CASINO PROFITS TO BENEFIT PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Children in the Grand Coulee School Division will have a better start to their school lives through an $8,000 grant from the provincial government through the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF).

The Inclusive Preschool Program will help 15 preschool children deal with social, behavioural and literacy challenges.

"Our young people represent the future of Saskatchewan and we have a responsibility to provide them with the opportunity to develop their learning skills," Regina Qu'Appelle Valley MLA Mark Wartman said on behalf of Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford. "Government is pleased to support community based programs that make learning fun and encourage children to maximize their potential."

Participants of the Inclusive Preschool Program will meet three mornings per week in a school setting. Program partners are the Grand Coulee School Division, Stewart Nicks School, local play groups, parents and community volunteers.

"The philosophy of Stewart Nicks School is to provide the best possible support to children and their families," Grand Coulee School Division Director of Education Christine Boyczuk said. "We are grateful for the CIF funds we received today. They will be used to help make this program a success."

The provincial government established the CIF in 1997 to return a portion of casino profits to communities. Since its inception, the fund has provided more than 2,200 community groups with a total of almost $14.3 million.

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For More Information, Contact:

Ben Tingley Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306)787-2047