NEARLY $213,000 DISTRIBUTED TO CHARITABLE GROUPS IN NORTHERN SASKATCHEWAN

More than 100 groups in northern Saskatchewan have received approximately $213,000 from the government's charitable gaming grant program.

The quarterly grants, which are based on the net proceeds raised through licensed charitable gaming activities, provide important funding for a variety of local charitable projects. Among the grant recipients are the La Loche Sport, Recreation & Culture Board ($33,232) and the La Ronge Band Fund ($43,397).

"Residents of La Ronge, La Loche and other communities will benefit directly from these charitable gaming grants," Minister responsible for Northern Affairs June Draude said. "This money helps support critical recreational and cultural programs, giving at-risk youth alternatives to the lifestyle of drug and alcohol abuse that disproportionately impacts northern communities."

The La Loche Sport, Recreation & Culture Board holds bingos and raffles to help fund equipment, programs and facility improvements for various sports and cultural activities geared mainly at youth.

"The financial support has made a big difference in our community. We're able to provide programs that give our youth a chance to develop positive attitudes, self-esteem and life skills," La Loche Sport, Recreation & Culture Board president Randy Janvier said. "The sports programs are a big draw but we also promote cultural activities and address issues impacting northern youth."

The charitable gaming grant program supports more than 2,000 groups and organizations in Saskatchewan that conduct charitable gaming. Groups and organizations that conduct licensed bingos, Texas Hold ‘em poker and Monte Carlo events as well as raffles and breakopen ticket sales receive a grant equal to 25 per cent of the net revenues raised from these activities.

Groups do not have to apply for the charitable gaming grant. Charitable gaming reports submitted by groups and organizations are used by Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) to calculate grants.

In 2007-08, SLGA paid out approximately $6.6 million through the charitable gaming grant program.

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For more information, contact:

David Morris
Liquor and Gaming Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1721

Randy Janvier
La Loche Sport, Recreation & Culture Board
La Loche
Phone: 306-822-2028