2009 RoadSmart reports

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

Take advantage of a community grant

Community-based organizations that believe in the value of traffic safety and brain injury prevention could qualify for a community grant.

Come up with a project to improve road safety in your community - like a way to promote student pedestrian safety, for example - and SGI could help you make it happen.

Each year, SGI and the Acquired Brain Injury Partnership Project distribute funds through the Community Grants Program for traffic safety and injury prevention initiatives at the community level.

"Community-based organizations are instrumental in helping SGI get the message out on traffic safety and injury prevention," says Shannon Ell, SGI's Manager of Traffic Safety Promotion. "Nobody knows better than the communities themselves what specific safety issues deserve attention."

Since the program's inception in 1997, SGI has given out 1,473 grants resulting in close to $1.1 million being awarded to help fund traffic safety and brain injury prevention programs across Saskatchewan. This year, another $100,000 is available.

In the past, community grants have been used to:

• fund school presentations that promote brain and spinal cord injury prevention (Think First Saskatoon)
• purchase traffic cones for use at 10 elementary schools to eliminate parking congestion and promote student pedestrian safety (Regina School Pedestrian Safety Committee)
• purchase child restraints for a loaner program for community members (Ochapowace Health)

The money can't be used to pay existing salaries, purchase food for participants or for capital expenses, such as buying equipment, fixing roads or improving playgrounds.

The deadline for proposals for the next round of funding is Oct. 31, with grants being awarded by the end of the year.

"We're always amazed at the quality of the proposals and the level of creativity that goes into them," says Ell. "We look forward to seeing the next batch of proposals."

For more information on the Community Grants Program, 306-775-6179 in Regina or toll free 1-800-667-8015 (ext. 6179).