$94,586 IN COMMUNITY GRANTS APPROVED FOR SASKATOON

Six Saskatoon community-based organizations received $94,586 recently through the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF), and were celebrated at an event in Saskatoon today.

The grants are part of 41 recently approved projects receiving $500,000 in funding for communities across the province.

"Supporting these important projects contributes greatly to the quality of life for many Saskatoon residents," Saskatoon Centre MLA and Labour Minister David Forbes said on behalf of Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Glenn Hagel. "Funds allocated through the CIF help support grass roots organizations that have a profound impact on the vibrancy of our community."

Forbes was speaking at the White Buffalo Lodge where details of the following Saskatoon projects were outlined:

• Heritage Program - Adoption Support Centre of Saskatchewan Inc., $25,000;

• Creating Community Opportunities for Youth – Caswell Community School Parent Council Inc. and Caswell Community School, $1,428;

• Dance For You – Dance Saskatchewan Inc., $5,000;

• Saskatoon Inner City Flag Football League – Saskatoon Sports Council, $4,900;

• Kweskipimatisi (Change Ones Life) – Wanuskewin Heritage Park, $38,408.94; and

• Food from the Heart for the Heart of the Community – Core Neighbourhood Youth Co-op, $19,850.

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. These 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 recreation 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