Province pitches in for new goals

WINNIPEG, MB – Girls, boys, friends, and families will all benefit in the Fairfield Park neighbourhood of Winnipeg due to a Sport Opportunity Grant that was awarded by Sport Manitoba, in partnership with the Manitoba government, to Southlands Community Church of The Salvation Army.  A cheque was presented by the Hon. Flor Marcelino (Logan) Minister of Multiculturalism and Literacy, supported by Dave Gaudreau (MLA – St Norbert) on Friday, August 21st to Major Rob Kerr, Divisional Public Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army Prairie Division.

The grant will be used to purchase two soccer goals: an ideal fit for the neighbourhood residents as Southlands is situated on 5.6 acres in Winnipeg's south end.  Soccer is a huge cultural pastime for many of these residents and this grant will create opportunity and attract even more interest for children to be active and involved outdoors.

Dave Gaudreau (MLA, St Norbert), when asked about the new sport equipment responded, "If the kids are playing, then they're going to be out of trouble, and it builds a sense of 'team' and it makes the whole community better overall.  That's been my focus on everything when we're building stuff from the splash pads to things like this – keeping those kids active, giving them good lives and they grow up to be good people."

On behalf of the children and adults that will benefit from the new equipment at Southlands, Major Rob Kerr indicated that "We want to be a transforming influence in our community.  These funds allow us to buy soccer nets that will give kids a place to do something positive.  If we can give them positive activities it is good for them and it is good for the community.  We believe this will have a positive impact on the lives of children and the surrounding community."

"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."  (Pr 22:6 NIV)