SASKATCHEWAN PROJECTS RECEIVE OVER $558,000 IN GRANTS FOR SUMMER 2007

The Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) has provided $558,352 for 145 summer projects across Saskatchewan.

The Community Initiatives Fund helps community organizations throughout Saskatchewan undertake projects that improve the education, health and well-being of children, youth and families.

"The organizations supported by the Community Initiatives Fund exemplify the resourcefulness and community-based spirit of Saskatchewan people," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Sandra Morin said. "The 2007 summer grants are part of the government's effort to help make life better for Saskatchewan communities and families now and into the future."

Among the many projects being supported in summer 2007 are a theatre camp for youth in the La Ronge area, a summer culture and recreation program for children in Shaunavon, a recreation program which teaches youth the basic canoe trip skills on the Churchill River and a summer day camp for autistic youth in Saskatoon.

To ensure provincial funds are responsive to community priorities, 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.

"As a member of the voluntary sector it's exciting to be part of the Community Initiatives Fund," CIF Chair Cheryl Bauer Hyde said. "Over the last 11 years, hundreds of community-based projects have made a real difference in the lives of people across Saskatchewan."

The Community Initiatives Fund was established in 1995 to provide tangible benefits from Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation profits for Saskatchewan communities. Since it began distributing funds in 1996, community projects across Saskatchewan have received over $66 million.

To view a complete listing of projects that received funding go online to Culture, Youth and Recreation's website at www.cyr.gov.sk.ca.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Aidan Morgan
Culture, Youth and Recreation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9087
Email: amorgan@cyr.gov.sk.ca