RIVER BANK DEVELOPMENT OF PRINCE ALBERT RECEIVES SPIRIT AWARD

Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister Darryl Hickie on behalf of Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer, today presented a Spirit Award For Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to River Bank Development Corporation of Prince Albert.

The Spirit Award honours CBOs that deliver programs and services on behalf of the Ministry of Social Services or its agency, the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.

"River Bank Development Corporation is a valuable partner of Saskatchewan Housing Corporation in developing quality, affordable housing for low-income families in Prince Albert," Hickie said. "River Bank has made significant contributions to the development and management of numerous community housing projects over the past decade, and is a worthy recipient of this year's Spirit Award in the housing category."

The Spirit Award celebrates the contributions of human-services CBOs to the well-being of Saskatchewan people. The CBOs that deliver these services are all non-profit organizations operated by volunteer boards which share the common goal of improving the lives of people and families in their communities.

CBOs that received funding within the past two years from the Ministry or the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation were eligible for the award. Funded CBOs include those that provide services and supports for people with disabilities, those that support children, youth, and families facing challenges or crisis, as well as housing authorities that deliver housing programs and services for lower-income people and families.

River Bank is a non-profit corporation funded through the Province's Neighbourhood Development Program, and has been active in housing since its inception in 1998.

This year's other recipients of a Spirit Award For Community-Based Organizations are:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lloydminster (Children, Youth and Families category); and
• Porcupine Opportunities Program, Porcupine Plain (People with Disabilities category).

Hickie presented the directors of River Bank Development Corporation with their Spirit Award, including a cheque for $1,000.

"River Bank's mandate is to promote social and economic development in Prince Albert's low-income community in areas such as housing, job training, recycling, food security, and family support programs," River Bank Development Corporation chairperson Jo-Anne McKay said. "Through the strong partnerships we have developed with Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and other provincial agencies, we will continue our efforts to make a difference in the lives of low-income families in our community."

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For more information, contact:

Brian Miller
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: brian.miller3@gov.sk.ca