The City of Red Deer has awarded $390,000 to community groups that experienced operational challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Pandemic Relief and Recovery Funding grant, which was developed to help local arts, culture, heritage, recreation and sport groups through their post-pandemic recovery, followed city council’s approval of $400,000 in the 2021-22 operating budget for one-time sustainability funding to support these groups.
Eligible expenses ranged from wages and training fees to restart costs, rent, utilities, insurance, communications expenses, equipment, office, program and evaluation supplies.
“We’re pleased to announce the support of many community groups that have been struggling to operate over the last two years,” said Bobby-Jo Stannard, community development superintendent.
“Recreation and culture organizations provide a variety of valuable opportunities for residents. We’re proud to assist them in their post-pandemic recovery so that they can continue to enhance quality of life for Red Deerians.”
Of the 56 applications received, 45 were approved. Funding requests ranged from $2,500 to $10,000 per applicant and included expenses such as low registrations, insurance costs, and the development of virtual engagement platforms.
The following groups received $10,000: Alberta Downhill Enduro Club, Alberta Sport Development Centre - Central, Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum Society, Bower Community Association, Central Alberta Film Festival, Central Alberta Pride Society, Central Alberta Quilter’s Guild, Central Music Festival Society, Cornerstone Youth Theatre, Kvitka Red Deer Ukrainian Dance Club, Nuclear Free Roller Derby League, Parkland Cross Country Ski Club - Red Deer Nordic Youth Program, Prime Stock Theatre Society, Red Deer Bridge Club, Red Deer Catalina Swim Club, Red Deer City Soccer Association, Red Deer Community Band Society, Red Deer Curling Centre, Red Deer Family Services Bureau, Red Deer Fencing Club, Red Deer Festival of the Performing Arts Society, Red Deer Marlins Summer Swim Club, Red Deer Minor Baseball, Red Deer Minor Football Society, Red Deer Senior Citizens Downtown House, Red Deer Silhouettes Swim Club, Red Deer Skating Club, Red Deer Summer CentreFest Society, Red Deer Symphony Orchestra Association, Sunnybrook Farm Museum, Sustainable Red Deer Society, The Central Alberta Buccaneers, Tree House Youth Theatre Society and Urban Aboriginal Voices Society.
Meanwhile Against the Wall Theatre Society received $9,461.76, Special Olympics Red Deer got $6,000, Country Pride Dance Club received $5,304.16 and Red Deer Ringette was granted $3,600.
Three groups received $5,000 grants: Oriole Park Community Association, Red Deer Arts Council and Red Deer Pond Hockey.
Central Alberta Cricket Association, Eastview Estates Community Association, Red Deer Boxing Club and Woody’s Triathlon (Central Alberta Triathlon Association) all received $2,500.
Send your news tips
Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter