CASINO FUNDS ASSIST HIGH RISK CHILDREN

The Regina Big Brother Association today received $11,695 from the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) for the In School Mentoring Program.

This mentorship program matches adult volunteers with children, ages 6 to 13, who have been identified as high risk for dropping out of school. This valued program builds children's self-esteem through friendship and regular attention from adult mentors.

"Role models and mentors help children to strive for success and to be proud of themselves on a day to day basis," Regina Dewdney MLA Kevin Yates said in presenting the cheque on behalf of Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford. "This is an excellent project to support, and in doing so, the province is developing tomorrow's leaders today."

The objective of the In School Mentoring Program is to provide physical, mental and social motivation to at-risk children while encouraging them to stay in school. The school based program matches adult volunteers with children on site at one of the nine participating Regina schools. The program, which currently has a waiting list of children looking for mentors, operates until June 2003 and breaks for summer.

"Last year we had a total of 25 mentoring matches, and our goal this year is to increase that number to 30," In School Mentoring Co-ordinator Tara Mything said. "With the help of some enthusiastic work, and thanks to the CIF funding, we will accomplish this goal."

Established by the provincial government in 1997 to deliver a portion of casino profits back to communities, the CIF has provided more than 1,900 community groups with a total of almost $12 million. Formerly known as the Associated Entities Fund, the CIF is administered by Culture, Youth and Recreation.

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For More Information, Contact:

Sandhya Padmanabh Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306)787-4967