$42,582 IN COMMUNITY GRANTS APPROVED FOR PRINCE ALBERT AREA

Four Prince Albert area community-based organizations received $42,582 today through the Community Initiatives Fund. These grants are part of the 41 recently approved projects receiving $500,000 in funding for communities across the province.

"These grants will go to support projects that will directly benefit families in our communities," Prince Albert Northcote MLA and Highways and Transportation Minister Eldon Lautermilch said on behalf of Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Glenn Hagel.

Funding will support the following projects:

• Family Education and Support – Family Connections, Prince Albert, $11,288;

• Removing Barriers for Success – Happy Hands and Feet Childcare Centre Corp., $11,200;

• Parenting Our Children Project – Children's Haven, Prince Albert, $11,022.91; and

• Kookum's Kitchen – West Flat Tenants' Association, Prince Albert, $9,072.

Community-based decision making is an important part of the Community Initiatives Fund. Grant decisions are made by an arms-length board of trustees based on advice from regional committees. The committees include representatives from agencies and community organizations involved in human service delivery at the regional level. This approach helps ensure provincial funds are responsive to community priorities.

The Community Initiatives Fund was established in 1996 to provide tangible benefits from casino profits for Saskatchewan communities. Since its inception, over $60 million has been distributed to community programs across Saskatchewan. The Fund has supported a variety of community initiatives including cultural and recreational facilities, increased physical activity through the "in motion" campaign, problem gambling prevention and treatment, projects to increase Aboriginal participation in culture and recreation activities, exhibition associations, hospital foundations and centennial projects.

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For More Information, Contact:

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