Several community projects in the Estevan constituency have received support through the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF).
Estevan MLA Lori Carr, who is also the minister responsible for Social Services, said the riding was “very, very fortunate” with this latest round of CIF grants.” The Town of Midale received $5,000 for a program called Keep Cool in the Pool, which is offered for children at the Midale Swimming Pool.
“The pool is in absolutely pristine condition. They’ve got new pumps in there and a bunch of different stuff,” said Carr.
The Southeast Regional Library’s Midale branch received $800 for its summer reading program.
The Estevan Family Resource Centre received money for two initiatives: $25,000 for crisis counselling and support services, and $5,000 for summer discovery camps.
The Estevan Area Literacy Group received $14,200 for the Hello Literacy program, and $4,500 for the summer Nature Smarts program. Both benefit families in the region.
Receiving $5,000 each were the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum for the summer education and programming, the Souris Valley Museum received $5,000 for summer educational programming, the Souris Valley Theatre received $5,000 for the summer youth drama camps.
“You can truly see that with the Community Initiatives Fund, they are funding a tonne of programs for youth for all of these summer programs that happen within the city of Estevan and the surrounding area.”
The Saskatchewan Veterans Service Club Support Program provided $25,000 to the Royal Canadian Legion’s Estevan branch to improve accessibility at the legion hall. It’s the most that a project can receive.
“There’s always improvements that can be done on a building that size. So far, we’re hoping to keep that as annual funding, so maybe next year they’ll be able to apply again and get funding,” said Carr.
CIF grants aware awarded annually to programs that contribute to the wellbeing of children and youth, families and communities.
These programs provide opportunities for children and youth to gain knowledge, skills and supports to develop positive mental health, self- esteem and healthy lifestyle behaviours, and ensure families have access to supports and resources to create healthy and caring environments.
CIF is a special purpose fund created through the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act and managed by a government appointed board of community volunteers.
