Over a million dollars in city grant funding has been put towards helping non-profit organizations create more inclusive, accessible and welcoming spaces.
The $1.2 million in funding came from the City of Lethbridge’s Make-Your-Mark and Community Capital Project Grant funding streams. The MYM is one-time grant funding that is for small and mid-sized projects, while the Community Capital Project Grant is for larger projects that require matching funds.
Through the MYM funding Lethbridge Sport Council received around $25,000 to purchase equipment that will sanitize used sports equipment and also somewhere to store it. Lethbridge Sport Council Executive Director Susan Eymann says families being able to have access to sporting equipment removes one of the biggest barriers keeping kids from participating in sports for many families.
“This project allows us to safely clean and store donated gear so it can be reused by kids who need it. It’s about making sure every child has the chance to play,” Eymann says.
The new system sanitizes the equipment without using water or harsh chemicals, but rather by using ozone technology. This method is safer for the materials of the equipment, extending the life of the donated gear.
Since the MYM Grant was approved by the city council in December there have been 57 applications, equal to more than $2.2 million in project funding requests from community organizations. Of those applications, 20 projects received funding including a creative hub for the BIPOC Foundation, accessibility upgrades at Hungarian Canadian Old Timers’ Society, communication boards at playgrounds for the Lethbridge School Division and a new shuttle bus for Nord-Bridge Seniors.
General Manager of Community Social Development Andrew Malcolm says the number of applications received is a testament to how dedicated the community is to making sure everyone is welcome in the community.
“Whether it’s opening the door for kids to play sports or providing transportation for seniors so they can stay active, these projects help make Lethbridge more inclusive and accessible for everyone,” Malcolm says.
Along with MYM funding, more than $600,000 of CCPG funding was awarded to six projects, including a multi-sport dome at the University of Lethbridge, a new playground at West Coulee Station and a welding facility at Winston Churchill High School.
