The Yukon government has announced $77,000 in funding to 18 community groups.
The common project themes include youth leadership development and training initiatives, substance use prevention, peer mentoring, skill development programs as well as recreation and arts-based activities.
A Jan. 3 statement said the funding is coming through the Youth Investment Fund, which provides financial support for short-term projects aimed at youth under 19 years old who may have fewer opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, as well as those who may experience discrimination.
“Projects funded through the Youth Investment Fund help Yukon youth find healthy opportunities to promote self-esteem, encourage the development of positive lifestyle choices, and create social, artistic and recreational opportunities for young people,” the statement said.
The recipient organizations include the All-City Band Society, Basketball Yukon, Boys and Girls Club of Yukon, the Carcross Recreation Board, Friends of Mount Sima Society, Holy Family School council, the Industrial Arts and Technology Society, the Japanese Canadian Association of Yukon, J.V. Clark School council, Marsh Lake Community Society, North Klondyke Highway Music Society, Riverdale Baptist Church, Robert Service School council, the Town of Faro, the Town of Watson Lake, Yukon Circle for Social Change Society, Yukon E-sports Alliance and the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Society.
Premier Ranj Pillai said the fund plays a crucial role in recognizing and supporting organizations that contribute significantly to the well-being of youth in the territory.
“The creativity, care and mentorship demonstrated by these groups are truly impressive. The programs they offer provide invaluable opportunities for youth to participate in activities, acquire new skills, engage with their communities and make informed lifestyle choices,” he said in the release.
Education Minister Jeanie McLean said in the statement the government is “committed to supporting youth as they shape our future.”
She said many school councils are making use of this funding to “create new opportunities for learning, self-esteem and positive development.”
Awarded twice a year, the fund provides funding to qualifying community groups. Eligible groups can apply for funding between $501 and $5,000.
The application deadline for the next round of funding is April 1.
Nearly $500,000 awarded to more community projects
Along with the funding through the Youth Investment Fund, a further $447,203 has been awarded through the Community Development Fund to 20 projects aimed at bringing economic, cultural and social benefits to Yukon communities.
The Community Development Fund provides funding for projects, events and initiatives that offer long-term, sustainable, cultural, social and economic benefits for Yukon communities, the Yukon government noted in a statement.
According to a statement, the projects offer “valuable opportunities and resources to people across the territory and are submitted by members of the community who have identified a need, making the fund responsive to real-life concerns and opportunities.”
The statement noted the selected projects must create “economic benefit, bring new money into the territory, develop skills, knowledge and experience, create social benefits, support community long-term wellbeing and have measurable benefits for Yukon residents and communities.”
Pillai said the government will support the efforts of grassroots and community organizations across the territory that contribute to life in the Yukon.
“The latest 20 projects funded by the Community Development Fund mark a step forward in strengthening economic and social connections within our communities and I look forward to following the progress and impacts of these projects as they unfold,” he said in the statement.
Among the recipients, the Association of Yukon Communities will receive $20,000 to contract keynote speakers for its annual conference in Dawson City in May. The Jan. 3 statement said speakers will deliver impactful sessions for attendees, explore sustainable progress in the North, speak to priorities and challenges and find ways to collaborate to improve the lives of Yukoners.
The Safe at Home Society received $20,000 to complete an operational and financial plan to establish revenue-generating options for its housing project at the former Coast High Country Inn. The project works to create a sustainable model for the organization to continue offering its services and introducing new programming, per the statement.
The Village of Carmacks received $40,000 to upgrade the Carmacks Recreation Complex, install a key fob security system and an integrated CCTV system to allow for 24-hour access to the fitness centre facility.
The Church of St. Christopher in Haines Junction, which received $23,905 to hire a contractor to renovate the front entrance. The statement said the church is a tourist attraction and venue for facilitating many community events.
The Whitehorse United Football Club received $13,398 to purchase top-tier gear and storage bins shared across affiliates within Yukon Soccer.
“The new equipment will help enhance training experiences, improve player performance and elevate regional soccer standards,” the statement said.
Other recipients for a variety of projects include the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club, Yukon First Nations Hockey Association, Klondike Cruisers Association, Climb Yukon, Junction Arts and Music Society, Yukon Freestyle Association, Keno Community Club, Athletics Yukon Association, Friends of Mount Sima Society, CHON-FM Northern Native Broadcasting, Biathlon Yukon and Snowboard Yukon.
The next deadline to apply for the Community Development Fund is Jan. 15 for funding requests under $20,000 and over $75,000. For funding requests between $20,001 and $75,000, the next deadline is April 15.
Contact Patrick Egwu at patrick.egwu@yukon-news.com