Lottery and Gaming Saskatchewan has provided nearly $2.5 million in charitable gaming grants during the first quarter of the fiscal year, benefiting more than 1,000 groups and organizations across the province.
“Our government is committed to delivering for Saskatchewan communities, and one of the ways we do that is through charitable gaming grants,” said Jeremy Harrison, minister responsible for LGS. “Proceeds from gaming in Saskatchewan support charitable organizations and activities across the province, including the arts, culture and sport, hospital foundations, service clubs and more.”
Estevan, Weyburn and surrounding areas received more than $119,000 in total. Saskatoon saw the highest allocation at $498,000, followed by Regina with $410,000.
The quarterly grants are distributed to groups in good standing that conduct licensed charitable gaming activities such as bingos, raffles, breakopen ticket sales, Texas Hold ’em poker tournaments and Monte Carlo events. Grants are equal to 25 per cent of the net revenue raised by each charitable event, up to a maximum of $100,000 per group annually.
In southeast Saskatchewan, more than $117,000 was distributed, with the City of Estevan receiving the largest share. A total of $74,342.85 was awarded to the following Estevan organizations:
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EMB U11 AAA Brewers – $1,100
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Estevan Archery Club – $1,558.25
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Estevan Extreme Volleyball Club – $4,349.83
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Estevan Skating Club – $6,371.78
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U11 AA Living Sky Diesel Bruins – $201.88
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U13 AA Primec Controls Bruins – $238.75
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U15 AA T.S.&M. Bruins – $1,030.63
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U18 AAA Bears Hockey Team – $4,124.96
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Estevan Humane Society – $196.25
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Estevan Wildlife Federation – $1,523.14
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Rotary Club of Estevan – $1,175.34
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Souris Valley Theatre – $174.38
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St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation – $2,217.55
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U15A Estevan Steel Reef Bearcats 2 – $399.88
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Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 60 – $48,051.48
The Estevan Legion received the largest grant awarded in the region, with more than $48,000 going toward its charitable efforts.
Several other communities in the region also received funding. Carnduff received $6,051.12, Weyburn $19,454.67, Redvers $5,109, Oxbow $3,646.25, Lampman $3,530, Bienfait $2,805.08, Alameda $1,962.54, Carlyle $770.21 and Alida $196.26.
The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) calculates the grant amounts based on financial reports submitted by each group. Organizations interested in applying for charitable gaming licenses can find more information at slga.com.