Local non-profits and organizations are among those receiving $2.7 million across Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority’s (SLGA) charitable gaming grant program is granting the funds to more than 1,100 groups and organizations this quarter.
Licensed bingos, raffles, breakopen ticket sales, Texas Hold’em poker events and Monte Carlo events are among the charitable gaming activities eligible to receive a grant. The grant is equal to 25 per cent of the net revenues raised from these activities, up to a maximum grant of $100,000 annually. Charitable gaming reports submitted by the groups are used by SLGA to calculate the grants.
Colleen Young, MLA for Lloydminster, says it comes down to the province showing support for its community organizations.
“It’s support for them to show that you know, they’re out there hosting these bingos and these lotteries, and a certain amount should go back to these organizations,” says Young.
In the Border City, $3,694.90 is being donated to groups including the Border City Rotary Club ($821.50), Lloydminster & Area Brain Injury Society (584.03), Lloydminster Interval Home Society ($550), Lloydminster Kinsmen Club ($951.52), Lloydminster Sandy Beach Regional Park ($92.75) and the Lloydminster The Kinette Club of Lloydminster ($704.10).
The Royal Canadian Legion, Maidstone (Sask. No. 142) Branch has been granted $1,139.78. Marshall School has been granted $195, and organizations in Paradise Hill are receiving $5,149.10. Gene Makowsky, minister responsible for SLGA, says in a statement that the province is supporting worthy local initiatives.
“The efforts of these groups benefit many local initiatives including minor sports programs, educational endeavours and seniors’ programming and the grants acknowledge those efforts by providing additional financial support,” says Makowsky.
Other areas receiving grants include:
• Moose Jaw and surrounding area received $236,151;
• Prince Albert and surrounding area received $180,508;
• North Battleford and surrounding area received $120,610;
• Swift Current and surrounding area received $109,345; and,
• Melfort and surrounding area received $100,819.