principal Tony Bairos said. "A balanced diet is very important in helping children perform well in school. This program will help in that effort."

Staff and inmates at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre Urban Camp have been working over the summer maintaining and growing the garden. The inmates were supplied with basic hand and garden tools. Crews travelled a radius of approximately one hour from Saskatoon to work sites to do various jobs.

The garden was made possible with generous donations from Early's Farm and Garden Centre, Floral Acres, Honeywood Nursery, the Saskatoon Correctional Centre and support from staff of the Saskatoon Correctional Centre.

The Urban Camp program is 28 years old and is part of an overall effort to help offenders gain work experience while contributing to the community.

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For more information, contact:

Desirae Bernreuther
Corrections, Public Safety and Policing
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2626
Email: desirae.bernreuther@gov.sk.ca