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.   
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.