SOUTHEAST SASKATCHEWAN - Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS) provided $1.16 million in charitable gaming grants in the first quarter of 2024-25, benefiting more than 750 groups and organizations across the province.
"These grants are one of the ways our government ensures that the proceeds from gaming go back to Saskatchewan communities," said Laura Ross, the minister responsible for the LGS. "The grants support hundreds of charitable and non-profit groups throughout Saskatchewan, including those focused on amateur sport, culture, the arts, animal rescue, service clubs and much more."
Nearly $50,000 was allocated to those in the southeast. Agencies in Estevan shared $12,490.48, including the Estevan Auto Racing Association (2000), $625; the Estevan Curling Club, $2,068.19; the Estevan Extreme Volleyball Club, $5,666.91; the Estevan Mermaids Synchronized Swimming Club, $845; the Estevan Minor Hockey Association, $298.75; the Estevan Recreational Dance Club, $404.38; the Estevan Sharks Water Polo Club, $1,949.50; the Estevan Skating Club, $72.50; the Estevan Ironside Energy U11 AA Bruins, $90; the Estevan U18 Bears, $239; the Rotary Club of Estevan, $82.50; and the Estevan TS&M U15 AA Bruins, $148.75.
The Estevan Apex U18 AA Bruins received $408.79. Their money was listed under Oxbow. Three other Oxbow organizations received support: the Oxbow and District Recreation Board, $1,175; the Oxbow Health Care Auxiliary, $301.25; and the Oxbow Minor Hockey Association, $1,536. Total allocation for Oxbow, including the Apex Bruins, was $3,421.04.
Three agencies in Bienfait shared $3,451.32: Bienfait Minor Hockey, $2,105; the Royal Canadian Legion's Bienfait branch, $152.07; and Weldon Childcare, $1,194.25.
Two Carlyle organizations received funding: the Carlyle District Lions Club, $618.75, and the Royal Canadian Legion's Carlyle branch, $250, for a total of $868.75. Two Carnduff organizations received $1,192.87, with $428.13 for the Fast Centennial Arena and $764.74 for the Carnduff legion.
Two Lampman organizations shared $1,897.49, with $457 for the Lampman Curling Club and $1,422.49 for Lampman Minor Sports.
Other agencies receiving funding were the Alameda Recreational Board Inc., $4,435.39; the Alida Recreation Hall and Rink Board, $312.88; the Optimist Club of Arcola Inc., $5,914.50; the Macoun Happy Gang Club, $188.75; and the Southeast Outlaws U11 team in Redvers, $161.25.
These quarterly grants are paid to groups and organizations in good standing that conduct licensed charitable gaming activities such as bingos, raffles, breakopen ticket sales, Texas hold 'em poker tournaments and Monte Carlo events. The grants are equal to 25 per cent of the net revenue raised by each charitable event, up to a maximum of $100,000 per group or organization annually.
The charities don't have to apply to LGS for the grants. Instead, the amount of each grant paid by LGS to each charity is calculated by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, based on financial reports and other information submitted by the group or organization. Groups can apply through SLGA's charitable gaming licensing process here.
