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La Ronge receives $105,000 in grants through Community Initiatives Fund

Dec 21, 2018 | 11:00 AM

The provincial government is investing $105,000 in grants to several organizations in La Ronge through the Community Initiatives Fund.

The largest recipient was the Pahkisimon Nuyeʔáh Library System, which was granted $30,000 for an Indigenous storytelling initiative, followed by $25,000 for Lac La Ronge Community Mobilization (Hub) at North Sask Victim Services, $25,000 to the healthy snack and lunch program at Pre-Cam Community School and $25,000 to the Growing Young Movers afterschool program. In total, close to $2.5 million was distributed this month across Saskatchewan through the Community Initiatives Fund.

“North Sask is the financial accountable partner for Lac La Ronge Community Mobilization, so we are the people who basically have the money held and release it in terms of salary [and] travel that needs to happen as part of the coordinator position,” Executive Director Erin Carter said. “This is the first time as the accountable partner we have received [the grant]. It’s certainly something we see the value in. As a non-profit, we really don’t have the money to be able to support the financial needs of the community mobilization movement.”

Carter wanted to emphasis the good work the agencies involved with Hub have been doing and commended their dedication to improve the community. Led by Hub coordinator Andrea Cowan, the group delivers services to young people who could be at-risk of committing crimes and finds them the help they need before they break the law. The Town of La Ronge and Lac La Ronge Indian both donate $10,000 each year and Air Ronge recently committed to providing $7,500 per year for 2019 and 2020.

According to a Community Initiatives Fund media release, approved grants are for projects that contribute to the wellbeing of children, youth, families and communities. The projects are meant to provide opportunities for children and youth to gain the knowledge, skills, and supports to develop positive mental health, self-esteem and healthy lifestyle behaviours. Since 1996, the fund has distributed more than $154 million to over 400 communities.

“The programs and initiatives funded by the Community Initiatives Fund have a profound impact on the quality of life of communities across Saskatchewan,” Tracey Mann, Executive Director of the Community Initiatives Fund said. “We are continually amazed by the dedication and creativity of community leaders and organizations that work so tirelessly to enrich our province.”
 

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno