Throughout the province, groups and organizations raise funds through charitable gaming. In every quarter, the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority distributes grants to these groups, to help these charities raise needed funds.
In the latest quarter, $1.8 million in grants were given out across the province, to over 1,000 groups and organizations. In Yorkton, over 30 groups are receiving these grants, for a total of $36,046.
The amount of the grant is based on the net proceeds of the charitable gaming events that the group conducted, which could be include licensed bingos, raffles, breakopen tickets, and poker tournaments, explains David Morris of the SLGA. The grant is equal to 25 per cent of the net proceeds, up to $100,000.
"If you conduct charitable gaming, you receive a grant from SLGA based on the net revenues that you raise," Morris says. The goal of the program is to support the many different groups which conduct charitable gaming. Yorkton saw many sports teams receive a grant, as well as many service clubs in the area.
"They provide an important service to people, whether it be young people, seniors, or recreational activities. These groups are made up of volunteers and they're providing an important service. We're pleased to be able to provide this grant, and they can use the grant as they please to help bolster delivery of the core programs and services they might provide," Morris says.
The grants are given out each quarter, and this amount is on target with what the SLGA gives out annually, notes Morris. In 2009-10, SLGA paid out approximately $7.8 million through the charitable gaming grant program.
The groups receiving grants this quarter were:
Army Navy & Air Force Veterans Ladies Aux #1103, Army, Navy & Airforce Veterans #1103, Central Palliative Care Committee, Kinsmen Club of Yorkton, Knights Of Columbus #2031, Knights Of Columbus #5182, Raider Gridder Alumni Association Inc., Royal Canadian Legion #77 Inc., Sacred Heart High School, Saskatchewan Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund, Shamrock Springer's Gymnastics Club, The Rotary Club of Yorkton, The Yorkton Skating Club, Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Willowbrook Ace High Athletic Club Inc., Yorkton Air Cadets Squadron 17 Civilian Committee, Yorkton Atom AA Xerox Terriers, Yorkton Atom Concrete Crusher Terriers, Yorkton Canoe Kayak Club, Yorkton Gun Club Inc., Yorkton Junior Cardinals Baseball Club, Yorkton Lacrosse Association, Yorkton Lions Club Inc., Yorkton Midget AAA Hockey Inc., Yorkton Minor Baseball Inc., Yorkton Minor Hockey Assoc., Yorkton Navy League & Sea Cadets, Yorkton Novice Mini Storage Terriers, Yorkton Speed Swim Club, Yorkton Terrier Junior Hockey Booster Club Inc., Yorkton Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood, Yorkton Wildlife Federation, Yorkton WMBL Cardinals Baseball Club, and the Yorkton York Lake Development Committee.
