MOOSE JAW COMMUNITY GROUPS RECEIVE FUNDING

Programs targeting youth, recreation and education opportunities within the Moose Jaw region were given a boost today when six community groups received grants totalling more than $10,000 from the provincial government through the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF).

"These programs are all about increasing opportunities and providing access to a variety of activities for Saskatchewan youth and families, " Labour Minister and Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Deb Higgins said on behalf of Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford.

Higgins presented the Moose Jaw Parks and Recreation Advisory Board with $2,000 for its Youth Activity Centre Program which will allow at-risk youth to participate in organized recreation and sports activities, including skill development.

The South Central Recreation and Parks Association received $2,000 for its Wellness Wagon program. The program will provide a variety of recreational activities to children, youth and adults in rural communities.

The School Aged Refugee Children's Summer Program of the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council received $530. Their program will allow about 25 children of refugee families to continue enhancing their language and social skills during the summer.

The Moose Jaw Branch of the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living received $1,575 to help deliver its Kids Kamp program. The program will provide an opportunity for children with intellectual disabilities to participate in a wide variety of stimulating activities.

The Integrated Case Management Program will launch its Summer Mentor Day Camp with the help of $2,000 in CIF funding. This program will provide positive recreation, leisure and socialization opportunities under the support and guidance of an adult mentor.

The Mentoring of Mothers Program, in partnership with the Teen and Young Parent Program, received $2,300 for its Parent and Child Aquatics project.

The CIF was established by the provincial government in 1997 to return a portion of casino profits to communities. Since its inception, the fund has provided more than 2,300 community groups with a total of almost $13.5 million.

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For More Information, Contact:

Sandhya Padmanabh Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306)787-4967 Email: sPadmanabh@cyr.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)533-4909