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Rimbey Neighbourhood Place receives a boost

Funding will be used for the lending library
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(Image: Facebook)

Rimbey Neighbourhood Place Society’s lending library got a boost recently with a grant from Alberta Blue Cross’s COVID Community Roots Program.

The grant programs aims to support rural communities during COVID-19, providing grants of up to $5,000 for grassroots, community-led initiatives serving vulnerable populations.

“With hope for an end to the pandemic now in sight, Alberta Blue Cross is reporting back to Albertans on the high level of interest and participation in its popular COVID Community Roots Program,” stated the release.

Neighbourhood Place’s lending library allows residents to borrow a variety of games and puzzles.

A full list of items available to lend out is available for pick-up by appointment only. Call or text 780-887-2702 or email rimbeynp@telus.net to have the list emailed to you.

Neighbourhood Place was defunded by the provincial government in March, 2020, but has been able to keep some programming running through donations and grants.

READ MORE: Rimbey Neighbourhood Place making big changes behind the scenes

For up-to-date information on programs being offered by Rimbey Neighbourhood Place, check them out on their Facebook page.

Lacombe received funding through the Community Roots Program as well, for the Mary C. Moore Public Library’s seed library. The seed library includes take-home gardening kits, gardening workshops and a gardening book collection.

The grant program was introduced in 2020 to support services in rural and remote communities and was extended to June 2021 based on demand.

The program was a partnership with the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association and Communities Choosewell.

The program has now completed, with Alberta Blue Cross receiving 219 applications and awarding a total of $262,000 to 59 projects across Alberta.

“These projects have been a huge boost to support the social, mental, emotional and physical well-being of people and communities across Alberta through the pandemic,” said Brian Geislinger, vice-president of Corporate Relations, Alberta Blue Cross in the release.

“We’re so glad to be able to support these initiatives.”

Funding for the COVID Community Roots Program was provided through the Alberta Blue Cross community foundation.



Emily Jaycox

About the Author: Emily Jaycox

I’m Emily Jaycox, the editor of Ponoka News and the Bashaw Star. I’ve lived in Ponoka since 2015 and have over seven years of experience working as a journalist in central Alberta communities.
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