Skip to content

Community Partners received $50,000 provincial grant

Sylvan Lake and Area Community Partners Association recently received $50,000 from a two-year

Sylvan Lake and Area Community Partners Association recently received $50,000 from a two-year Alberta Culture Community Initiatives Program grant.

The operating grant will help cover rent, wages and other aspects of day-to-day running of the non-profit organization.

Administrative and events co-ordinator Alanna Dextrase said it will prove immensely helpful in that regard, but won’t entirely eliminate the need for further funding.

“We still have to fundraise, because with rent and wages, and just the day-to-day operations, it eats up,” she said.

The money comes from the Community Initiative Program’s community operating grant category. The program also awards funding through project-based and international development grants.

According to the program’s website, funds are provided to “enhance and enrich community initiatives throughout Alberta. The program is intended to reinvest revenues generated from provincial lotteries in communities, to empower local citizens, and community organizations to work together and respond to local needs”.

Community Partners typically raises money for operating expenses through fundraisers — one of which is its annual garage sale, planned for Saturday (June 14). Organizers are hoping for plenty of community support to ensure it’s a success.

“We’re always looking for items for that,” said Dextrase, adding donations may be dropped off at the Community Partners office on 50 Ave. in Sylvan Lake.

All types of donations will be accepted, including those that may apply to the organization’s Household Exchange program, which offers furniture to individuals in need.

According to Dextrase, donations from local businesses and individuals are greatly appreciated by the organization.

“That definitely does help,” she said.

More are always needed, she added, as are volunteers.

For more information, contact Dextrase at 403-887-9989.

A list of Community Partners programs and events is available on its website at www.sylvanlakecommunitypartners.ca.