The Yorkton Film Festival has received a $47,000 grant from the Community Initiatives Fund Pride Projects and Events category to help the Festival celebrate its 65th year in 2012.
"The Community Initiatives Fund - fondly known as "CIF" - is a special purpose fund, established through The Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act, to receive and distribute a portion of the revenues from the casinos in Regina and Moose Jaw for the benefit of Saskatchewan communities," explained Darcy McLeod one of eight volunteer members on the CIF's Board.
"CIF's newest program, and why we are here today - is the Community Vitality Program, announced last May - and designed to respond to the needs of communities in two ways. Part of the program is designed to support minor construction and renovations that enhance or extend the life and use of a community facility or space.
"The second part of this CIF program - Community Pride Projects and Events - helps communities celebrate milestones like the 65th anniversary celebrations for the Yorkton Film Festival next year all in support of volunteerism and leadership development here in Yorkton."
Yorkton MLA Greg Ottenbreit said the CIF funding is "about improving community strength and vitality."
An aspect of that is to help communities "celebrate cultural diversity," he added, noting that in supporting the Film Festival's 65th anniversary celebration it will provide an opportunity for people "to learn about and celebrate the last 65 years of Saskatchewan short film history."
The Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) was created by the provincial government in 1995 to ensure that Saskatchewan communities received tangible benefits from casino profits. The CIF is a special-purpose fund created through Part IV of the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act.
The CIF receives a portion of the net profits from the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation (SGC) which operates Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw. In 2010-11, based on projected SGC profits of $51.416 M, the CIF will receive $9.427 M.
