McFadyen Will Support Youth Programming September 9, 2011 $25 million to fund youth-at-risk programming, community workers and cover fees for volunteer background checks Community facilities, charities and not-for-profit organizations make a tremendous contribution toward making Manitoba communities safer and keeping them growing. Manitoba Progressive Conservative Party Leader HughMcFadyen announced a plan to support these organizations with a new, five year, $25 million Manitoba Youth Investment Fund. McFadyen made the announcement today at the Boys and Girls Club of Winnipeg. “We hear from a number of community centres and community facilities that they could do so much more programming if they had a little extra support to fill in for gaps that volunteers can’t. Manitoba’s volunteer spirit is tremendous, but we believe this fund will amplify the efforts of those volunteers, by providing for some additional staff support at community facilities around Manitoba,” says McFadyen. “With more programming support for community organizations we can help provide some relief to volunteers, support for families, and make a positive difference in our community over the long term.” A McFadyen government would launch a new $5 million Manitoba Youth Investment Fund that will provide $2 million to support youth-at-risk programming, $2 million to support more community workers, and $1 million to cover the fees required for background checks on volunteers. The program will bring support to programming around Manitoba that helps different families in different circumstances, all of whom make a difference in their respective communities. “Volunteers are the backbone of our community facilities, and with the right support, we can help them do even more,” says Gary Kristiansen, President of Bourkevale Community Centre. “Funding for a staff member at our community centre can help increase the number of programs, and help the volunteers who support them, do even more for our community.” “TheWinnipeg Boys and Girls Club supports any initiative that increases support. This will help us reach so many more people to make a difference in their lives and in the community,” says Ron Brown, President and CEO. “Covering the costs of the background checks will make an important contribution as well, ensuring we can safely screen our staff and volunteers without bearing the financial burden. This plan will make a difference.” “The cost of the record check should not be a hardship for volunteer organizations,” adds McFadyen. “By investing in staff, supporting mentors, and covering the costs of background checks, we will support stronger community organizations that help build safer communities. Tackling crime and the causes of crime is positive change Manitobans want.”
