WEYBURN COMMUNITY GROUPS RECEIVE FUNDING

Two Weyburn community organizations, The Family Place and the Sun Country Health Region, today received grants totalling more than $34,000 from the provincial government through the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF).

"The programs delivered by these community based organizations are important because they promote healthy living and they support vulnerable children, parents and families," Culture Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford said. "These programs will help to sustain and further enhance Saskatchewan's healthy and vibrant communities."

The Family Place received grants totalling $30,000 to help with its operations, program delivery and continued support for children and families. The Family Place programming is based on the recommendations and needs of community groups, individuals and parents. The Family Place is the only family resource and support centre in the Weyburn area.

"We appreciate the commitment from government in assisting the community based organizations to help meet the needs of children and families," The Family Place Program Manager Donnita Mass said.

The Sun Country Health Region received $4,250 for its Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAS/FAE) Awareness Program. The FAS/FAE Awareness Program will use two specially designed kits as a means to educate students, teachers, parents and families. The FAS/FAE kits include videos, posters, pamphlets, information resources and activity guides. One kit will be distributed throughout the school system, targeting grades 6 and up. The second kit will target community groups and parents.

The CIF was established by the provincial government in 1997 to return a portion of casino profits to communities. Since its inception, the fund has provided more than 2,300 community groups with a total of almost $13.5 million.

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For More Information, Contact:

Sandhya Padmanabh Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306)787-4967 Email: sPadmanabh@cyr.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)533-4909