HELP FOR KAMSACK AND ESTERHAZY COMMUNITY GROUPS

Released on January 30, 2002

Three organizations from Kamsack and Esterhazy received grants totaling

$29,500 from Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford. The

money is from the Community Initiatives Fund and gives community based

organizations support in providing programs for vulnerable children, youth

and families.



The Kamsack School Division received $18,000 toward a project called

"Creating Safe and Caring Schools". The Esterhazy Child Action Plan

Committee received $4,000 for courses on effective parenting. The

Potashville School Division received $7,500 to help support the School

Counselor/Family Liaison Program.



"Since the Community Initiatives Fund was established in 1997, more than

$9.5 million in casino profits have been distributed throughout the

province to community organizations that work with children, youth and

families," Crofford said. "The province established the fund to distribute

casino profits for the benefit of Saskatchewan people."



The Community Initiatives Fund receives a portion of the profits from

Casino Regina and the Gold Eagle Casino in North Battleford. Money from

the fund is distributed four times a year to organizations throughout the

province to support a variety of community-based programs.



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For more information, contact:



Cathy Gourlie

Municipal Affairs and Housing

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-5959