The Government of Saskatchewan is increasing funding for the Veteran Service Club Support Program from $100,000 to $1,500,000 to continue supporting veterans and their families in Saskatchewan.
“Our government is proud of this increased commitment to Saskatchewan veterans and their family members,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said in a release. “This funding will help keep Saskatchewan Legions operational and make the necessary improvements to continue serving our heroes.”
This program is delivered in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Legion, Saskatchewan Command and the Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans (ANAVETS), Saskatchewan Provincial Command. Registered, non-profit veteran service clubs based in Saskatchewan are eligible to apply for grants up to $25,000. Applications are now being accepted with two application intake cut-off dates of April 30, 2021 and August 31, 2021.
This program provides grants towards facility projects, upgrades, renovations or repairs, access to programming, meetings and events. Grant money can also be used toward special events, programs and activities that engage the public and advance the work of veteran service organizations.
Ken Gordon, president of Royal Canadian Legion General Alexander Ross Branch No. 77 in Yorkton, said the local organization applied for funding in 2020, but were declined, noting funding at $100,000 provincially meant dollars were limited.
The group is hoping for a better result this year.
“We’re in the process of doing our application right now,” said Gordon, adding there are criteria for funding, typically facility upgrades.
With that in might Gordon said they hope to get dollars to help upgrade old fluorescent lighting to new LED lighting.
“It will give a more pleasant lighting effect,” he said, adding “... in talking to the electrician there will be a significant reduction on our power bill.”
In addition, Gordon said they hope to upgrade the flooring in their space.
Gordon also noted $2,500 is being made available to help with operating costs, money they have already applied for.
While admitting the $2,500 doesn’t go far in terms of overall operation costs, “it’s still a help,” he said.
Provincially the funding is seen as a positive.
“I am pleased to support the Veterans Service Clubs Grant and the increased amount of funding announced by the Province of Saskatchewan,” The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command Provincial President Keith Andrews said in the government release. “This grant will not only assist our branches with the ability to do renovations to their buildings, but will also allow them to make their buildings more energy efficient by reducing operating costs and will help recoup some expenses that veteran groups have faced due to COVID-19.”
"The ANAVETS of Saskatchewan appreciate what the Saskatchewan Government and Legion Saskatchewan Command have done over the past two years in facilitating the Veterans Service Clubs Grants," ANAVETS Saskatchewan Command Provincial President Rick Taylor said in the release. "Our units have made good use of these grants and our members have benefited greatly. We are thankful that funding for 2021 has increased substantially."
More information about the program, guidelines, applications and eligibility are available through the Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command at 306-525-8739 or [email protected]
