N.S. Gaming Foundation Releases Annual Report

The Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation's first annual report released today, April 17, shows the foundation provided $600,849 for projects to address problem gambling in 2002. It has provided more than $1.6 million since it began in 1998.

Unaudited statements for the fiscal year which ended March 31, indicate that the foundation funded an additional $807,000 in grants for a total of $2.4 million since 1998.

The 2002 annual report highlights five grant recipients that represent the diverse community initiatives and research funded by the foundation. Projects range from START, an early intervention program for youth in Cape Breton, to GASP, a gambling awareness program for seniors in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Also featured in the report are Freedom Foundation, a transition house that helps men recover from addictions in a secure and caring home-like environment; addiction services in the western region, which brought in new resources for problem gamblers and their families, as well as treatment providers; and the Dalhousie University Gambling Laboratory, which is conducting world-class research into problem gambling.

"We're committed to addressing problem gambling and to helping problem gamblers and their families," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Health Promotion and minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation. "Whether it funds research into problem gambling, or helps community-based groups operate, the foundation's work complements our many provincial initiatives to address problem gambling."

The Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation is an arm's length board that provides short-term, targeted funding for projects that address problem gambling. Since problem gambling is linked to a number of other health and social issues, the foundation is working to align itself with the goals and mandate of the Office of Health Promotion to ensure the funding has the greatest possible impact on the health and well-being of people affected by problem gambling.

The foundation offers three levels of community project grants, two levels of research grants and annual operational funding. Projects that fit the funding criteria include those that support prevention, education, treatment, early intervention and research. Most community groups in Nova Scotia, societies and registered charities are eligible.

"We've been working to streamline our application process and to increase awareness of our grants, especially in rural Nova Scotia," said Hubert Devine, chair of the foundation's five- member volunteer board. "We want to encourage all eligible community groups -- from church groups to transition houses -- to apply."

Applications for funding must include details of the project and the expected impact on individuals or families. Those who receive funding are accountable to the foundation and must demonstrate that the project achieved its stated goals. Research grant projects are peer reviewed by the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation.

The Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation was first administered by the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation. Authority was transferred to the minister of health in 1999 and then to the minister of health promotion in December 2002. The foundation receives one per cent of the commissions from VLT retailers, which is matched by the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation, resulting in average annual revenue of more $800,000.

For a copy of the Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation 2002 Annual Report call 902-424-0963.