Local REALTORS® were on hand to see how the Lloydminster Community Youth Centre (LCYC) is making good use of a $5,000 grant awarded to them earlier this year. The grant, provided by the Association of Saskatchewan REALTORS® (ASR) Quality of Life Legacy Fund, has contributed to the Hot Meal Program, which provides three meals each week to youth in the community.
On August 12, 2015, local REALTORS® along with provincial and local association representatives took part in an on-site barbeque where they cooked and served burgers to an exuberant group of Lloydminster youth. Michael Dewing, REALTOR® and President of REALTORS® Association of Lloydminster & District (RALD) commented “It’s great to see these kids enjoying themselves and just being kids. The centre provides them with an opportunity to socialize in a safe, healthy environment.” Association of Saskatchewan REALTORS® CEO Bill Madder added “It’s exciting to see the grant money being used in a way that brings out the best in these youth – these are our future leaders, and the Lloydminster Community Youth Centre is giving them opportunities to grow and develop in positive ways.”
Along with arranging activities that appeal to the youth, such as disc golf, paintball, and even an Amazing Race event, Lois Butts, LCYC Executive Director, ensures the youth enjoy the meals, and take part in the planning and preparation. “We like to give them choices, so we have a suggestion box that gives them the opportunity to pick what we serve – everything from tacos in a bag to fettuccini to chicken caesar salad. And in the summer we take advantage of the warm weather and try to get out and barbeque twice a week.”
The Quality of Life Legacy initiative awards grants to six community organizations from different regions of the province on an annual basis. The initiative promotes the five principles of supporting shelter-related services; enhancing environmental sustainability; supporting public education on the importance of private property rights; promoting safer neighbourhoods; and enhancing community development and better opportunities for “at risk” populations and/ or disadvantaged citizens.
The Legacy Grant Program will begin accepting applications in January 2016. More information can be found at saskatchewanrealestate.com/quality-of-life/legacy. Any charitable organization in Saskatchewan supporting the Quality of Life in Saskatchewan’s principles is encouraged to apply.
Pictured (in the photo to the left; left to right): REALTOR® Kiel Kelly; RALD Executive Officer Eileen Rohs;, REALTOR® Tracy Cavanagh; REALTOR® and ASR Board Member Al Wieler;, REALTOR® and RALD President Michael Dewing; REALTOR® Liz Frieser; LCYC Executive Director Lois Butts.
