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Friendship Centre gets funding for healthy initiative

Apr 14, 2015 | 12:20 PM

The Prince Albert Indian Métis Friendship Centre is one of five Saskatchewan organizations receiving grant money from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

The Indian Métis Friendship Centre will receive $4,000 for its Gardening and Fruit Tree initiative.

The Heart and Stroke My Healthy Community Grants are handed out to help organizations and groups create programs to promote healthy changes with a focus on children, youth and families.

“We strongly believe that every child has the right to grow up healthy, which is why we are funding community-driven solutions to help make healthier choices a reality for all communities,” CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation Lorie Langenfurth said in a statement.

The grants are also a part of the foundation’s Heart Healthy Children and Youth Strategy, which encourages kids to become physically active, eat healthy and to avoid smoking.

Stephanie Cross, senior manager of health promotion, described the pool of applications as impressive, in a statement.

“Many Saskatchewan communities face significant challenges in making healthy choices available and affordable. That’s why it is so encouraging to see these grassroots organizations wanting to initiate proactive programs that promote healthy living in their communities.”

Other communities receiving funding:

Île-à-la-Crosse Ski Club – Family-Youth Ski Initiative

Willow Cree Health Services Corp – Growing Together gardening project

St. Edward School, Saskatoon – Outdoor classroom

Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region – Create a Space Regina

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