On Friday, January 23, the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, and Zita Cobb, President of the Shorefast Foundation, will make an announcement concerning funding for a major project for Fogo Island and Change Islands.  

Shorefast Foundation is based on a social entrepreneurship model � a concept that pursues a social, not-for-profit goal through business and entrepreneurial practices.  The foundation is participating and investing in the economic and social revitalization of Fogo Island and Change Islands.  To date, it has led several ongoing projects on Fogo and Change Islands including the World�s End Theatre Company, the Great Fogo Island Punt Race, Fogo Island Farms and the Fogo Island Partridgeberry Festival.

The news conference will take place at 11:00 a.m. at the former United Church in Seldom, Fogo Island.  Ministers Ashfield and Skinner will be available for media interviews and photographs immediately after the news conference.  

Media should be aware that the provincial ferry service from Farewell to Fogo Island has a Friday morning crossing on the M/V Capt. Earl W. Winsor at 9:00 a.m. which will allow media time to get the venue in Seldom.  The following link //www.tw.gov.nl.ca/FerryServices/schedules/C-fogo.stm  identifies earlier times (Thursday) available for the provincial ferry service between Farewell and Fogo Island.

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