Members of various community organizations were part of the granting ceremony for the Prince Albert and Area Community Fund. (Rob Mahon/paNOW Staff)

By Rob Mahon

Granting Ceremony

PAACF awards over $140,000 at granting ceremony

Jun 15, 2022 | 1:00 PM

A number of community organizations had June 15 circled on their calendars as that was the day of the granting ceremony for the Prince Albert and Area Community Foundation (PAACF).

About 13 of those community organizations and three young students received major financial help from the grants.

The PAACF awarded grants totalling more than $139,000 to those community organizations. They also awarded scholarships of $1,000 each to three students for their outstanding community work.

“It’s such a feel-good moment,” said Bill Powalinsky, President of the PAACF. “You look at the width and the depth and the breadth of the projects, and what kind of impact they’re going to make on the community, and when I hear that they’re targeting young people and it’s going to be at no cost to them, I just can’t describe how grateful I am and motivated.”

Each community organization was given a chance to speak about what the funds would be used for. From suicide prevention projects to new canoes for recreation to making sure teen mothers can still go to school, the money is earmarked for a number of tremendous causes.

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“Community development is like dropping a pebble in a pond and as the ripples go out, you know that it makes a difference,” said Powalinsky. “It’s extremely satisfying to see how these things are unfolding. The impact is going to be felt many different ways.”

It’s the first time in a while the PAACF has been able to hold an event like this in person. Like many community organizations, COVID-19 has left its mark on them

“We’re really glad to see Saskatchewan opening up and opportunities like this,” Powalinsky said. “We’ve really missed it. We’re really happy to see it coming around again.”

The organizations they support, which include the Rotary Club, P.A. Mobile Crisis Unit, Catholic Family Service, and Big Brothers, Big Sisters have seen more demand for their services during the pandemic as well. As such, the amount of money needed from the PAACF was well up.

“We noticed that this year the ask was significantly higher than it had been in previous years,” Powalinsky said. “I guess that’s a reflection on the need and the desire for people to do the good work.”

Powalinsky added he considers Prince Albert to be one of the most giving communities he’s ever seen, and that’s good because demand for the services they support continues to climb in the face of inflation and rising costs of living.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP