Sioux Lookout to benefit from KDSB 2020 Child Poverty Reduction Reinvestment Funding
Tim Brody - Editor
Sioux Lookout P.R.O. Kids will receive $14,800 in funding from the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB).
At their December 2020 Board Meeting, the organization awarded its 2020 Child Poverty Reduction Reinvestment Funding (CPRRF) to community-led initiatives across the District of Kenora.
The Northwestern Health Unit Nutrition on Weekends Program, which operates in Ear Falls, Machin, Sioux Narrows / Nestor Falls, Dryden, Red Lake, and Sioux Lookout, will receive $40,645.
The KDSB shared that the, “Funding provided through this program assists over 1,000 children annually across the District, which equates to approximately 20% of children meeting eligibility for assistance. This funding opportunity is provided solely by the Municipalities and Unincorporated Territories that comprise the KDSB’s Board.”
“The COVID-19 Pandemic has had a tremendous impact on families and children across our District, especially low-income and working poor families. In these challenging times, we must make sure that we do all we can to ensure children and youth in our communities have equal opportunity to access these vital programs, and that we support community partners in making certain that children do not go hungry,” said Henry Wall, Chief Administrative Officer of the KDSB.
In total, the KDSB will be providing $130,145 in funding to ten programs throughout the District.
“Through our Child Poverty Reduction Reinvestment Funding, we can help make sports, recreation, and food security more inclusive, affordable and accessible for children and families in need through projects and programs that are local, community-based and demonstrate positive outcomes,” shared Sarah Stevenson, Director of Integrated Social Services at the KDSB.
The Municipality of Sioux Lookout’s website explained that P.R.O Kids (Positive Recreation Opportunities for kids), “Supports the participation of eligible children and youth 18 years of age and under in sports, arts, recreational or cultural activities of their choice with financial assistance.”
The Municipality went on to state of the program, “Recreation and social interaction are critical to a child’s development. The opportunity to lead, be part of a team or learn a new skill as a child or youth can have an extremely significant impact on a person’s life.”
