OVER $53,000 IN COMMUNITY GRANTS APPROVED FOR YORKTON

Six Yorkton community-based organizations have received a total of $53,310 through the Community Initiatives Fund. These grants are part of the 65 recently approved projects in 31 communities across the province that have received a total of over $625,000.

Deputy Premier Clay Serby, on behalf of Culture Youth and Recreation Minister Glenn Hagel, met today with the Yorkton organizations that have received Community Initiatives Fund grants.

The funding will be used to support projects that promote the mental, physical and emotional well-being of youth in the Yorkton area. "The young people of Yorkton, their families and the entire community will benefit from the delivery of the projects that have received grants," Serby said.

Groups receiving funds include:

•Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Yorkton Inc. - $27,000;

•Boys and Girls Club of Yorkton Inc. - $15,000;

•Parkland Recreation Inc. - $1,570;

•Parkland Therapeutic Riding Association - $1,500;

•Yorkdale Central School After School Program - $5,000; and,

•Yorkton PARTY Committee - $3,240.

"The grant allows us to continue our successful in-school mentoring program that matches children in-need with qualified mentors," Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Yorkton, Executive Director, Irma Van De Bon said. "Students are encouraged to participate in school activities and improve academic performance. This leads to increased self-esteem, a more positive teaching environment and improved peer and family relations."

The Community Initiatives Fund was designed to be responsive to community-identified needs. Grant decisions are made at arm's length by a board of trustees based on advice from regional committees. Committees include representatives from agencies and community organizations involved in human service delivery.

The Community Initiatives Fund was established in 1996 to provide tangible benefits from Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation profits for Saskatchewan communities. Since its inception, more than $60 million has been distributed to community programs across Saskatchewan.

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For More Information, Contact:

Rick Fink Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-5781