VETERAN SERVICE CLUB SUPPORT PROGRAM TO RECEIVE SIGNIFICANT FUNDING INCREASE IN 2021-22
The Saskatchewan Veteran Service Club Support Program continues to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the clubs as well as support not only the veterans, but their families and communities.聽聽The program was聽introduced two years ago to provide grants for repairs and upgrades for active veteran clubs in Saskatchewan.
As committed by Premier Scott Moe during Saskatchewan鈥檚 29th聽general election, the Government of Saskatchewan will move forward with an increase in funding for the Veteran Service Club Support Program, increase the total amount available from $100,000 to $1.5 million in the 2021-22 fiscal year.
鈥淔or the past two years, this program has been extremely well received and has demonstrated the importance of the support these veteran service clubs provide to veterans and to their communities is more vital than ever now,鈥 Moe said.聽 鈥淎 significant boost in funding to this program is just one small way that our government can demonstrate our gratitude for the sacrifices that veterans throughout Saskatchewan have made for the freedoms we enjoy today.鈥
鈥淲e knew when launching the grant program, that Legion and ANAVETS facilities were integral components of the infrastructure of many Saskatchewan communities,鈥 Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said.聽 鈥淎nd, as we prepare once again to honour our veterans and keep the memories of our fallen heroes alive on Remembrance Day, I am proud to say we have kept our promise to significantly increase funding to this program.鈥
The Saskatchewan Veteran Service Club Support Program is administered by the Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command, who also sits on the adjudication committee with the Saskatchewan Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans (ANAVETS).
鈥淲e really appreciate the support of the Provincial Government toward Veterans Service Clubs,鈥 Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command President Keith Andrews said.聽鈥淭hese clubs are an integral part of our communities around the province.聽 This grant ensures the longevity and continuity of these landmarks.鈥
This program has been very successful for many of our Legion clubs and ANAVETS units,鈥 ANAVETS Saskatchewan Provincial Command President Rick Taylor said. 鈥淲e look forward to participating once again.聽 This time even more veterans and their loved ones will benefit from this greatly enhanced program.鈥
In 2020, 25 registered, non-profit military service clubs, Legion branches and ANAVETS units based in Saskatchewan, received funding grants. The average grant awarded was $3,889.