SASKATCHEWAN COMMUNITIES BENEFIT FROM COMMUNITY INITIATIVE GRANTS TOTALLING MORE THAN $625,000

Communities all across Saskatchewan will benefit from more than $625,000 in Community Initiatives Fund grants.

The grants will provide support for 65 projects in 31 Saskatchewan communities. Funded projects include a variety of initiatives including cultural camps, peer support for teenagers, pre-school learning, a family and youth centre, physical activity and healthy life-style education, family literacy, English as a second language programs, self-expression through art classes and recreation and social education for at-risk youth.

"Saskatchewan citizens and their communities will directly benefit from the Community Initiatives Fund grants that we are announcing today," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Glenn Hagel said. "The Community Initiatives Fund ensures that program dollars go into activities that enhance quality of life and really make a difference to the people of Saskatchewan."

Community-based decision making is an integral 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 was established in 1996 to provide tangible benefits from Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation profits for Saskatchewan communities. Since its inception, over $60 million has been distributed to community projects across Saskatchewan.

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For More Information, Contact:

Rick Fink Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-5781