$108,608 IN COMMUNITY GRANTS APPROVED FOR REGINA AREA

Four Regina and area community-based organizations received $108,608 today through the Community Initiatives Fund.

The grants are part of 41 recently approved projects receiving $500,000 in funding for communities across the province. A total of $2 million has been distributed this year in Community Initiatives Fund grants for projects that assist vulnerable children, youth and families.

"These grants will help support important projects that will have a positive impact on the lives of Regina citizens and the vibrancy of our community," Regina Elphinstone Centre MLA Warren McCall said on behalf of Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Glenn Hagel.

McCall was speaking at the Rainbow Youth Centre where details of the following Regina projects were outlined:

• Directory of Outpatient Rehabilitation Services in Regina -- Individuals with Disabilities Equity Alliance of Regina, $14,500;

• Contemporary Women's Outreach Program -- Regina Work Preparation Centre Inc., $18,616;

• Community Based Housing Options -- South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre, $22,570; and

• Promoting Peace -- Preventing Violence, Rainbow Youth Centre Inc., $53,000.

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 was established in 1996 to provide tangible benefits from casino profits for Saskatchewan communities. Since its inception, over $60 million dollars has been distributed to community programs across Saskatchewan. The Fund has supported a variety of community initiatives including cultural and recreation facilities, increased physical activity through the "in motion" campaign, problem gambling prevention and treatment, projects to increase Aboriginal participation in culture and recreation activities, exhibition associations, hospital foundations and centennial projects.

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For More Information, Contact:

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