NEWS RELEASE
HRM Community Grants Program Announces Awards for 2006
(Thursday, June 29/06)-- Regional Council overcame this year’s budgetary challenges in awarding a total of 83 grants to community non-profit groups throughout the region. Local volunteers efforts in environmental protection, recreation, housing, heritage, arts and crafts, emergency and social supports will receive a total of $488,851 for various programming and capital projects.
"Despite the pressure to reduce municipal costs this year, Council and staff remain committed to providing support to local community volunteers", says Deputy Mayor Russell Walker, Chair of the HRM Grants Committee. "They provide programs and services that enhance the quality of life for our residents. Their efforts reflect the diversity, creativity, and talents that make us proud to live and work in this region".
Among this year’s recipients is a $25,000 capital grant towards the expansion of the Pond Playhouse, a small 100-seat community-owned and operated theatre in Jollimore that’s home to the Theatre Arts Guild, Canada’s oldest continuously active amateur theatre group. The arts sector also saw funding for several inaugural programs, including the Seaside Exhibition of the Arts, Sheet Harbour ($4,150);and a new dance initiative for young audiences, the Family Focus Program, launched by Live Arts Dance Productions ($2,000).
The Ecology Action Centre received a $5,000 grant towards a rainwater diversion system for its newly acquired property on Fern Street, Halifax, which is a demonstration property for resource conservation. The Canadian Mental Health Association NS Branch will receive $15,965 towards the development of a housing complex for mental health consumers, and a number of local day cares will receive help with funding for playground equipment, including facilities for children with disabilities.
The complete HRM Grants Committee report can be viewed at http://www.halifax.ca/boardscom/bccgrants/CommunityGrantsProgram.html
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Deputy Mayor Russell Walker,
Chair, HRM Grants Committee
497-7215
