2007 RoadSmart reports

The reports are written in news release format so that media outlets can use the information verbatim if they wish.

Apply today for a community grant

Community grants are awarded each year across Saskatchewan to many deserving groups.

Those wishing to apply for the last round of grants this year are reminded of the October 31 deadline.

This is the 10th year of the Community Grants Program sponsored by SGI and the Acquired Brain Injury Partnership Project. The program is designed to help offset the costs of traffic safety and brain injury prevention programs for local organizations.

"Over the years local groups have shown that they are very effective at offering meaningful traffic safety and brain injury prevention solutions to their communities," says Shannon Ell, Manager of Traffic Safety Promotion. "By applying to SGI with your idea for a traffic safety or brain injury prevention program, you may get the money you need to get it started."

The money can't be used to pay existing salaries or to purchase food for participants. It also can't be used for capital repairs, such as fixing roads, improving playgrounds or buying helmets for the local skating rink.

Some of the great ways people have used a community grant in the past include:

• Think First Saskatoon used a grant to fund school presentations to promote brain and spinal cord injury prevention.
• The Regina School Pesdestrian Safety Committee used a grant to purchase traffic cones for use at 10 elementary schools to eliminate parking congestion and promote student pedestrian safety.
• Ochapowace Health used a grant to purchase child restraints for a loaner program for community members in need.

This year the program has been enhanced and now offers $200,000 in total grants, including funding for new, long-term projects. There are three application deadlines each year. The deadline for one-year project grants is June 30. The deadline for short-term project grants are Oct. 31 and Feb. 28.

"SGI encourages applications from all community-based organizations planning traffic safety and injury prevention initiatives," says Ell. "Take a look around your community and see what safety issues need to be addressed."

Please visit www.sgi.sk.ca for all applications details or call 306-775-6179 in Regina or toll free 1-800-667-8015, extension 6179 for more information.