McGuinty Government investment keeping the resident of North Huron active- August 15, 2007

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

WINGHAM– The McGuinty government is providing $14,304 to the North Huron Wescast Community Complex through the 2007-08 Communities in Action Fund (CIAF) to increase physical activity rates in Huron County, Carol Mitchell, MPP Huron-Bruce announced today on behalf of Minister of Health Promotion Jim Watson.

This program will aim to provide a six week physical activity program at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex for over 500 children and youth from six rural community schools by providing activity leadership and transportation to the centre.

“CIAF grants are making it easier for residents of the 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 desired result of the program is that by giving these students an opportunity to try activities that they currently do not have easy access to, they will enjoy the activities and continue to get involved in doing it individually or with their family, resulting in the adoption of a healthy, active lifestyle throughout their youth and into adulthood. There is also hope that the schools and parents will see value in the program and activities and continue on with the program in future years.

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