HELP FOR SASKATOON AREA COMMUNITY GROUPS

The provincial Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) will help several Saskatoon

area community groups to promote strong and healthy families, benefiting

themselves and their communities.



The McNab Park Community Centre has received $10,000 from the fund for

programs and services to help youth in the area build their self esteem and

self confidence.



"The McNab Park Community Centre offers a safe place for young people and

their families to participate together in social, recreational and

educational activities. The centre fills a very specific community need,"

Saskatoon Idlywyld MLA David Forbes said on behalf of Culture, Youth and

Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford. "The Government of Saskatchewan is

pleased to support the development of our province's youth."



The Osler Interagency Group will receive a CIF cheque for $20,000 to fund

the development of a plan for the Osler Family Resource Centre. When

completed, the centre will offer interactive play opportunities, programs

for enhanced language and development skills, school readiness programs,

parental support and outreach and other programs to help parents raise

confident, well adjusted children.



The first phase of the project will include identification of community

needs and strengths, identification of programs to address the needs,

identification of capital costs, partners, funding sources and a plan for

the next steps.



The Saskatoon Housing Authority will receive $10,750 from the fund, for

tenants' spring and winter programs that will help all family members learn

about recreation, health and cultural acceptance.



Since 1997 the province's Community Initiatives Fund has provided more than

1,900 community groups with a total of almost $12 million.



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For more information, contact:



Wendy Campbell

Culture, Youth and Recreation

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-1062