Boys and Girls Clubs throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are receiving $277,800 in core operational funding to support their ongoing work.

The announcement, made today at the Buckmaster's Circle Boys and Girls Club in St. John's, was provided through the Grants to Youth Organizations program. This initiative supports youth-serving organizations throughout the province which focus on self-reliance, leadership and citizen development.

"The Boys and Girls Clubs provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "A Provincial Government investment of $277,800 will ensure that the programming and supports these young people utilize will continue into 2011."

"Our government supports Boys and Girls Clubs because they provide a first-rate, positive experience for our youth," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, MHA for St. John's Centre. "The opportunity to achieve, to grow, and to become more self-reliant is one that every child should experience. I am thankful that the Boys and Girls Clubs provide that opportunity."

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Newfoundland and Labrador operate sites in Bell Island, Botwood, Buchans, Gander, Norris Arm, St. Anthony, Upper Island Cove and St. John's (Mundy Pond and Buckmaster's Circle). The clubs offer programs that encourage physical activity, health, nutrition, leadership, growth, empowerment, life skills, and the arts. These programs are available to children and youth during after-school hours, and on evenings and weekends.

"Boys and Girls Clubs across the province appreciate the continued support from the Provincial Government, and in particular the support we receive from the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment," said Kelly Sandoval, Executive Director of Boys and Girls Clubs of St. John's. "We believe all young people can grow into responsible, contributing and self-reliant members of society. Children and youth are at the centre of everything we do. Through adventure, play and discovery, we encourage and empower them to develop healthy lifestyles, a life-long passion for learning, leadership and life skills and a sense of social responsibility. Today's announcement of core operating funding for the clubs will ensure our organization can continue delivering these most valuable programs and services to children throughout the province."

In addition, in May of this year, through a partnership with the Provincial Government, three Boys and Girls Clubs received funding for the continuation of the Recognizing and Nurturing Talent (RANT) program. An investment of $122,456 supported the James Hornell Boys and Girls Club in Buchans, as well as the clubs in Wabana and Norris Arm, to encourage young people to realize their education and career goals. This program provided access to dedicated resources and supports to help young people develop and implement a realistic plan for long-term success.

"Our government supports the Boys and Girls Clubs because the organization provides a safe, supportive place, where every child is listened to, treated with respect and valued in an environment of inclusion and acceptance," said Minister Sullivan. "Our government strives to offer children and youth from all economic, cultural and social backgrounds access to the resources, supports and opportunities that will enable them to overcome barriers and achieve their potential. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Newfoundland and Labrador are a great example of how this can be done effectively and in the best interest of the children and youth they serve."

The RANT investment and the investment announced today, brings the total Provincial Government contribution to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newfoundland and Labrador to $400,206 this fiscal year.

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