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Seniors earn major gaming kickback

Blaine Lake Senior Citizens Centre is one of many recipients of grant money provided by Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA). The Blaine Lake organization received a grant of $21,912.33 following a successful cash lotto held in the fall.

Blaine Lake Senior Citizens Centre is one of many recipients of grant money provided by Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA).

The Blaine Lake organization received a grant of $21,912.33 following a successful cash lotto held in the fall.

When an organization purchases a lottery license through the SLGA, it is eligible to receive an additional 25 per cent of the charitable organization's net lottery revenue. Blaine Lake Seniors received 25 per cent for their cash lottery and weekly bingos amounting to the $21,912.33 total.

Blaine Lake Senior president Marj Pool acknowledges the SLGA for its contribution to assist with the expansion project goals. The expansion of the Blaine Lake Senior Citizen's Centre began in November 2009 with the purchase of the adjacent building and lot. Construction began in spring of 2010 and has progressed at a steady pace under the direction and instruction of the Senior Citizen's executive.

Pool is optimistic the Blaine Lake Senior Centre will be operable for autumn events. Some positive features to the new facility are street level entry with an indoor ramp and a main level common area creating a unified area to socialize with larger groups. Interior completion is underway as electric and heating requirements are installed then the ceiling, floor and wall surfaces will be finished.

Other grants provided by SLGA include Blaine Lake St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Parish $142.00; Hafford and District Y-O Men's Club Inc $416.78; Hafford Skating Club $149.86; Ukrainian Catholic Pastoral District $355.35; Hepburn Minor Hockey $267.50; Leask Lions Club $280.99; Leask recreation Board $248.75; Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 79 Leask $333.50; Marcelin St. Joseph's Parish $150; Radisson Communiplex Committee Inc $670.35; Royal Canadian Legion Shell Lake Branch No. 15 $295.25; Shell Lake and District lions Club $614.84; Shell Lake Firefighters $117.08.

"Whether teaching kids to play hockey or delivering assistance during a time of need, volunteer organizations are a vital part of Saskatchewan communities," commented Minister responsible for SLGA Tim McMillan in a recent news release. "Our government is proud to offer a helping hand to hard working volunteers across Saskatchewan by investing in community organizations through charitable gaming grants."

The Government of Saskatchewan is delivering more than 800 grants to volunteer organizations in communities across Saskatchewan through SLGA.

A total of $1.6 million will be distributed through charitable gaming grants states a press release.

These quarterly grants are based on a percentage of net proceeds raised through licensed charitable gaming activities, such as bingos, raffles, break-open tickets, and poker and Monte Carlo events. Charitable gaming reports submitted by groups are used by SLGA to automatically calculate grants.