McGuinty government's investment keeping residents in Huron County active - July 9, 2007

Communities In Action Fund Investing Even More Into Ontario Communities In 2007-08

GODERICH – The McGuinty government is providing $27,000 to the YMCA of Goderich-Huron on behalf of the Huron Perth Physical Activity Network through the 2007-08 Communities in Action Fund (CIAF) to increase physical activity and sport participation rates in Huron and Perth County, Carol Mitchell, MPP Huron-Bruce announced today on behalf of Minister of Health Promotion Jim Watson.

This program, which represents 2 health units, 15 municipalities, 2 YMCA’s and 2 Heart Health projects, aims to provide a focused opportunity for the two counties and their community partners to work together to develop a physical activity strategy, which will motivate inactive residents to become physically active.

“CIAF grants are making it easier for residents in this community to become more active,” said MPP Carol Mitchell. “These grants will provide new and enhanced sport, recreation and physical activity programs that will improve the health and fitness of local families.”

“The ‘In-Motion’ program is the best thing I’ve seen in 30 years” said Jane Dawson, Manager of Marketing, Communications and Special Events, YMCA of Goderich-Huron. “This program would not have been possible without the Communities In Action Fund grant and we’re grateful for the funding”.

The Communities In Action Fund, now in its fourth year is a $5 million program that has awarded more than $16 million to approximately 548 organizations at the local and provincial levels and has benefited approximately 1 million people. In March 2007, the Ontario government announced that the provincial budget will allocate an additional $2.5 million - for a total of $7.5 million - to the 2007-2008 fund. As a result of the additional funding, the Ministry of Health Promotion is now accepting new applications for a second round of funding. Applications will be accepted until noon on June 15, 2007.

The Communities In Action Fund is a key initiative of the government’s physical activity strategy and Ontario’s Action Plan for Healthy Eating and Active Living. By improving opportunities for community sport and physical activity, CIAF helps to remove barriers to participation for children and youth, low-income families, aboriginal people, older adults, women and girls, visible/ethnic minorities and people with disabilities. Visit www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/sportandrec/fund.asp for details.

“Through CIAF, we partner with organizations that have already helped thousands of Ontarians to develop more healthy and active lifestyles,” said Watson. “I am looking forward to seeing the great work that organizations across the province will do in 2007-08 to make Ontarians even healthier.”

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Contact:
Carol Mitchell,
MPP Huron-Bruce
519-482-5630