CENTENNIAL LEGACY FUNDING FOR SENIORS

Throughout 2005, residents and visitors to Saskatchewan were encouraged to take their pride to the streets by purchasing commemorative licence plates. Because of this, Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 is helping the Saskatchewan Seniors' Mechanism build centennial legacies for years to come.

The Saskatchewan Seniors' Mechanism will receive a one-time contribution of $125,000 from the Saskatchewan Centennial Legacy Fund to enhance its programming for senior's initiatives.

"Saskatchewan's seniors built the province we're proud to call home and this is another way we can thank them for all the hard work, creativity and leadership they have shown us all," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Glenn Hagel said. "As we begin Saskatchewan's second century, we are paying tribute to those that led and defined our province's first 100 years of heart."

Each plate sold provided a $5 contribution to the Centennial Legacy Trust Fund in support of seniors. The commemorative licence plates were made in Saskatchewan by Signal Industries.

"The legacy funding will help our organization reach out to more of our members and provide enhanced programming that will benefit the lives of all Saskatchewan seniors," Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism President Fern Haight said. "We thank the centennial office and the people of the province for showing their provincial pride and giving back to the seniors who continue to give so much to their province."

Introduced on November 4th, 2004, the commemorative licence plate was sold through the province's network of 85 credit unions representing 300 locations. An additional $2-per-plate was directed to not-for-profit community programming as selected by the individual credit unions. The plate was also a popular promotional item and available for purchase through the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 office, Tourism Saskatchewan, Canadian Tire stores and the Saskatchewan Seniors' Mechanism.

"The centennial licence plate was a way many people showed just how much they love this place – Saskatchewan," Hagel said. "I'm happy to see many licence plates still on vehicles travelling around the province and I know many of the souvenirs were sent to friends and family across the country."

The Saskatchewan Seniors' Mechanism was founded in 1990 as a coalition of senior's organizations throughout the province representing approximately 150,000 members.

Additional information on Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 is available online at www.sask2005.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

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