PRINCE ALBERT COMMUNITY GROUPS RECEIVE FUNDING

Eight Prince Albert community groups today received grants totalling $40,000 from the provincial government through the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) for local summer culture, youth and recreation programs.

"These community organizations are going to deliver programs that will enhance the well being of families, children and youth," Intergovernmental Affairs and Prince Albert Northcote MLA Eldon Lautermilch said on behalf of Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford. "I am pleased that the Province is helping to develop our communities and make Saskatchewan a great place to live, work and play."

Speaker of the House and Prince Albert Carlton MLA Myron Kowalsky joined Lautermilch in presenting the cheques to each of the organizations.

The provincial funding will support the following eight programs:

• "Building Families Support Group, Pilot Project" program ($4,964) of the Family Futures Inc.;

• "Day Camp Program" ($5,000) of the Prince Albert Grand Council Urban Services Inc.;

• "Prince Albert Skateboard Park" program ($5,000) of the City of Prince Albert;

• "Aboriginal Head Start Summer Blast" program ($5,000) of the Prince Albert Aboriginal Head Start Program Inc;

• "Community Garden" program ($5,000) of the Prince Albert Hunger Committee;

• "Family Summer Learning Camp" program ($5,000) of the Riverside Community School Association;

• "Summer Youth Program" ($5,000) of the West Flat Citizens Group; and

• "INTEREC 2003 Summer Program" ($5,000) of the Association for Community Living (ACL).

"This summer programming will make such a positive difference not only in the lives of the children and youth who participate, but also among the staff and volunteers," Volunteer President of the Prince Albert ACL Branch Gloria Mahussier said. "The CIF funding will certainly help us to achieve our goals."

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 2300 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