Sask lotteries grant creates opportunities for Inclusion Weyburn

The Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant program's application deadline is March 10th. The City of Weyburn's website explains that the grant program assists in the development of sport, culture, and recreation programs by providing funds to non-profit community organizations operated by volunteers.

Inclusion Weyburn is a non-profit organization in the Weyburn community that has received the grant for a number of years now. 

Jackie Wilson, President of Inclusion Weyburn, said that they are, "An organization that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities in the Weyburn community. We want to ensure that they're valued citizens and that they're included and they have lots of opportunities to participate in activities in our community with all citizens." 

Wilson indicated that, "We operate purely on grants and donations. They're very important to us, we wouldn't be able to operate without the funding that we receive from all of our organizations, including the Sask lotteries."

She shared that they obtain an application through the City of Weyburn and it all goes very smoothly and quite easily and they, "appreciate the funds that they've received." 

Most of the funding they receive is put towards their summer day camps, "so that we can pay for one-to-one staff, so our children can go to three summer camps in Weyburn and enjoy being there and participate in the activities at camp with the other children."

"This year, we have partnerships with the Weyburn Leisure Centre, the Weyburn Credit Union Spark Centre and the Weyburn Family Place. Through those partnerships, we're able to have children with intellectual disabilities attend camp." 

The summer day camps are six weeks long and they had about 26 children attend last summer.

"The Leisure Centre camp is held at the Leisure Centre. They do various activities, including swimming at the pool, which is really nice. Then with all of the camps, they have the typical crafts and outings around town. Lots of walks and lots of visits to parks, and just various special outings and whatnot."

Wilson added that they're always appreciative of the Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant program, along with the other donations and grants that they receive.

"Inclusion is a very important concept, it just makes our community a stronger, better place." 

Find all of the Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant application information here.